TOWSON, MD (August 8, 2018) – August is here, which means a busy month for back-to-school and college shopping.

According to the annual consumer survey released by the National Retail Federation, total spending for K-12 schools and college combined is expected to reach $82.8 billion, nearly as high as last year’s total spending of $83.6 billion. Shoppers plan to spend the most on clothing, followed by electronics, shoes and lastly school supplies.

The state of Maryland is once again offering relief to back-to-school shoppers in the form of sales tax savings on certain apparel, accessories, and footwear that individually cost under $100 during Shop Maryland Tax-Free Week August 12-18. During this week, the first $40 of a backpack/book bag purchase is tax-exempt, as well.

Marylanders, who are AAA members, can also use their membership card for additional savings not only during Tax-Free Week but any day of the year. Money-saving discounts are available to anyone with a AAA card for retailers such as: 

• Crocs:  25 percent off at all Crocs-owned stores, outlets and online; additional $15 off in-store purchase of $75 or more.
• GAP:  Up to 50 percent off sales styles online. Receive free shipping on online orders of $50 or more and free returns on all orders.
• Reebok Outlets:  Save 20 percent off original outlet prices, and from August 4-19 save 40 percent on lowest ticketed price.
• Tanger Outlet Centers:  Receive a free coupon book with discounts up to 20 percent at select merchants.

While students need more than just clothes and shoes, AAA members can also find discounts on electronics, eye glasses, and even truck rentals for college students who can’t take it all in the family’s mini-van:

• Dell:  Save an additional 10 percent off Dell branded PCs, electronics, and accessories.
• HP:  Up to 35 percent off select HP products with free shipping and dedicated support through AAA.com/hp.  From August 1-31, members can save up to 40 percent on HP products during the Summer/Back to School sale.
• Eyeglasses: Glasses.com, LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical, and Target Optical all offer a variety of discounts from frames and lenses to exams.
• Penske Truck Rental:  For the college student who can’t take it all in the family’s mini-van, save 12 percent off truck rentals and moving supplies, plus free unlimited mileage on one-way rentals.

Information on all available discounts can be found at AAA.com/Discounts.

Finally, for those students who drive to school or college, one item that should be added to their back-to-school list is a AAA Membership for peace of mind from worry about a roadside breakdown. Last year, AAA Mid-Atlantic came to the rescue of over 564,000 motorists in Maryland.

A parent with a AAA membership can add family members to their membership for a nominal fee, even if that member is heading out of state for school. More information on memberships can be found at AAA.com/Membership.

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Mailing Address:
8600 LaSalle Road, Ste 639
Towson, MD 21286

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than 937,000 members in Maryland.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years.  The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android.  For more information, visit AAA.com.