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Back-to-School Price Check: Where to Shop in North Atlanta Right Now

Comparing Staples, Target, Walmart & More for July 27

With the first day of school just around the corner, it’s officially supply list season. We checked the prices at four major retailers around Alpharetta, Johns Creek, Cumming, and Duluth to help you get the best deals without hopping between too many stores.


📚 Essential Supplies Compared (as of July 27)

ItemWalmartTargetStaplesAmazon
Wide-ruled notebooks$0.35$0.50$0.89$0.65 (4-pack $2.59)
Crayola 24-count crayons$0.50$0.50$0.99$0.55
Ticonderoga pencils (12 pk)$1.97$2.39$3.79$2.10
Glue sticks (2 pk)$0.54$0.59$0.99$0.66
Plastic folder with prongs$0.25$0.50$0.79$0.40
1″ Binder$1.54$2.00$2.59$1.90
Backpack (basic)$9.98$15.00$19.99$12.00+
Lunch box$7.88$10.00$14.99$9.00+

Summary: Best for What?

  • 🟢 Walmart: Cheapest for basic supplies across the board. Great for elementary school shopping on a budget.
  • 🔴 Target: Mid-range pricing but solid for one-stop shopping (especially if you’re already there for clothes).
  • 🔵 Staples: Higher prices, but good for higher-grade notebooks, tech, and bulk teacher supplies.
  • 🟡 Amazon: Best if you’re ordering multi-packs or want it shipped—just watch for inflated 3rd-party prices.

Pro Tips

  • Many Forsyth and Fulton schools accept generic brands—you don’t always need Crayola or Mead.
  • Bring the exact list: local stores (especially Staples) now match school district lists at the register.
  • Tax-Free Weekend? Georgia doesn’t have one in 2024—but many stores still run back-to-school promos in the final week of July.

Store Locations (North Atlanta)

  • Walmart – Cumming (Marketplace Blvd), Alpharetta (Windward Pkwy), Duluth (Pleasant Hill Rd)
  • Target – Johns Creek (State Bridge Rd), Alpharetta (North Point Pkwy)
  • Staples – Alpharetta (North Point Dr), Duluth (Pleasant Hill)
  • Amazon – Online only, but warehouse delivery is fast in Forsyth/Fulton

North Atlanta Star aims to provide accurate, up-to-date reporting across Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Cumming, Duluth, and Suwanee.

Noticed an update, correction, or detail we should include? Contact us here.


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