News Summary
As the back-to-school shopping season begins, families in Horry County are preparing for the academic year by comparing school supply prices at local retailers. Major stores like Target, Walmart, Office Max, and Dollar General are offering various deals. In addition, South Carolina’s annual Tax-Free Weekend will provide parents with a chance to purchase essential items without the state tax, potentially leading to significant savings. Parents are encouraged to make informed decisions while shopping for supplies to ensure their children are well-prepared for school.
Myrtle Beach – As the back-to-school shopping season approaches, parents, children, and teachers in Horry County are preparing for the upcoming academic year with essential school supplies. Horry County Schools provide comprehensive school supply lists for students from kindergarten to middle school on their official website, making the preparation process smoother for families.
Local shoppers looking to save on school supplies can compare prices at several stores across Myrtle Beach. The four main retailers include Target, Walmart, Office Max, and Dollar General, located within close proximity on Seaboard Street and N. Kings Highway. By making informed decisions, shoppers can find the best deals on essential items for the school year.
For instance, when comparing the prices of various school supplies, here are some notable findings:
- Store brand #2 pencils: Target offers the cheapest option at $0.39, followed by Dollar General at $0.45, Office Max at $0.50, and Walmart at $0.47 (currently out of stock).
- Crayola Crayons (24-count): Walmart, Office Max, and Dollar General sell these for $0.50, while Target’s price is $1.49.
- Crayola colored pencils (12-pack): Walmart offers these at $0.97, with Target at $0.99 and Office Max slightly higher at $1.50, Dollar General at $2.00.
- Three-pronged folders (store brand): Walmart has the best price at $0.37, Target at $0.50, Office Max at $0.75, and Dollar General at $1.00.
- Pencil pouches (nylon, store brand): Office Max is the cheapest at $0.99, while Dollar General is $1.00, Walmart at $1.22, and Target at $2.99.
- Dry erase markers (4-count Expo): Walmart leads at $4.47, with Target close behind at $4.49, Office Max at $4.99, and Dollar General at $5.00.
- Glue sticks (Elmer’s, six-count): Walmart has them for $2.97, while Target sells the same pack for $2.99.
- Highlighters (5-pack Bic): Walmart’s price is $1.94, while Target is at $1.99. Office Max and Dollar General have higher prices at $2.99 and $2.50, respectively.
- Notebook paper (store brand): Target offers the best value at $0.99 for 175 sheets, Walmart’s 150 sheets are priced at $0.97 (currently out of stock), and both Office Max and Dollar General sell 150 and 125 sheets for $1.00.
- Composition notebooks (store brand): Office Max provides the lowest price at $0.50, while Target is $0.65 and Dollar General at $1.00.
- Washable markers (10-pack Crayola): Walmart has the best price at $2.97, followed closely by Target at $2.99.
- Wired earbuds or headphones: Target again is the cheapest option at $4.99.
To further assist families with back-to-school shopping, South Carolina will observe its annual Tax-Free Weekend from August 1-3, 2025. During this weekend, shoppers can buy school supplies, clothing, shoes, computers, and other educational materials without paying the state’s 6% sales tax, along with any applicable local taxes. This holiday is significant for parents preparing for the new school year, as it can result in substantial savings.
Last year, South Carolina’s tax holiday enabled residents to purchase over $22.3 million in tax-exempt items, yielding more than $1.3 million in savings. The tax holiday begins at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ends at midnight on Sunday, which includes eligible online sales. Notably, this year, one-quarter of South Carolina’s public school districts will have resumed classes before the tax holiday.
While many essential items can take advantage of the tax-free status, certain products like cell phones, digital cameras, and video game consoles do not qualify. As families gear up for the impending school year, careful planning and exploration of the best prices will help ensure students are well-equipped for success.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
South Carolina’s Annual Tax-Free Weekend Commences
School Supply Drive to be Held in Myrtle Beach and North Myrtle Beach
Dates announced for South Carolina’s tax-free weekend
Additional Resources
- SC Daily Gazette: Tax-Free Weekend for Back-to-School Shopping
- Myrtle Beach Online: Local News Article
- WMBF News: Athletic Director Placed on Leave
- WJBF News: Pastor Accused in Lawsuit
- WPDE: Applications for Arts Charter School
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- Google Search: Back to School Shopping
- Google Scholar: Tax-Free Weekend South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Back to School
- Google News: Back to School News
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
