Retail giants offer back-to-school deals early

The start of the school year may be weeks away for kids, but not for retailers. Major store chains are promoting back-to-school bargains early this year.

It's only halfway through summer, but walk into any store and it looks like school is right around the corner.

CBS News Contributor Priya David Clemens reported Joanna Pound has a long list of back-to-school items. She's shopping the sales and stocking up.

Special section: Eye on Parenting

Pound said, "I literally came here on a mission, like, I've got to go now, before those 40 cent glue sticks are gone."

Clemens said, "You may be saying, 'Seriously -- back-to-school shopping in July?'  Well, retailers have done their homework. They know if they put it on sale, you'll buy."

Pound said, "I know this may be madness to somebody, but I have to be prepared"

In these tough economic times, the trend is catching on with cash-strapped parents and teachers, such as Trinidad Hernandez. She's saving big on classroom supplies.

Hernandez said, "(Stores have) 20-cent notebooks; when school starts, they're $1.50."

And it adds up. She plans to spend $6,000 out of her own pocket on items her students can't afford.

"I wish I could just fill my cart with everything they need," Hernandez said. "That's why I can't wait until September for my purchases."

And retailers are trying to bulk up their bottom line during traditionally slow summer months. They're getting the early word out online and on TV.

Lilly Hernandez, a Staples shopper, said, "I'm always out for a good bargain, so it's never too early to shop for anything."

Retail experts, Clemens reported, don't believe consumers will skimp on back-to-school purchases, but they are looking for the best bargains. The back-to-school season is the second-biggest shopping period of the year.