AAA Helps With Back-To-School Shopping

BALTIMORE, MD (August 12, 2025) – August is here, which means a busy month for back-to-school and college shopping. Families with students in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $858.07 on clothing, shoes, school supplies and electronics, down from $874.68 in 2024, according to the National Retail Federation.

Despite families budgeting less this year, slightly more consumers are purchasing apparel and electronics, driving expected total spending to $39.4 billion, up from $38.8 billion last year.

While students need more than just clothes and shoes, AAA members can also find discounts on electronics, eyeglasses, and even truck rentals to help college students get settled into their new dorms. Discounts can be found at the retailers below:

• HP: AAA Members Score Big, saving up to 52% on select products during the HP Back-to-School Sales Event. Tech up for the new school year and unlock exclusive savings—just for being a AAA member!
• Norton 360: Members save on comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, online threats and much more. Enjoy peace of mind with an all-in-one Cyber Safety solution for your life in the connected world. Classic and Plus Members save up to $85 the first year and get 50% off Norton 360 subscriptions each year thereafter. Premier Members receive the first year FREE!
• LensCrafters: AAA members receive exclusive discounts that can be used in-store and online. Discover vision solutions for the whole family just in time for back to school, including designer eyewear (glasses and sunglasses), premium lenses, and contact lenses. Member Discounts include:
  • 20% off select frames + 50% off lenses with a complete pair purchase
  • 30% off select non-prescription sunglasses
  • 25% off lens-only purchases
• Samsung: Members save up to 30% on-line on mobile products, home appliances, TVs, accessories and more. Plus, AAA members receive additional savings on mobile and home appliance products.
• T-Mobile: AAA members get up to $200 in exclusive welcome rewards when you switch.
• Penske Truck Rental: For the college student who can’t take it all in the family’s minivan, save 12% off truck rentals and moving supplies, plus free unlimited mileage on one-way rentals.

AAA membership also provides a variety of discounts, rewards and benefits that may be a great fit, specifically for college students. AAA, in partnership with College Ave Student Loans® is ready to meet student needs for education financing. College Ave will match students with a loan they can live with — from repayment options that fit your monthly budget to competitive interest rates.

Finally, for those students who drive to school or college, one must-have item that should be added to their back-to-school list is a AAA Membership. While your parent may have a membership and already be enjoying the many perks of a AAA membership, young drivers should have their own for peace of mind from worry about a roadside breakdown. Last year, AAA Mid-Atlantic came to the rescue of approximately 550,000 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 in another state.

Gasoline Savings:

Cost-conscious college students (and their parents) can also save on gasoline as a benefit of their AAA Membership at the retailers below.

Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores – AAA members save 13¢/gal on gasoline, 20¢/gal on auto diesel, and 50¢/gal on bulk propane. Just download the Love’s Connect App and register before fueling up for your next journey. It’s that simple.

Shell - Fuel Rewards® - AAA Members save 30¢/gal on your first fill-up at participating Shell stations when you register for the Fuel Rewards® program. After your first fill-up, enjoy Complimentary Gold Status and continue to save with 5¢/gal off every fill-up up to 20 gallons.

Maryland Tax-Free Week

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 10-16. 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.

For information on all AAA Member discounts, visit: www.AAA.com/Discounts.