Stocking up on office supplies at the right time can save businesses, educators, and remote professionals hundreds of dollars annually. From seasonal promotions to tax-time specials, understanding the retail calendar is key to maximizing value and minimizing costs.
Here’s a breakdown of when to shop, what to buy, and how to stretch your office supply budget even further using cashback tools and loyalty programs.
Back-to-School Season (July to Early September)
Retailers like Target, Walmart, and Office Depot launch their most aggressive office supply sales in late summer. While geared toward students, these sales are perfect for businesses and professionals, too.
Look for discounts on:
- Binders, folders, and notebooks
- Pens, pencils, and markers
- Desk organizers
- USB drives and storage
- Calculators and label makers
You can stack even more savings by using cashback platforms like Fluz. For example, you can buy an Office Depot gift card online or earn cashback with a BJ’s Wholesale gift card during this seasonal rush.
Black Friday & Cyber Monday (Late November)
Major discounts extend beyond electronics—many office essentials are bundled or discounted during this high-volume retail period.
Expect deals on:
- Printers, shredders, and laminators
- Ergonomic chairs and desks
- Headsets, webcams, and accessories
- File cabinets and storage bins
Check for limited-time rebates and loyalty bonuses from Staples, Quill, and Best Buy. You can also pair those with cashback tools like Rakuten or Ibotta to increase savings.
End-of-Year Clearance (Late December to January)
Retailers slash prices to clear inventory, making this an ideal time to buy:
- Outgoing calendar-year planners
- Overstocks on paper and envelopes
- Storage supplies for year-end cleanouts
- Marked-down tech accessories and office furniture
You’ll often find the best markdowns in clearance sections. Pairing these discounts with Office Depot gift cards with cashback through Fluz is a strategic way to double up on savings.
Tax Season (March to April)
Many retailers run small business promotions in Q1, tied to tax season purchases. This includes discounts on:
- Filing supplies
- Label printers and shredders
- Financial software
- Business check stock and forms
Look for deals at OfficeSupply.com, Newegg Business, and Amazon Business.
Ongoing Deals and Loyalty Offers
Outside of seasonal shopping windows, you can save year-round by:
- Joining Staples Rewards
- Watching RetailMeNot and Slickdeals for flash offers
- Using cashback platforms like Fluz, Rakuten, or Ibotta to reduce upfront costs on every order
Final Thoughts
By aligning your purchases with key sales cycles—and using platforms like Fluz to maximize your cashback—you can turn routine office shopping into a budget-smart strategy. Timing matters just as much as what you buy.