With students in the Woodstock community returning to school in just a few days, back to school shopping is in full swing. Television commercials, newspaper ads, and store windows started advertising their back-to-school sales weeks ago. But before you order online or purchase back-to-school supplies at a big-box store, check out the Local First Vermont’s Buy Local Book for coupons and visit local stores to see some of the great items they have to offer.

1. For growing kids, a new school year calls for an almost entirely new wardrobe in a much larger size than that of the previous year. Check out Red Wagon Toy Company’s children’s clothing selection. Both Woodstock Sports and Elevation Clothing carry a variety of outdoor clothing including winter coats.

2.The Yankee Bookshop offers a wide variety of books for children and adults. Their trained staff is happy to help you find all the titles you are looking for. Your kids will have the books they need for back to school with just one stop.

3. Check off each item on your student’s school supplies list at Woodstock Pharmacy. The store offers a variety of office supplies to fill your child’s backpack.

Looking for something else? The Woodstock Chamber of Commerce represents over 240 businesses in the region, so you are sure to find exactly what you’re looking for. Browse the stores in the Woodstock area online at www.woodstockvt.com/shopping.

Local First Vermont is an initiative of the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility. It strives to educate the community and to stress the economic and social importance of buying from local businesses in Vermont.