Back to school shopping guide | Macarthur Square

Back-to-school shopping: getting ready for the new school year

As the end of the summer holidays draws near, the excitement of the new school year starts to build. New classrooms, friendships, opportunities and the chance to create lifelong memories – there’s so much to look forward to. For parents and students alike, back-to-school shopping is a key part of preparing for the months ahead, setting the stage for a successful and stress-free year.

At Macarthur Square, we're here to help make the return to school as easy and enjoyable as possible for families. From must-have school supplies to trendy back-to-school shoes and fresh haircuts, our local stores offer everything you need to kickstart the school year with confidence and style.

Step out in style with back-to-school shoes

When it comes to back-to-school shopping, finding the right pair of shoes is essential. Kids need shoes that are durable and comfortable enough to withstand a day full of activities – and, of course, they’ll want them to look stylish. 

Macarthur Square has Williams, Athlete's Foot, Spendless Shoes, rebel, Shoes & Sox, Sketchers and more for your back-to-school shopping needs, offering a range of top shoe brands that cater to both the big and younger kids. 

Whether you’re looking for classic black leather school shoes or trendy sneakers, our stores have you covered. Pop into Athlete's Foot for a professional fitting session to ensure your child gets the perfect fit. 

📚 Hot tip: Don’t forget to check out our special back-to-school offers and events to make the most of your shopping trip.

Back-to-school haircuts

A fresh haircut can make a world of difference when heading back to school. It’s about feeling confident and ready to take on anything.

The hair experts located in our centre will help you find the perfect style for your child, whether it’s a trendy fade or a simple trim. Be sure to check out our centre salons and barbers including Just Cuts, House of Barbers, Barber Up and Itz All About Hair.

You can also pick up some great hair care products from our retailers to keep those locks looking fresh all term long. From detangling sprays to eco-friendly shampoos, we’ve got all the essentials.

Back-to-school supplies list for stationery lovers

Quirky pencil cases, gel pens, bright diaries – stationery isn’t what it used to be. Fun and fresh, on-trend stationery is the stuff kids’ dreams are made of with colours and characters to match every personality. No back-to-school shopping trip is complete without stocking up on stationery. Scented pens and highlighters, notebooks, folders and more – our centre’s stores have all the essentials to help your child start the year off right (and fashionable). 

Stop by Smiggle or Typo to explore a wide selection of themed notebooks, colourful pencils and eco-friendly stationery options that make learning fun. Look out for unique or personalised items that add flair to your child’s school day. Don’t forget to take advantage of special deals on back-to-school bundles to save on your shopping.

Back-to-school backpacks that carry it all

A good backpack is a school essential, combining comfort, durability and style. And with great back-to-school backpack sales available, you’re sure to find a fantastic deal at Target or Big W.

When choosing a backpack, consider one with ergonomic features like padded straps and multiple compartments to help distribute weight evenly. Erina Fair boasts a variety of stores where you can find everything from sporty to trendy backpacks. 

📚 Hot tip: Be sure to visit rebel to explore popular brands. 

Lunch box tips to keep the kids energised

Healthy lunches and snacks are always at the top of the back-to-school list, providing the essential energy and focus kids need throughout the school day. Kids can be picky eaters, but with the right products, you can impress even the fussiest of children. In fact, preparing balanced and easy-to-make lunches can be both fun and tick the nutrition boxes, too.

At Macarthur Square, you’ll find everything you need to pack the perfect lunchbox. Stop by Woolworths for fresh produce and snacks, and visit Coles or David Jones for durable food containers and lunch boxes. Consider creating a lunch plan that includes a variety of fruits, veggies, proteins and whole grains to keep things interesting. You’ll feel more organised, and the kids will know what to look forward to each day.

For snack ideas, consider easy-to-pack lunch box items like carrot sticks, cheese cubes, or whole-grain crackers, which provide sustained energy for a busy school day.

Back-to-school activities that go beyond the classroom

The school year isn’t just about academics – extracurricular activities play a crucial role in a child’s development, too. Encourage your kids to join after-school activities available at the centre, such as dance classes or sports clubs, to help them build new skills and friendships. 

During the school holidays, we also host a range of centre events and workshops designed to keep students engaged and entertained. From creative arts workshops to coding classes, our events are a fantastic way to balance schoolwork with fun and foster a love for learning.

Mastering time management for a stress-free school year

Now that you have the back-to-school supplies sorted, it’s time to focus on the kids’ return to the classroom and their weekly routine. We recommend you start by creating a back-to-school checklist that includes appointments, activities and any last-minute items you need to buy.

One of the most important aspects of a successful school year is mastering time management. Creating a daily schedule can help students balance homework, extracurricular activities and leisure time effectively. 

Start by allocating time for each activity, ensuring there is enough room for study, play and rest. Many stores in our centre offer a variety of planners, calendars and time-management tools to help students and parents stay organised. A colourful planner from a Typo or a sleek digital option from JB HI FI could be just what you need to keep on top of your busy schedules.

Back-to-school shopping in one easy location

Erina Fair is your ultimate destination for all things back to school. Our commitment is to make back-to-school shopping easy, enjoyable and affordable for all families. 

Prepare for the new school year with confidence and make the most of this exciting time. Check out our website or follow us on social media for updates on upcoming back-to-school events and exclusive offers! Don’t miss out on the chance to save big and start the school year on the right foot.