Mobile devices assist back-to-school shopping

FORT MYERS, Fla. — More than four out of every five back-to-school shoppers plan to use mobile devices to compare prices, redeem coupons and make purchases this year, an AAA consumer survey said.

The vast majority of parents with school-age children say they’ll do more than half of their shopping in stores, but they still plan on consulting a smartphone, tablet or other device as they do so, according to the survey.

Use of online resources is one a few back-to-school spending tips from the travel and consumer agency:

• Take an inventory of what you already have at home to make sure you don’t buy something you don’t need.
• Spread out your shopping: Start early and don’t be afraid to wait until after school starts for items that aren’t essential. The larger the time span of your shopping, the better the chance you’ll find a deal, AAA says.
• Shop tax free: Florida’s back-to-school sales tax exemption runs Aug. 5-7.
• Use membership savings with discount cards and clubs.