Merrick Retailers Share Back to School Trends

While many are enjoying the last days of summer vacation others are already gearing up for school. What are some of the "must have" items on back to school shopping lists?  Patch visited local retailers to get their picks on what's hot for students this fall:

J&D Invitations Etc. – Owner Jan (no last name given) of this one-stop party shop and more, has been catering to the back to school needs of the community for the past 18 years. In addition to selling a range of school supplies, J&D provides a concierge service for busy parents. Simply give Jan your back to school supplies list and she'll do the shopping for you!

Jan explains that J&D's back to school shopping service started years ago when teachers at Merrick Avenue Middle School stopped in and said to her, "We wish there was somewhere locally that our students and parents can shop for all their supplies."

They wanted to make it as easy as possible for Merrick families to get what they need for school. So Jan would get the lists, particularly the art supplies lists, and tried to make sure she had all the items needed in stock. Parents started to just drop off their lists at J&D.

Among her school supplies, Jan thinks the "zipper binder" will be a best-seller for back to school because of the large number of papers and assignments students get. The binder, which zips up and keeps everything securely in place, is priced at $19.99.

The store also offers novelty items, cards, stationery and more.  College students in particular might appreciate J&D's Paparté personalized items including travel thermos, personalized note cards and bag tags. "Backpacks start looking the same and the bag tags help kids to quickly identify their bag." The personalized travel thermos costs $17.95, the note cards are $9.95 a box, and the personalized bag tags are $5.99 or two for $9.99.

Village Streetwear – The latest NYC village style fashions and accessories are literally stacked from floor to ceiling in this trendy and eclectic store.  Owner Linda Shapiro says Village Streetwear has been in business since 1996 and relocated two ago to Merrick. People locally and from far flock to the store to find the latest looks in jeans, band t-shirts, cargo pants, leggings, accessories, posters and toys. 

Store manager Meghan Finning says: "This season fashions have lightened up a bit. For example, Humanity bracelets offering positive messages like 'serenity,' 'unity' and 'heart' are big.  Portions of the sales proceeds go to charity.  It's a nice change from last season, which was more Ed Hardy and a dark vibe." Humanity bracelets start at $19.99.

Other picks from Village Streetwear include lip glosses in fun shaped containers such as monkey, ice cream sundae, rock guitar are extremely popular priced at $3.99 or two for $7. Lucky bracelets, silver and crystal banded bracelets, are also in demand among young girls $9.99 each or two for $18.  Another must have accessory is mood watches. These colorful watches feature different designs on the face such as peace signs and sport bands in a range of colors; priced at $19.99 or two for $38.

Tie-dyed leggings and sweats are best-sellers for girls ages 5-6.  Sugar Lips, Sofie, American Apparel are also big brand names for the younger set.  Meanwhile, bandau bras worn over tank tops, priced at $9.99 each or two for $18, are very popular among teen girls. For boys, it's all about band t-shirts, cargo shorts and pants and guy jewelry.

INMOTION – INMOTION, owned by Renee and Harry Arje, has been a staple in Merrick for 15 years.  "We've grown up with the kids in this community," Renee Arje says. "We do a lot of activities and events for the schools and local charities.  We're a big supplier of summer camp needs.  We know many of the kids by name and look forward to seeing them when they come to shop for back to school."

The store offers fashion forward contemporary clothing, shoes and accessories. It carries the latest popular brand for kids, teens, juniors and adults. Among the store's bestsellers are merchandise from recognizable brands like UGGS and North Face fleece and down jackets.  It's not too soon to purchase a winter coat and footwear for back to school. 

Renee Arje says: "College kids especially find they need a good warm jacket. The North Face 'Metropolis' coat is three quarters length, making it great for keeping warm while walking around campus." Priced at $288.99, the coat is durable and can last several seasons.

At INMOTION you'll also find one of the hottest items of the season, "jeggings." These leggings that look like jeans are soft, comfortable and easy to wear, are priced at about $30 and up.

Also available at INMOTION, is a range of The North Face backpacks with prices starting at $40. Shoppers can also choose from messenger bags and pocketbooks. In demand among younger kids are tie-dyed bags and matching lunch boxes, prices start at $16.99.

Need additional help?  INMOTION offers a personal shopping service. Schedule an appointment and have one of the store's experts assist in pulling together all their back to school needs from soup to nuts.