back to school
Back to school shopping starts downtown! From fresh outfits and accessories to supplies, books, sweet treats, and all the little extras, you can find everything you need to start the school year off right while supporting the local businesses you love. Shop small, stay local, and check those back to school must haves off your list!
SPECIAL EVENT - FRI SEPT 4
Celebrate the start of a new school year with a fun-filled evening for the whole family at the Back to School Party on Friday, September 4 from 5PM-8PM in The Backyard at 58 Vose Ave in South Orange!
Grab sweet treats from SOMA Sweets, enjoy delicious food from Giorgio’s, and discover more from The Charmery, Totally Unplugged, Weekday School, Michael & Viktorija, and other local favorites.
The fun gets started at 5:15 PM with a fashion show from Cute as New, featuring kid models showing off their favorite looks, followed by live music from Edison Mines to keep the party going. Bring the kids, meet up with friends, grab something delicious, and enjoy an evening of music, style, treats, and back-to-school fun in South Orange!
ESSENTIALS
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Sadie's
19 S Orange Ave
Stock up on back-to-school essentials at Sadie’s, including notebooks, pens, desk organizers, and more to keep the school year organized and on track.
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Kitchen a la Mode
59 S Orange Ave
Buy a lunch box and get 25% off any water bottle!
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GARDEN SAVINGS
15 Scotland Rd
Open a new checking account and Garden Savings will fund the $5 minimum deposit required to establish membership through a Regular Share Savings Account. Membership eligibility and account approval required. Not all applicants will be approved. Federally insured by NCUA with additional coverage through Excess Share Insurance (ESI). Visit gardensavingsfcu.org for more details. Offer valid from now until October 30, 2026.
STYLE
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Moxie Salon
9 West S Orange Ave
$49 Girls Haircuts (12 & Under)
$25 Boys Haircuts (12 & Under)
Fairy Hair 10 for $20 -

CUTE AS NEW (AT THE CO-LAB)
57 S Orange Ave
Refresh a back-to-school wardrobe with stylish, pre-loved clothing, shoes, and accessories from newborn through size 8Y. Find quality pieces for the new school year while giving great clothes a second life.
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Semiprecious by Alison Oxman (At the Co-Lab)
57 S Orange Ave
Discover unique jewelry and accessories that make thoughtful gifts for teachers, students, and anyone ready to start the year in style.
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Sadie's
19 S Orange Ave
Find fun back-to-school favorites, from stylish shirts, caps, backpacks, and bags to essentials that make heading back to class a little more exciting.
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The Charmery (At the Co-Lab)
57 S Orange Ave
Add a personal touch to back-to-school style at The Charmery. Mix, match, and create custom necklaces and bracelets for a fun accessory to start the new school year.
FOOD & MEAL PREP
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Jus' Tacos
6 Village Plaza
Fuel up for the school year with our Taco Bowl for just $13! Choose your favorite protein: Al Pastor pork, chicken, or vegan chorizo.
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Village Market Place
1 S Orange Ave
A convenient hot bar and a variety of ready-to-go meal prep options make it easy to grab fresh, satisfying meals for busy back-to-school days.
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Juice Hub
61 Academy St
Fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy grab-and-go options make it easy to stay refreshed and energized on the go.
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Town Hall Deli
74 1st St
Classic sandwiches and deli favorites make it easy to grab a delicious, satisfying lunch on the go. Perfect for busy days, quick bites, and easy meals for the whole family.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
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CRAFT CLUB STUDIO
122 S Orange Ave
A creative space for hands-on fun, imaginative projects, and making something special. A great spot to keep kids engaged, inspired, and creating.
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TAE KWON DO
114 Valley St
Build confidence, focus, discipline, and strength while learning the fundamentals of martial arts in a fun, supportive environment.
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AIR AERIAL FITNESS STUDIO
15 Valley St
Fun, dynamic aerial fitness classes that build strength, flexibility, balance, and confidence while keeping you moving and engaged.
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OH! CANARY
165B Valley St
A creative space where art, play, and exploration come together. Discover new materials, experiment freely, and enjoy the process of creating something uniquely your own.
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SewLeana
12 W South Orange Ave
Get creative with sewing classes, camps, and hands-on workshops for kids and adults. Learn new skills, explore beautiful fabrics, and make something uniquely your own.