Did you snap up everything you wanted from the summer clearance sales? I got some pretty patriotic table linens at Elder-Beerman the other day.

Well, those products will be pulled off the retail shelves fast. It’s time for back to school sales.

Yes, I find a Staples ad in my newspaper today featuring specials on pencils, folders and binders. And I noticed the other day where Wal-Mart has been stocking up its school supply shelves.

Keep in mind that in many other parts of the country, the school year starts earlier than what we see. Michigan is a bit of an oddity for its custom of starting K-12 classes after Labor Day. Besides, most of our college kids also start classes in late August.

That means by the time local K-12 parents are ready to buy school supplies, the retailers are pushing to move out that product line so they can bring in their late fall merchandise.

Smart shoppers in southeast Michigan will take advantage of the better prices and selection during July and August if they can purchase the essentials now: a bookbag? a lunch box? a couple packs of notebook paper? a box of pencils?

If you wait until the first day of school, you will find the local retail shelves of school supplies to be VERY PICKED OVER and a business market that’s reluctant to restock beyond year-round inventory because it’s the end of the school shopping season.

The last-minute shopping scenario in early September will be a lot easier to manage if you have only two or three things on your list that the teacher specifically asked for; rather than an entire back-to-school supply list that includes items parents can figure out on their own.

Besides, there is an annual school supply drive for needy families in Monroe County. If you can take advantage of the early season sales to cover what your children need and have some money left over to buy extras, the campaign leaders would appreciate your donations.