Where to Shop Local in Missoula for Back to School

Shopping local is a philosophy that some people just follow, but for a lot of people, they don't think about shopping local until November on Small Business Saturday. There are plenty of times throughout the year that you can deliberately shop local:

• Birthdays
• Valentine's Day
• Halloween
• Christmas/Hanukkah/Yule/Kwanzaa

Let me offer one more: Back to School Shopping.

You might not think of Back to School Shopping as a holiday, but then again, Target and Walmart completely reconfigure a corner of their stores for school supplies, the same way they do for Valentine's Day or Halloween. And personally, I love buying school supplies (now office supplies) so it feels like a celebration when the opportunity comes around.

Let me also say this: Back to School Shopping can be very expensive. I recognize that sometimes, the cheapest option is a box store instead of a local store. Here's a list of places you can shop locally for anything you might need for back to school. Some are more expensive than others, but we tried to find multiple options. If you have great local recommendations for Back to School Shopping send them to us on our app or comment on social media.

For Planners, Pens, Organizers, Journals

Noteworthy Paper & Press

If you're a fan of Moleskin Journals they carry quite a few. You can also get pens, pencils, calendars, and other fun desk accessories.

Shakespeare & Co.

If you like to use the Bullet Journal Method, Shakespeare & Co carries Leuchttrum1917 journals (if you know you know) with dotted paper. They also have calendars and planners, and very likely a book or two that you might need for your classes.

Missoula's Office City

For all of your most traditional school supply needs Missoula's Office City on Broadway could help you out. Of course, they can assist with office supplies too.

For Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories.

Zootown Hype & Vintage

If fashion is your thing, start the new school year with limited-edition gear from Zootown Hype & Vintage.

Missoula's Used, Thrift, and Second-Hand Stores

You can find bags, or even dishes for a dorm room, plus back-to-school clothes. Here's a rundown of Missoula's used and second-hand options.  

The Trail Head

You could definitely find a high-quality backpack at The Trail Head, though it might be more backpack than you need. Keep an eye out for good finds in their Gear Exchange, too.

Free Cycles, Missoula Bicycle Works, Bicycle Hangar, Missoula Bike Source

New or used, having a bike to get back and forth to school is a must and there are lots of options in town.