Save on Back-to-School Shopping with Discounts
Employee discount program offers savings on clothing to dining
Across the Triangle, the first day of school for many kindergarten, middle and high schools is about two weeks away. As summer vacation comes to an end, there is plenty to do to get families ready for a return to classes, homework and more.
Lucky for Duke faculty and staff, there's a convenient way to handle back-to-school shopping needs with PERQS, the Duke employee discount program. By showing a DukeCard ID at local businesses, employees can save money on essentials like clothing and books.
Read More“The PERQs program is a great way for Duke faculty and staff to save money," said Gina McKoy, program coordinator for Duke Human Resources Staff and Family Programs. “Especially when they’re out shopping for so many needs before school begins."
As you get your family prepared for the new school year, here are five ways to save:
Hit the Books
Come for the free coffee or tea while you shop at Duke's Gothic Bookshop, but stick around for an extra 10 percent off books. The store offers more than just books for college students, so you can find academically themed texts and a collection of fiction and non-fiction work that may be useful for study sessions or English essays.
Fresh Looks
Who wouldn't want to return to school with a new wardrobe? Duke employees can enjoy a free VIP coupon book for Carolina Premium Outlets in Smithfield. The coupon book offers hundreds of dollars of savings. Apart from the outlets, you can also find discounts at other stores to save on shirts from Brooks Brothers and shoes from Rockport.
A Little Off the Top
Any new outfit wouldn't be complete with a properly-cut head of hair, so make sure your son or daughter is styling for their first day by saving on appointments with local hair care studios and salons.
JJ's Kids Cuts in Raleigh gives $3 off a regular priced haircut and at Beleza Couture Studio Express, employees can save 15 percent off any service. For an extra bit of flair, save 10 percent off nail care at Princess Nails in Chapel Hill.
Drive in Style (and Safely)
Whether a child just got a license and wants to drive to school or if you simply want a little extra piece of mind as your son or daughter heads off to college, PERQS offers discounts for a variety of auto needs.
Employees can find discounts and special deals at local dealerships, including Mark Jacobson Toyota and Scion ($200 off a purchase) and University Kia of Durham (dealer invoice price).
Auto shops throughout the Triangle offer 10 to 15 percent off services and even save $10 off a new membership with AAA to cover emergency road needs. Bring the Family Together
The start of the school year means an unofficial end to summer and families can celebrate together with discounts at dozens of area restaurants.
From low-key eats at Biscuitville and Moe's Southwest Grill to family-style Italian dining at Maggiano's Little Italy, faculty and staff can knock 10 percent off the check with PERQS.