Back-to-School Shopping Starts Here: Find Everything You Need in the Land of Steel
Whether your family is sending a kindergartner off for their first day or helping a high school senior prepare for their final year, Mississippi County’s small businesses are ready to help you check every item off your list.
Instead of making the drive out of town, consider shopping local this season. Our communities are filled with businesses offering everything students, parents and educators need to start the school year strong, from school supplies and teacher gifts to custom apparel.
Outfit the Whole Family
Need the perfect first-day outfit? Local boutiques are stocked with back-to-school styles for students, teachers and parents alike.
White's Mercantile in Wilson has officially rolled out its Back-to-School Collection with backpacks, lunch boxes, children's books and classroom essentials that combine style and function. You'll find plenty of options no matter who you’re shopping for.
In Blytheville, Me & My Sister has transformed its showroom into a colorful back-to-school destination featuring teacher apparel, jewelry, gifts, bags and fun accessories for every age. It's also a great stop for moms looking to update their own wardrobe while checking off the kids' list. The 223 Collective is also embracing the season with teacher-themed apparel, school accessories, notebooks, gifts and unique finds from local makers.
Hometown Mercantile Market in Manila is another great stop for back-to-school shopping. Home to a variety of local vendors, the marketplace offers everything from backpacks and lunch bags to clothing, gifts and handmade accessories. With multiple small businesses under one roof, shoppers can browse a wide selection of locally curated products while supporting area entrepreneurs.
Add a Personal Touch
Looking for something that stands out in the hallway? Several local businesses are helping families personalize their school gear.
Cila's Creations is offering custom embroidery on backpacks, lunch boxes and other school essentials, making it easy to add names or monograms before the first bell rings. Keep an eye out for their stops at the 223 Collective.
517 Studios has personalized engraved ID holders, teacher gifts and even engraved pencils available. Their custom engraving options also make great gifts for teachers, coaches and school staff. Some items can also be found in-store at the 223 Collective.
River Road Pharmacy Boutique in Osceola is taking custom orders for school spirit apparel, teacher shirts, nurse apparel and personalized designs representing schools across Mississippi County. If you have a unique idea, they're ready to help bring it to life.
Mailboxes & Beyond in Blytheville recently introduced locally themed stationery and paper goods, with even more hometown-inspired products arriving soon. It's a great stop for unique office and classroom supplies.
Don't Forget the Books
Back-to-school is also the perfect time to build your child's reading collection.
Blytheville Book Company offers books for readers of every age, from pre-school picture books to young adult favorites. Whether you're shopping for classroom reading, bedtime stories or simply encouraging a love of books, it's worth making a stop while you're downtown.
Shop Local. Support Local.
Every dollar spent at a locally-owned business helps strengthen Mississippi County's economy and supports the neighbors who make our communities special.
So before school starts, spend a day exploring Mississippi County's shops. You might find everything on your checklist, plus a few surprises you didn't know you needed.
Here's to a successful school year and another season of supporting the businesses that help make the Land of Steel feel like home!