Back to school season has a way of sneaking up on you. The kids have grown since June, last year's backpack didn't survive the summer, and those last few weekends of August are already booked solid. Between school lists, outgrown shoes, and after-school activities starting back up, back to school shopping can eat up a whole weekend before you know it.
That's exactly why these back to school shopping tips start with one idea: you don't need to cross half the South Shore to get it all done. Think of it as your back to school checklist, sorted by category and all under one roof. At Mail Champlain, you'll find kids' and parents' clothing, shoes, school supplies, sports gear, and family-friendly dining, with easy transit access, plenty of parking, and none of the crowds of some of the bigger malls nearby.
Here's how to check off the entire list, for the whole family, in one calm, efficient trip.
It's easy to think back to school shopping starts and ends with pens and notebooks. In reality, the list is a lot longer than that. Kids grow over the summer, which means last year's jeans and shoes probably don't fit anymore. After-school activities like soccer, swimming, dance, and martial arts pick back up in September. And that lunch box from last year? It's probably seen better days too.
Back to school is also a transition point for the whole family. New class, sometimes a new school, parents heading back to work, routines starting up again. Taking the time to get organized ahead of time is really about giving yourself a lighter, less stressful September.
Kids' clothing, preschool to high school
Kids grow fast, and back to school is often the natural moment to go through the closet. The mall's offering covers every age, from toddlers to teens: Décathlon, Sports Experts, Urban Planet, and Ardène make it easy to find everyday essentials without multiple stops. It's also a good time to think about transition pieces, like sweatshirts and light jackets, while summer collections are still on sale.
Don't forget mandatory gym clothes for phys ed. Some schools have specific requirements: a plain t-shirt, shorts or joggers in a particular colour, indoor-only running shoes. It's worth checking the school's list before you shop, so you get it right the first time.
Parents deserve a wardrobe refresh too
Back to school isn't just about the kids. It's also when parents head back to work after the summer. A few shops make it easy to refresh a key wardrobe piece without a separate trip: Tristan, Reitmans, San Francisco, Marie Claire, Ernest, Colori, and LIVOM all offer solid options for an easy, practical update. It's also a good time to catch end-of-season sales while rounding out your own wardrobe.
Our tip: some clothes just need a small repair. Bring items to be altered or shoes to be fixed to Comneuf / le fil enchanté while you're at Mail Champlain.
Shoes: the real back to school battle
Shoes tend to be the trickiest item on the list. Feet have grown, last year's pair is worn out, and different activities call for different shoes. Décathlon, Browns, Panda, Tendances Chaussures, and Sports Experts offer a wide range, for every style and every budget.
A practical tip: look for a versatile shoe that works for both school and after-school activities. That way you avoid buying two pairs come September.
One stop for the full supply list
For school supplies themselves, Renaud-Bray is a must: agendas, back to school novels, activity books, and other school reading essentials. For original, budget-friendly finds, Miniso and XIMI-V offer pens, desk accessories, and small colourful supplies, ideal for doubling up on essentials between home and school. Dollarama helps round out the list without overspending, handy when supplies need to be bought in duplicate.
If you've been searching for school supplies near me, this is about as close to one-stop as it gets on the South Shore.
Our tip: bring the school's supply list with you before you shop. Some items have specific size or colour requirements.
The lunch box: most forgotten item on the list
Last year's lunch box is usually in rough shape by the end of the school year. Lost, dented, forgotten at the bottom of a locker... it's one of the easiest items to overlook on the list, and one of the most useful. At Stokes and Miniso, you'll find practical containers, reusable water bottles and utensils, and insulated bags. And while you're at it, picking up a spare container is never a bad idea.
Equipment for the new school year's activities
September also means activities starting back up: soccer, swimming, dance, martial arts, or sometimes a brand new sport altogether. On the South Shore, it's rare to find a sports offering this complete and this concentrated in one place. Décathlon covers the basics with accessible multi-sport gear. Atmosphère and Sports Experts offer more technical clothing and equipment for kids who are further along in their sport. Mail Champlain is also home to a dance specialty shop: Le soulier de satin, with a wide range of dance shoes and clothing for any style.
Our tip: don't wait until the night before the first class. In September, popular sizes go fast, especially for kids who are still growing.
How much to spend before you know if it'll stick
The big question for parents: how much should you spend when you don't know if the activity is going to last? At Mail Champlain, two entry points are available in the same place. Décathlon lets you try a new activity without much risk, with quality gear at a reasonable price. Atmosphère and Sports Experts are there for kids already committed to their sport, with a more technical range.
The logic is simple: start with entry-level gear the first year, then move up if the activity sticks. Décathlon covers the first stage, Atmosphère and Sports Experts the next one, both a few steps apart.
Our tip: check with the coach or club to see if used equipment is available before buying new. For a first year in a sport, that can make a real difference to the budget.
The athletic look teens actually want
For teens, everyday athletic wear has become the go-to back to school look. Sweats, joggers, trendy t-shirts: Boathouse, Ardène, and Urban Planet have it covered. For sneakers that make a statement, Foot Locker is a safe bet. And to finish the look, Lids offers caps and accessories to complete the outfit. From hoodie to shoes to cap, it's all sorted in a single visit.
Back to school shopping works up an appetite, especially with kids in tow. The mall offers a wide range of options for every craving and every budget: Amir, Thaï Express, Tango Empanadas, McDonald's, Subway, Kojax, Valentine, A&W, Boulangerie Ange, Grillades Torino, Jack le Coq, and Masako Sushi. Everyone at the table gets what they want, no negotiating required.
For parents who need a few quiet minutes, Van Houtte Café, Café Dépôt, and Le White Rabbit offer a calm spot to sit down. And for a little something sweet before heading home: Chocolato, Soufflé, Real Fruit bubble tea, or Jus Jugo Juice.
Our tip: plan the food break halfway through your visit. It's the best way for the whole family to recharge before round two of shopping.
A well-planned back to school trip changes everything
In August, the list is long and time is short. Getting it all done in one place is a real way to take back control of back to school season, without giving up an entire weekend.
Whether it's your first back to school or your tenth, back to school shopping doesn't have to feel like a race against the clock. A coffee, a family meal, a few shops to explore along the way... back to school shopping can actually feel calm, even on a busy August Saturday.
Mail Champlain has been part of the South Shore for 50 years. It knows back to school as well as you do.
Ready to plan your back to school shopping in one go? Check out the full store directory, current hours, and gift card options, and plan your visit at your own pace, whether that's a quiet Tuesday morning or a Saturday with the whole family. It's all here, waiting for you.
2151 Boul. Lapinière
Brossard, QC J4W 1M3, Canada