Back-to-school shopping can quickly become a family expedition. Younger students need clothing, shoes, backpacks, and classroom essentials, while college students are preparing for dorm rooms, apartments, commuting, and campus life.
Mercer County, Pennsylvania, gives families an opportunity to complete their shopping while visiting outlet stores, locally owned businesses, restaurants, and comfortable accommodations. A back-to-school trip can become an enjoyable family day, a college move-in weekend, or a return visit with a student attending Grove City College or Thiel College.
Mercer County is also a convenient shopping, dining, and lodging destination for families traveling to nearby Westminster College in New Wilmington.
Mercer County brings shopping, dining, and accommodations together in one convenient Western Pennsylvania destination.
Families can find:
Whether you are shopping for a young student, a high school senior or a college freshman, Mercer County offers ways to prepare for the school year without making the entire day feel like one long checkout line.
Clothing and shoes are often a major part of the back-to-school list. Mercer County offers both brand-name shopping and locally owned stores where families can look for everyday basics, athletic wear, outerwear, accessories, and special-occasion clothing.
Grove City Premium Outlets
Grove City Premium Outlets is one of Western Pennsylvania’s premier shopping destinations. The open-air center features more than 100 brand-name outlet stores, allowing families to shop for several students—or the entire family—in one location.
Stores offer children’s apparel, shoes, athletic wear, outerwear, accessories and everyday clothing. Featured brands include Nike, Adidas, American Eagle, Carter’s, Claire’s, Famous Footwear, J.Crew, Old Navy and The North Face, among others.
Pennsylvania does not charge sales tax on most everyday clothing and footwear. However, certain products and accessories may still be taxable.
For college students, Grove City Premium Outlets is a convenient place to shop for:
Families should review current store listings and hours before traveling.
The Winner in Downtown Sharon
Located in downtown Sharon, The Winner is a longtime regional shopping destination known for off-price fashion, formalwear, accessories and special-occasion clothing.
For older students, The Winner can be a helpful stop when shopping for school dances, college presentations, internships, interviews, campus events and upcoming family occasions.
Families interested in locally owned businesses can explore boutiques, specialty stores and downtown shopping areas throughout Grove City, Hermitage, Sharon, Greenville and Volant.
Member shopping destinations include:
These locally featured stores add variety to a back-to-school shopping trip, especially when families are looking for clothing, accessories, room decorations, gifts or items that may not be available through larger retailers.
College move-in lists often change once a student sees the room. After arriving on campus, families may realize they need additional decorations, storage ideas or small touches that make a dorm room or apartment feel more like home.
Historic Olde Town Grove City
Historic Olde Town Grove City offers boutiques, specialty shops, artisan galleries and antique stores. It is a good area to browse for smaller decorative pieces, locally produced foods, gifts and keepsakes after the primary move-in work is complete.
Exploring downtown also gives families an opportunity to support locally owned businesses and experience another side of Grove City beyond the outlet center.
Wendell August
Located near Grove City Premium Outlets, Wendell August is known for hand-hammered metal gifts and personalized pieces.
Although it is not a traditional school-supply stop, it can be a meaningful place to find a graduation gift, family keepsake, or personalized item commemorating the beginning of a student’s college experience.
A locally inspired care package can make the transition to college a little easier, especially after the excitement of move-in has passed and the student realizes that laundry does not, in fact, do itself.
Featured specialty food destinations include:
These member businesses can help families create a care package, stock a student’s snack supply or bring something local to share with new roommates.
Back-to-school shopping and college move-in days require plenty of energy. Building a meal break into the schedule gives everyone time to recharge before returning to the stores or campus.
Blackout Burger Bar in Grove City
Blackout Burger Bar specializes in gourmet burgers, hand-spun milkshakes, and house-smoked wings.
Its casual menu makes it a family-friendly dining option for visitors shopping in the Grove City area. Outdoor seating may also be available when weather permits.
TimberCreek Tap & Table in Grove City
TimberCreek Tap & Table serves pub-style food, wood-fired pizza, burgers, and house-made beverages.
Its location near Grove City Premium Outlets makes it a convenient place for lunch or dinner during a shopping trip or college move-in weekend.
Rachel’s Roadhouse in Mercer
Rachel’s Roadhouse offers steaks, seafood, sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts and lunch and dinner specials.
The varied menu and casual atmosphere make it a comfortable choice for families with different tastes.
Additional member restaurants can be found throughout Grove City, Mercer, Sharon, Hermitage, Greenville and West Middlesex.
College move-in day often involves more than simply unloading a vehicle. Families may also need to attend orientation activities, organize a dorm room, shop for forgotten essentials, and prepare for the drive home.
Staying overnight can make the process less rushed. It gives families more time to settle in, visit nearby stores, and enjoy a little extra time together before the semester begins.
When comparing hotels near Mercer County colleges, look for accommodations that provide convenient access to campus, major travel routes, restaurants, and local shopping destinations. Hotels near Grove City Premium Outlets and other retail areas may be especially convenient for families who need to purchase clothing, bedding, toiletries, school supplies, or other last-minute items.
The best lodging option will depend on the length of the visit and the family’s needs. Standard rooms may be sufficient for a short stay, while suites or extended-stay accommodations can provide additional space, kitchen facilities, and other conveniences for longer visits.
Before making a reservation, families should review current room availability, amenities, cancellation policies, and estimated travel time to campus. Booking early may also be helpful during move-in weekends, orientation, family events, and graduation, when nearby accommodations can fill quickly.
A simple two-day itinerary can keep the trip organized without making the weekend feel rushed.
Day One: Shop, Dine and Settle In
Begin at Grove City Premium Outlets for clothing, shoes, athletic wear, outerwear, and accessories. Review the current store listings before arriving and make a list of priority stops.
Take a lunch break at Blackout Burger Bar or TimberCreek Tap & Table. During the afternoon, visit a local boutique, downtown shopping district, or specialty food store for accessories, dorm décor, gifts, and snacks.
Check into a nearby member hotel and organize the items needed for campus move-in the following morning.
Day Two: Move In and Complete the List
Complete campus move-in according to the arrival time and unloading instructions provided by the college.
After seeing the room, review the student’s list for anything forgotten or overlooked. Families can then explore additional member stores, enjoy a meal together, or give the student time to organize the room and meet new classmates.
Families shopping for younger children can follow a similar one-day plan by combining Grove City Premium Outlets with one or two local stores and a family meal. Scheduling a few breaks can make the experience more enjoyable for both children and adults.
Is clothing tax-free in Pennsylvania?
Most everyday clothing and footwear are exempt from Pennsylvania sales tax. Certain accessories and specialty items may still be taxable, so shoppers should confirm the tax treatment of individual purchases with the retailer.
Where can families shop for back-to-school clothing in Mercer County?
Grove City Premium Outlets offers more than 100 brand-name outlet stores. Families can also visit The Winner and locally owned boutiques in Hermitage, Sharon, Greenville, Grove City, and Volant.
Where can college families find dorm decorations and gifts?
Historic Olde Town Grove City, Wendell August, Volant Main Street Shops, and other member boutiques and specialty stores offer gifts, decorative items, and keepsakes.
What hotels are near Grove City Premium Outlets?
Member accommodations near the outlets include Hampton Inn & Suites Grove City, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Grove City/Mercer Outlets, and Candlewood Suites Grove City.
Is Mercer County convenient for college move-in weekends?
Yes. Mercer County offers shopping, restaurants, and accommodations convenient to Grove City College and Thiel College. The area can also serve families traveling to nearby Westminster College in New Wilmington.
Should families stay overnight during college move-in?
An overnight stay gives families more time to shop, unload, organize the student’s room, and enjoy a meal together. Families should reserve early because nearby hotels may experience increased demand during college move-in weekends.
Back-to-school preparation does not have to be a rushed trip from one crowded store to another. Mercer County allows families to combine brand-name shopping, locally owned businesses, casual dining, and comfortable accommodations in one organized trip.
Whether you are preparing a child for a new school year, helping a college student settle into campus life, or returning to visit a student, Mercer County provides convenient ways to complete the shopping list while spending meaningful time together.
Before traveling, check current member listings, store hours, restaurant schedules, and hotel availability on the Visit Mercer County PA website.
Then make the list, pack the vehicle, and leave just enough room in the trunk for everything nobody remembered the first time.
