Economy and fashion go hand in hand when it comes to back-to-school shopping for teenagers, which is why retired teacher Deres Atkins heads to stores that mix trendy clothing with deep discounts.

Her favorite? Rugged Wearhouse in Stone Mountain.

KRISTINA TORRES/ktorres@ajc.com (ENLARGE)

Brijaana Royal and Delores Atkins (right) have school shopping down to an art.

"They have tremendous markdowns," Atkins says. "You go to the register with 50 percent off, and they take another 20 percent off of that."

Granddaughter Brijaana Royal, a DeKalb County middle-schooler, approves — the clothes look cool. Plus, in the same Stone Mountain Square shopping center are deals at Ross Dress for Less and T.J. Maxx.

Shoe Warehouse on Covington Highway in Decatur is also a favorite.

For school supplies, Atkins buys at the nearby Wal-Mart and office-supply stalwart Staples — which advertises deep back-to-school discounts this time of year.

Given gas prices, she points out that most of these stores are near one another "so I don't have to drive far."

— Kristina Torres

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