The Head of the Back-to-School Class

The calendar is winding down on the multitude of back-to-school promotions, but the Labor Day weekend and following week historically generate some of the year's best sales for merchants dealing in fashion, electronics and other school-related supplies. We did a little homework of our own and discovered that the following retailers are still in mid-season form, making them strong candidates for a timely, end-of-summer affiliate connection.

Payless
The discount footwear provider is offering back-to-school sales on numerous well-known brands and designer labels for boys, girls and students of any age. Payless is currently offering a buy one, get half off on everything deal that includes $5.95 flat fee shipping. The free affiliate program is managed through Commission Junction, and new partners can participate in sales programs as well as non-sales programs, earning either a percentage commission from sales events or a fixed dollar amount from non-sales events.

Marshalls
If the more than a quarter million fans on Marshall's back-to-school Facebook page are any indication, this is an ideal time to partner with the deal-friendly fashion retailer. Sales of up to 60 percent off of designer and brand names are taking place every day of the year at Marshall's, so it ranks high on the list of destinations for savvy September shoppers. Marshall's affiliate partners can register through the TJX Companies, Inc.

Best Buy
Whether it's the latest in laptops, PCs, printers, tablet computers, software or games, Best Buy always has some of the best bargains for students. The leading consumer electronics retailer provides its affiliates with a library of text links, weekly banner ads, widgets and an open API for the company's product catalog. Partners also receive weekly newsletters and special announcements to help them take advantage of Best Buy's ongoing promotions and services.

Staples
The back-to-school savings at Staples are both legendary and heavily promoted, and affiliates who join the program now will surely reap the benefits year-round. From notebooks, pencils and pens to file cabinets, desks and entire home offices, the retail giant covers all of a student's needs with more than 45,000 products. Partners are paid for every purchase made through their sites and Staples takes care of all the details, including processing, shipping and tracking.

OneWayFurniture.com 
Students who are leaving home this fall can buy furniture direct from the manufacturers through this online retailer, who then arranges for direct "one way" shipping to campuses all over the U.S. Customers can find deals of between 30 and 70 percent off on couches, beds, desks and other suitable dorm or apartment fare without having to work through a middle man. Affiliate partners earn 6 percent commissions on everything sold, and One Way offers a 90-day cookie and a $10 Cash Activation Bonus paid at the end of the month.

GiftBaskets.com
Also with the college student in mind, this Hayneedle-owned site is the leader in creative gift baskets for any occasion, including an array of clever back-to-school themed care packages. Economically priced and generously stuffed, these baskets and their many accessories earn up to 8 percent commissions for affiliate partners on every order, no matter how large or small. Affiliates receive payments each month via check, direct deposit or PayPal.