Back-to-School Spending (2009–2023)
The back-to-school season has traditionally been one of the biggest US shopping holidays of the year. This typically happens in the months of July to September, when parents across the country purchase supplies to prepare their kids for the new school year.
So how much do US consumers spend on shopping for back-to-school supplies?
Back-to-school spending statistics
According to the latest back-to-school statistics from the National Retail Federation, the total planned back-to-school spending for 2023 is $41.5 billion. This marks a year-over-year increase of 12.5% and follows a 0.5% dip from the previous year. It is also a record high, beating the previous record of $37.1 billion set in 2021.
Despite some falls over the years, back-to-school spending trends show that expenditure has generally been increasing. In fact, 2023’s expected spending is nearly 2.5 times what it was in 2009.
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Back-to-school spending per household is also forecast to rise this year, to $890.07—$25.72 more than the previous year.
Back-to-school spending: top categories
The top back-to-school category parents are expected to spend on this year is electronics. At $325.96 per household, this is $32.91 more than what the average household forked out for electronics in 2022. Of all the back-to-school spending categories, electronics is expected to see the largest year-over-year increase (21.6%). The most popular electronic device consumers intend to buy is laptops. More than half (51%) plan to purchase them for the back-to-school season. This is followed by tablets (36%) and calculators (29%).
The second-largest spending category on back-to-school supplies is clothing and accessories at $257.12, which is $6.51 less than the previous year. This is followed by $166.59 on shoes—a marginal decrease of $1.52.
Shopping for back to school: top destinations
In terms of where consumers are shopping for back-to-school supplies, the latest statistics show that consumers’ top choice is online stores. More than half (55%) of all back-to-school shoppers plan on purchasing back-to-school supplies on the internet.
This is followed by department stores and discount stores, where 45% of consumers plan to get their school supplies. Clothing stores, electronics stores, and office supplies stores round out the top five places consumers will be shopping for back-to-school items.