NRF has been conducting its annual back-to-school and back-to-college surveys since 2003 with Prosper Insights & Analytics to see how American families will shop for clothing, supplies and other items for the next school year. Check out the resources below for a deep dive into the 2022 back-to-class season.
2022 Back-to-school trends
Hear from NRF’s VP of Research Mark Mathews and Senior Director for Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen as they discuss expectations for the back-to-school season. Learn more in the webinar slides.
Historical highlights
2021
- Article: A summer snapshot of back-to-school trends
- Podcast: A look at back-to-school 2021 consumer research
- Press release: 2021 Brings back-to-class shopping to record levels
- Video: 2021 Back-to-school trends
2020
- Press release: Coronavirus could push back-to-school spending to record level
- Article: How brands can use social to connect with Gen Z
2019
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July survey: Record spending expected for school and college supplies
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August survey: Back-to-school shopping update: Halfway done but more to do
2018
- July survey: Back-to-school and college spending to reach $82.8 billion
- August consumer survey: Back-to-Class shopping continues as school begins
- Slideshow: Top trends for 2018 back-to-school and college shopping
- Spotlight: Hispanic back-to-school shoppers
- Podcast: How Gen Z shapes back-to-school shopping
2017
- July consumer survey: Back-to-school and back-to-college spending to reach $83.6 billion
- August consumer survey: More parents holding off on back-to-school shopping
- Slideshow: Back-to-school and back-to-college
- Infographic: Back-to-class with NRF
- Article: Class is in session — 3 lessons for retailers this back-to-school season
2016
- July consumer survey: Back-to-school and college spending to reach $75.8 billion
- August consumer survey: Families aren’t finished with back-to-school shopping
- Article and SlideShare: A look at 2016’s top trends
- Infographic: A closer look at back-to-school shopping
2015
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3 ways Generation Z is celebrating Halloween this year
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6 things to know about the 2022 holiday shopping season
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Examining the state of retail heading into the holiday season
Retail Gets Real Episode 285: PwC’s Kelly Pedersen on the economy and where consumers are spending.
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