Back to School

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 2024 back-to-class season.

Majority of Back-to-Class Shoppers Have Already Begun Purchasing School Items

As of early July, more than half (55%) of back-to-school and college shoppers have already begun buying items for the upcoming school year, according to the annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics.

School bus
 
 
2024 back-to-school shopping update

K-12 and college shoppers are busy picking up all the supplies they will need this school year and have purchased half of the items on their back-to-school lists so far.

 
Kids at school.
 
NRF 2024 back-to-class webinar

NRF Chief Economist Jack Kleinhenz joined Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen to discuss the latest data on the 2024 back-to-class season. 

Back-to-Class Data Center

Take a deep dive into the NRF Back-to-Class Data Center to learn more about school shopping consumer trends.

 
back to school
 
Early back-to-class shopping in 2024

For some consumers, it’s never too early to be planning their back-to-class shopping.

Back to school

Historical highlights

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2015

More consumer trends

Consumer trends in Halloween shopping and celebration
 
Reasons for early shopping, the season’s biggest fans and how they’re spending.
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2024 back-to-school shopping update
 
Consumers have purchased half of items on their back-to-school lists so far.
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CNBC/NRF Retail Monitor Shows Retail Sales Grew in July Amid Back-to-School Spending and Special Deals
 
Retail sales grew in July as consumers shopped for school and college supplies and took advantage of special promotions.
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What to look out for this back-to-class season
 
Shoppers are set for near record-level spending, and more insights on consumer behavior and concerns.
Read more
Majority of Back-to-Class Shoppers Have Already Begun Purchasing School Items
 
Majority of Back-to-Class Shoppers Have Already Begun Purchasing School Items
Read more
Mother’s Day 2024 is all about the classics
 
With a return to timeless gifts like flowers and special outings, consumers plan to spend an average of $254 per person.
Read more