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 look at the start of the 2026 back-to-class season and stay tuned for more insights.
2026 Back-to-School Consumer Trends Webinar
July 21, 2026 | 1 p.m. ET
Join NRF for a deep dive into the latest consumer data on back-to-school spending, shopping behavior and family priorities. Hear from NRF Chief Economist Mark Mathews and consumer insights experts as they share the latest data and trends shaping the 2026 back-to-school season.
)
Early shopping marks the start of 2026’s back-to-class shopping season
About one-third of back-to-school shoppers have already started browsing and buying by early June, the highest since NRF first started asking the question in 2018.
)
)
Back-to-School Data Center
Take a deep dive into the NRF Back-to-School Data Center to learn more about school shopping consumer trends.
Historical highlights
2025
Press Release: Back-to-school season begins early for majority of shoppers
2024
Article: 2024 back-to-school shopping update
Press Release: Majority of Back-to-Class Shoppers Have Already Begun Purchasing School Items
Early data and insights: June
2023
Press Release: Back-to-Class Shopping Expected to Reach Record Levels
Slides: Back-to-class 2023, Back-to-class across generations
2022
Articles: Spending more for back-to-school, Back-to-school trends to know
Press release: Families prioritize back-to-school spending amidst inflation
Video: 2022 Back-to-school trends
Slides: 2022 Retail overview