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 2023 back-to-class season.
The first day of class is only days or weeks away for many, and consumers of all ages are still prepping for the school year. We already know consumers are planning to spend at record levels this back-to-class season, but as the season comes to a close, how are people finishing up their preparations for the start of classes? Read our blog post to get a glimpse into the back-to-class shopping home stretch.
Consumers are expected to spend record amounts for both back-to-school and back-to-college shopping this year. Back-to-school spending is expected to reach an unparalleled $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year and the previous high of $37.1 billion in 2021. Back-to-college spending is expected to hit $94 billion, about $20 billion more than last year’s record. Watch the webinar.
Slideshow: View the slides above for data on spending and shopping plans for the back-to-school season.
Slideshow: Click through the interactive slideshow for insights from NRF and GfK on generational and back-to-class trends.
Check out back-to-school vs. back-to-college spending habits of consumers this season.
Historical highlights
2022
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Articles: Spending more for back-to-school, Back-to-school trends to know
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Press release: Families prioritize back-to-school spending amidst inflation
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Video: 2022 Back-to-school trends
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Slides: 2022 Retail overview
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
- Article: How brands can use social to connect with Gen Z
- Press release: Coronavirus could push back-to-school spending to record level
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
- Podcast: How Gen Z shapes back-to-school shopping
- Slideshow: Top trends for 2018 back-to-school and college shopping
- Spotlight: Hispanic back-to-school shoppers
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
- Article: Class is in session — 3 lessons for retailers this back-to-school season
- Infographic: Back-to-class with NRF
- Slideshow: Back-to-school and back-to-college
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