NRF has been conducting its annual graduation spending survey since 2007 to see how Americans will celebrate high school and college graduates each spring.
“Graduation is a huge milestone for students and parents alike, and retailers are ready to help make it even more memorable. Cash might be the most popular item, but an assortment of graduation gifts from greeting cards and gift cards to clothing and electronics will tempt shoppers.”
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Historical highlights
- 2017: Graduation spending to reach record-high $5.6B
- 2016: Americans to spend $5.4 billion on graduation gifts
- 2015: Graduates make room for electronics, cash after graduation
- 2014: Americans to spend more than $4.7 billion on graduation gifts
Results of NRF’s graduation spending survey are released each year in May.
More consumer trends
NRF survey says more than 164 million consumers plan to shop over five-day Thanksgiving weekend
Black Friday remains the busiest day of the weekend, with 71 percent planning to shop that day.
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This holiday, discounts will win shoppers
5 retail sales and promotions trends leading up to Thanksgiving weekend.
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Consumers will spend 4.1 percent more than last year during winter holidays
Consumers will spend $1,007.24 during the 2018 holiday season.
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Back-to-Class shopping continues as school begins
Consumers had completed just over half their shopping as students head back to class this month.
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Back-to-school and college spending to reach $82.8 billion
Highest level of college spending in survey history.
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Millennial parents shop differently than other parents
Episode 66: Parents from two generations ponder NRF’s research into consumer behavior.
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