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You'll likely spend less on back-to-school shopping this year, but not by much, survey shows

National Retail Federation survey predicts back-to-school spending at $858 per family

You'll likely spend less on back-to-school shopping this year, but not by much, survey shows

National Retail Federation survey predicts back-to-school spending at $858 per family

From backpacks to tech to clothing, the back to school shopping list can feel endless and expensive. It's really important more than ever for families to have *** strategy when it comes to back to school shopping and have *** budget in mind. Andrea Warrack, *** consumer savings expert, says one of the best ways to get started is by checking what you already have at home and be sure to get your kids involved. This is *** great budgeting lesson. Teach them opportunity costs. If we save money on these supplies by reusing, we have more to spend towards something else that maybe they really want. If you do need *** new backpack or school clothes, investing in brands with warranties can help save money down the road. Jansport and Herschel backpacks both offer limited lifetime warranties that cover manufacturing defects. Old Navy's kids clothes and Target's Cat and Jack brand also both come with. Lawn money back guarantees. Just make sure to keep your receipts. Spend *** little bit more, get better quality that lasts. For other items, Warrock suggests buying secondhand. Facebook Marketplace and consignment stores are good options for clothing or backpacks. Some retailers like Athleta and H&M even have their own pre-love sites through the resale platform Thread Up, and for tech, you can save with certified refurbished products. This could be for Your laptops, scientific calculators, tablets, um, really think anything that your child would need for school. And one of the easiest ways to save, finding store brands instead of name brands whenever possible. Stores have more power to discount their own brands further. The difference in price is usually about 30 to 50%, so instant way to save and you're really not giving up any quality. Using store apps and loyalty programs can provide even more savings, especially when stacked on cashback offers, and remember to check what rewards your debit or credit card has available. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Lowe.
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Updated: 7:34 AM CDT Jul 20, 2025
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You'll likely spend less on back-to-school shopping this year, but not by much, survey shows

National Retail Federation survey predicts back-to-school spending at $858 per family

vlog logo
Updated: 7:34 AM CDT Jul 20, 2025
Editorial Standards
American families with students in elementary through high school will spend an average of $858.07 on back-to-school shopping this year, according to an annual survey from the National Retail Federation alongside Proper Insights & Analytics.K-12 back-to-school shopping includes clothing and accessories, shoes, school supplies and electronics or computer-related equipment.This year’s consumer average spending is down about 2% from last year, which pegged average family spending just north of $874. NRF’s annual survey polled about 7,600 consumers about their back-to-school shopping plans and trends.Over the past decade, K-12 back-to-school spending has risen by 26%. This year, families are expected to spend the largest portion of their budgets on electronics or computer-related equipment.Electronics and clothing account for about 64% of consumers' school shopping budgets, according to a Hearst Television Data Team analysis of the survey data. That means the average family will shell out $295.81 for electronics and $249.36 in clothing this back-to-school shopping season.Americans will spend a total of $39.4 billion on K-12 back-to-school shopping, an increase of 1.5% from last year. Categories like school supplies and shoes saw increases for this year’s total spending.Consumers are expected to spend $7.8 billion on shoes and $6.6 billion on school supplies.The survey also found that about two-thirds of families have already started purchasing items for the upcoming school year, the highest percentage since NRF began tracking early shopping trends in 2018.

American families with students in elementary through high school will spend an average of $858.07 on back-to-school shopping this year, according to an annual survey from the .

K-12 back-to-school shopping includes clothing and accessories, shoes, school supplies and electronics or computer-related equipment.

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This year’s consumer average spending is down about 2% from last year, which pegged average family spending just north of $874.

NRF’s annual survey polled about 7,600 consumers about their back-to-school shopping plans and trends.

Over the past decade, K-12 back-to-school spending has risen by 26%. This year, families are expected to spend the largest portion of their budgets on electronics or computer-related equipment.

Electronics and clothing account for about 64% of consumers' school shopping budgets, according to a Hearst Television Data Team analysis of the survey data. That means the average family will shell out $295.81 for electronics and $249.36 in clothing this back-to-school shopping season.

Americans will spend a total of $39.4 billion on K-12 back-to-school shopping, an increase of 1.5% from last year. Categories like school supplies and shoes saw increases for this year’s total spending.

Consumers are expected to spend $7.8 billion on shoes and $6.6 billion on school supplies.

The survey also found that about two-thirds of families have already started purchasing items for the upcoming school year, the highest percentage since NRF began tracking early shopping trends in 2018.