The National Retail Federation says we could see consumers spend a record amount on back to school shopping this year. N-R-F spokesperson Katherine Cullen says parents and students are preparing for more online learning because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“There buying laptops and other things in anticipation of doing some of their learning from home this year,” said Cullen.
Only 26% expect most or all of classes will be taught in person.
For the elementary to high school age kids, families are spending an average of $789, an increase of nearly $100 from last year, with total spending around $33.9 billion, both numbers are up from last year. Cullen says for college students, it is a similar story.
“On average, families are planning to spend over a $1000, $1059 to be exact, which tops last years record of $977,” said Cullen.
Total collegiate spending is expected to top $67 billion, a new record and up from $54.5 billion last year.
Even though some brick and mortar stores closed during the pandemic are beginning to reopen, Cullen say more than half of K-12 shoppers saying they will now be buying online.
“There dealing with the concern about the coronavirus for themselves and their families and they’ve gotten into new patterns of shopping,” said Cullen.
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