Retail/Real Estate/Business Editors and Reporters

WHO:

ICSC

WHAT:

Consumer shopping behavior data for the back-to-school season

WHEN:

The ICSC Back-to-School Survey was conducted online between July 13 – 15, 2022, with a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,008.

RESULTS:

• Overall, 48% of adults in the U.S. will buy items for the 2022 back-to-school season, spending an average of $911 on related items.
• Apparel/footwear (88%) and school supplies (86%) are the two most popular purchasing categories, with the highest spend ($334) going toward electronics.
• Eighty-one percent expect to increase their spending compared to 2021.
• Among back-to-school shoppers who will increase their spending compared with 2021, the most-cited reason is that items are more expensive/inflation (43%).
• Nine-in-ten back-to-school shoppers say inflation/rising prices will impact their purchases with 91% basing purchasing decisions on promotions.
• Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents started or plan to start their back-to-school shopping earlier to avoid price hikes or out-of-stock items.
• More than 42% of back-to-school shopping is expected to occur in August.
• Seven-in-ten respondents say their children have significant influence over back-to-school purchases and are allowed to mostly choose the style of whatever supplies they need.