Quarterly Industry Bulletin

Back to School

Americans spent a total of $125.4 billion on back-to-school and back-to-college shopping in 2024.* It was expected that parents would spend a median of $628 per child on back-to-school items in 2025—the highest in four years. Costs vary by grade level, with high schoolers averaging $800 and elementary students $640. Spending on elementary students saw the sharpest year-over-year increase at 26%.**

*Source: Capital One

**Source: Savings.com

60%

of shoppers visit 2-3 stores for most of their back-to-school shopping

Source: Capital One

Major Impacts*

70% of parents worried that since many essential items
are imported, they are vulnerable to tariff-related price hikes.
84% of parents saved by shopping during their state’s tax-free holidays.
Almost half of parents prefer generic supplies like store-brand notebooks and markers to help keep costs down.

*Source: Savings.com

Top Channels Shopped*

57% of K-12 back-to-school shoppers shop online.
50% shop at department stores.
47% of back-to-school shopping takes place at discount stores.
42% shop at clothing stores.

*Source: Capital One

Trends and Influences Within This Segment

Social Media Shopping. 75% of Gen Z parents used social media for back-to-school shopping this year. In order for these products to thrive, packaging that brings with it an unforgettable unboxing experience is key.*
Early Shopping. 67% of 2025 back-to-school shoppers began making purchases in early July.** Launching in-store merchandising and displays early in the summer ensures your brand is top-of-mind when buying decisions are being made—maximizing visibility and driving sales during peak planning periods.

*Source: Deloitte Back to School Survey; **Source: National Retail Federation (NRF)

For more information, please contact us.

DOWNLOAD THIS BULLETIN

Like what you read? Then be the first to know when a new article is published by entering your email below!

More Like This

Safeguarding Meat and Poultry: Packaging Innovations for a Cha…

Corrugated packaging, known for its versatility, can be produced to meet the strict specifications required by the meat packaging industry. Its unique fluted design provides temperature stability, making it suitable for maintaining cold chain requirements.

Grouping of corrugated boxes and trays for a variety of beverage types.

Importance of Consistency in Secondary Beverage Packaging Acro…

In the beverage market, plastic and glass tend to dominate, but corrugated plays a significant role as secondary packaging.

Fully setup Grid-Lok container. A doublewall bulk bin attached to a corrugated pallet

Role of Corrugated Bins in Warehousing as Intermediate Packaging

Corrugated bins, typically made from doublewall or triplewall material, are versatile storage solutions suited for various fulfillment and warehousing needs.