The latest predictions for back-to-school/college trends from National Retail Federation’s annual survey are out. The survey, conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, presents some notable trends, according to Kathy Grannis Allen of NRF.
Average family spending on school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, and backpacks will approximate $97.74. Average family spending overall for grades K-12 is expected to reach $630; for college spending, $899. Combined spending is expected to reach $68 billion.
28% of parents surveyed revealed that their children will wear a school uniform, the highest number in survey history.
More people are waiting until the last minute to shop, one or two weeks before the beginning of the school year. That’s up to 30% compared to 25% last year.
31% of college students will live in a dorm room or other college housing—the highest number in survey history. Dorm or apartment furnishings will average $126 in spending for the average college family.
Smartphones will be owned by more than three-fourths of college students; more than half will own a tablet. 41% will use these devices for researching and buying products.
Ship to store or in-store pickup services will be used by nearly half of on-line back-to-college shoppers.
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Marlene