ICSC, formerly the International Council of Shopping Centers, reported results from its Back-to-School 2023 Consumer Survey, suggesting that consumers will spend an average of $969 during this year’s back-to-school shopping season, an increase from $911 in 2022. 

Nearly half, 48 percent, of adults in the U.S., are expected to buy back-to-school items this year.

“ICSC’s Back-to-School 2023 survey shows that shoppers plan to spend more on school-related items this year compared to last year,” ICSC President & CEO Tom McGee said. “While inflation is a partial driver of higher spending, our data found that the consumer remains resilient but is certainly focused on deal-hunting for the best prices in the face of rising costs.”

Other findings from ICSC’s latest survey include:

  • 75 percent of shoppers plan to increase their spending on back-to-school items compared to 2022;
  • Of those who plan to increase their spending, 60 percent of respondents said they will do so due to higher prices and inflation, compared to only 43 percent who said the same in 2022;
  • 7-in-10 respondents said they would shop at discount stores, an increase of five percentage points from 2022, making it the most popular type of retailer for back-to-school shopping this year;
  • Nearly half, 45 percent of respondents, will purchase sale items due to higher prices and inflation, while 38 percent said they plan to buy from generally cheaper brands;
  • An overwhelming majority, 91 percent of respondents, said promotions would influence their back-to-school purchases, while 9-in-10 said inflation and rising prices would impact their purchases, consistent with 2022 findings;
  • Nearly three-fourths, 72 percent of respondents, said they would stick to a strict budget this year;
  • Most back-to-school shoppers said they plan to make their purchases later in the season, with 44 percent of spending expected to happen in August; and
  • Electronics will account for the majority of expected spending for respondents to the survey ($261), though school supplies had the largest increase from recent years ($168, up from $137 in 2022). Other top spending categories for surveyed respondents included apparel ($233), furniture ($205) and sporting goods ($102).

ICSC conducted its Back-to-School 2023 consumer survey from July 14-16, 2023.

Photo courtesy Best Buy