ICSC Releases Back-to-School Survey Results

ATTN: 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.

About ICSC
The member organization for industry advancement, ICSC promotes and elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies. ICSC produces experiences that create connections and catalyze deals; aggressively advocates to shape public policy; develops high-impact marketing and public relations that influence opinion; provides an enduring platform for professional success; and creates forward-thinking content with actionable insights – all of which drive industry innovation and growth. For more information, please visit www.ICSC.com.