Share of U.S. shoppers trying to save while buying back-to-school supplies 2019-2022

In 2022, parents shopping for back-to-school supplies in the United States were putting a heavier emphasis on saving money than in previous years. For example, over a third of surveyed U.S. shoppers said they would be buying more generic and store brand products this year, which is an increase of nearly 10 percent compared to 2021's back-to-school shopping season.

Back-to-school supplies

During the back-to-school shopping season, parents in the United States tend to buy anything from your typical schoolwork necessities, such as pencil cases, bags, and books, to new clothes and shoes. Increasingly, however, children and teenagers also need computer-related equipment for school, and these items can be quite costly. In 2022, U.S. shoppers expected to spend an average of nearly 300 U.S. dollars on electronics during the back-to-school season.

Inflation in 2022

In 2022, the world was hit with a wave of inflation, a wave that also impacted consumption habits in the United States. According to a survey conducted in early March, approximately half of U.S. consumers felt the impact of rising costs on their ability to pay bills and buy basic necessities. As such, it comes to no surprise that a large share of Americans became hesitant to spend money like they used to, which is why many are holding off on common expenses like dining out and buying new clothes.