10 must-know facts about the 2013 back to school shopping season
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It’s the second highest shopping time of the year, and it has already begun. For most children, this is the time of year that signifies the end of summer, and doom, but for businesses, it’s second only to the holidays in terms of overall sales. Competition for back-to-school sales will be stiff this year, as many shoppers are being price conscious and using all the tools at their disposal—smartphones, coupons, discount codes, and comparison shopping—to find the best deals both online and in stores. Smart brands will take notice of these trends and plan accordingly. The obvious question is: What are back-to-school shoppers looking for and how do I give it them?The statistics and insights in this slideshow will show you what to expect between July and September. So start studying!TRANSCRIPT
Shopatron Slideshow
10 Must-Know Facts About the 2013 Back to School Shopping Season
Online Sales Are Up According to the NPD Group, online sales for back-to-school items will increase 4% year over year.
Source: The NPD Group, July 2013
Up for GrabsTotal back-to-school spending will reach $72.5 billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey.Source: National Retail Federation (NRF), July 2013
More Spent on CollegeThe NRF found that college students and parents will spend $836.83 on average, while families with K-12 children will spend $634.78.Source: National Retail Federation (NRF), July 2013
MotivationsThe top three reasons for back-to-school purchases this year are replacements, required for school, and because the child wanted it.Source: The NPD Group, July 2013
Parents Are Looking For Deals47% of parents listed price as the most important influence on their back-to-school purchases. 48% plan to shop during sales.Source: Kiplinger, July 2013
Tax Free!Sixteen states are offering sales tax holidays on select back-to-school product types this August.
Source: Kiplinger, July 2013
Many Parents Will Spend More25% of parents plan to spend more than they did last year and more than half of parents will spend the same amount on school supplies.Source: Marketwatch, July 2013
Top Selling Items1. Apparel 2. Footwear3. Calculators
4. Apparel Accessories 5. School Bags 6. Sports Equipment
Source: The NPD Group, July 2013
Shopping Dates Will FluctuateYear-over-year shopping will come in at 5% less than last year by Aug. 1, but take a 5% year-over-year increase by Sept. 1.Source: The NPD Group, July 2013
Expect Tardy ShoppersMore parents will begin their back-to-school shopping later in the year (the first day of school, in most cases, is the day after Labor Day, Sept. 2).Source: National Retail Federation (NRF), July 2013
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