Consumers spend more than $80 billion getting themselves and their children ready to go back to school. They’re mission oriented and bargain hungry and favor retailers who can help them accomplish their goals of saving time and/or money. While BTS (back-to-school) is a busy time, most shoppers have an optimistic mindset toward it and think it’s fun. A scenario in which consumers have open wallets and open minds creates the perfect environment for retailers to amplify the fun aspect through experiential retailing, build customer relationships and establish loyalties that can last far after the school year begins.

This Report defines back-to-school shopping as any shopping done in preparation for a school term. This may include clothing and accessories, supplies such as pens, pencils, paper, electronics, and other items consumers purchase specifically for school. This Report explores two target audiences:

• Parents shopping for children in grades K-12 as well as for college students

• College students shopping for themselves

This Report builds on the analysis presented in Mintel’s Back to School Shopping – US, January 2019 and January 2018.