Key Facts
• July 10: Deloitte report predicts lower back-to-school spending in 2025.
• Total spending forecast: $30.9 billion; average per child: $570 (down from $586 in 2024).
• Survey conducted May 21–30 with 1,203 parents of K-12 students.
• Online spending expected to reach $23.8 billion, per Adobe Analytics.
• Families focus on essentials like clothing, cutting tech and school supply budgets.
• Shift to private-label brands anticipated for cost savings.
• Over 50% of parents fear price hikes, cutting dining and entertainment budgets.
• Retailer choice driven by affordability, per Deloitte’s Brian McCarthy.
Summary
Back-to-school spending in the U.S. is projected to decline in 2025 due to rising tariffs and economic uncertainty, according to a Deloitte report. Total spending is estimated at $30.9 billion, with an average of $570 per child, down from $586 last year. A survey of 1,203 parents revealed a focus on essential purchases like clothing, while budgets for technology and school supplies are being reduced. Online spending is expected to reach $23.8 billion, as reported by Adobe Analytics. Families are increasingly turning to private-label brands to save costs, with affordability becoming a key factor in retailer selection. Over half of parents are concerned about price increases and plan to cut back on dining and entertainment to manage expenses. Deloitte’s Brian McCarthy emphasized the growing importance of finding value in purchases.
