From ‘jorts’ to clear backpacks, US back-to-school spending to hit record high this year

Tillys

01/09/2023 22:01

By Kailyn Rhone
       Sept 1 (Reuters) - See-through backpacks and jean shorts
are among the popular last-minute purchases ahead of the new
school year, several retailers said, as heat waves sweep the
U.S. and security concerns grow at many middle- and high
schools.
Though U.S. student debt repayments will resume on Oct. 1,
straining many Americans' budgets, 2023 is expected to be the
most expensive back-to-school shopping season yet. The National
Retail Federation, a retail trade group, predicts spending will
surpass $135 billion, an increase of more than $24 billion from
last year.
    "Despite any financial economic challenges, consumers are
finding a way to buy the products and services they want,” said
Chip West, a retail and consumer behavior expert at Vericast.
       Jorts, denim jean shorts, "are the trend that never seems
to die,” said Melissa Cohen, former vice president of production
at Polo Ralph Lauren and founder of MBC Consulting Solutions.
“They are unquestionably one of the hottest apparel items for
teens and tweens.”
    Social media influencer Nikki Mcneri from Georgia also links
the rise of jorts to the weather. "People don't want to stop
wearing their perfect jorts of the summer and the weather is
still hot.” Mcneri has bought jorts from thrift stores or Urban
Outfitters with prices ranging from $5 to $90.
The U.S. experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer,
sparking forest fires, water shortages and a rise in
heat-related hospital admissions. Scientists have linked the
extreme weather to human-induced climate change.
The popularity of transparent backpacks this year is linked to
security concerns of children carrying weapons, as a small but
growing number of U.S. schools are requiring them.
    “The larger the school, the more they are needed,” said
Leslie Sparacello, a school superintendent in Austin, Texas,
whose former school required clear backpacks. “The problem seems
to be that the plastic is not as durable as the other
materials," she said, adding some schools prefer mesh.
    Clear backpacks available on Amazon.com's  AMZN.O 
marketplace are priced starting at $9.97, according to its
website.
    Calvin McDonald, CEO at Lululemon  LULU.O , an athletic
apparel company based in Canada, said on Thursday that bags were
among the top sellers this quarter without specifically
mentioning clear book bags. Its Clear Backpack Mini, priced at
$68, was "sold out" online in the U.S. as of Friday, according
to its website.
    Major retailer Walmart  WMT.N  said back to school items
were selling "ahead of plan" during its most recent quarter
through July. A spokesperson said Walmart has recorded an
increase in demand for clear backpacks in the last two
back-to-school seasons, specifically in Texas, Florida and
Mississipi. The company has a separate section for clear
backpacks under its backpack category starting at $4.89.
    Even in schools that do not regulate see-through backpacks,
transparent pouches are a big trend as they are more portable
from class to class, said expert West.
    On Tuesday, Matthew Bilunas, chief financial officer at Best
Buy  BBY.N , said demand for electronics was "a little better
than we expected," adding that back-to-school shopping is
"running a little longer and a little later into the season."
    Nearly 70% of back-to-shoppers surveyed in August said they
were likely to pick up electronics such as laptops and
computer-related accessories, according to the NRF.

(Reporting by Kailyn Rhone; Editing by Josie Kao)
((mailto:Kailyn.rhone@thomsonreuters.com;))