Back to school shopping
Stop by Target, Wal-mart or your favorite department store and you’re likely to see that summer is over. While we still have a few more weeks until school begins again, already the stores are ready for the back-to-school shoppers and the papers are filled with ads for notebooks, glue sticks and new clothes.
According to a recent report from the National Retail Federation, the average American family will spend $606.40 on clothes, shoes, supplies and electronics, compared to $548.72 last year. The federation says the increase is due to necessity: the kids have outgrown the clothes and backpacks that they might have reused last year.
I am postponing back-to-school shopping as long as I can. I know that I risk not having the choices I would have if I shopped earlier (ever notice how those marble notebooks fly off the shelves?), but somehow I am just not ready to get back in the school routine. When I do, I can’t imagine I’ll be spending close to the NRF’s average. But then again, I have boys and they don’t seem to need as many clothes as girls.
How about you? Have you started your back-to-school shopping yet? How much do you expect to spend?
Comments
My oldest starts K this year. We haven't spent nearly that much.
I bought his backpack and lunchbox for cheap (under 20 dollars for both total) early in the summer when LL Bean had them on super sale. Uniforms run about 150, including shoes. Basic supplies cost about 18 dollars from Target, and that was with buying extras to last the whole year. Most of his regular clothes from last fall/winter should still fit for after school.
600 seems like a lot. Then again, my kid doesn't need a fancy calculator or a flash drive.
Posted by: Kayris | August 3, 2010 10:27 AM
Next week is the perfect time to start the back to school shopping as Maryland's tax free week will be in effect. Clothing and footwear $100 or less (per item) will be exempt from the state's six percent sales tax. Check out www.marylandtaxes.com for more information!
//HC: Tax-free shopping begins Aug. 8 to 14.
Posted by: Christine Feldmann | August 3, 2010 3:46 PM
I know I will spend a fortune on my baby girl! Gotta look good for school!
Posted by: Scentsy Candle Man | August 3, 2010 5:36 PM
One of my kids graduated AND a local church is buying supplies for EVERY student in my youngest's elementary, so our costs are WAY down this year. Just clothes for the 2 boys and supplies for one. WOOHOO!
Posted by: Amy Michelle | August 3, 2010 6:09 PM
Still coming-up with a list, got to agree that boys really doesn't seem to get clothes compared to girls!
Posted by: Giselle | August 9, 2010 4:18 AM