Parents plan to spend the bulk of their beefed up back-to-school budgets on the usual items including clothing and computers, according to a survey by NRF and American Express. More unusual investments also made the list: teeth whitening and tattoos appeared alongside haircuts in the “cosmetic services” category. The majority of consumers with children in preschool through high school expect to spend more or the same per child on back to school shopping this year compared to last year. The average family of four will spend $550 preparing for their kids’ return to the classroom. While 39% of Americans plan to spend more on back to school shopping this year than in 2009, 63% say they will have a set budget. Clothing, shoes and school supplies are the leading anticipated back to school expenses.
Clothing 88% $240
Shoes 86% $100
School Supplies 85% $90
34% of parents say electronics are on their back-to-school shopping list. The largest single purchase 18% of parents will make is a new computer or laptop, spending an average of $530. Other electronics on the shopping list include:
Calculators 16% E-Readers/iPads 5%
Cell phones 11% Printers 5%
MP3 players 7%
Barber shops, nail salons, and even spas will be stops on the back to school shopping circuit with 45% of parents intending to spend on cosmetic services and 37% expecting to spend on beauty products as part of their kids’ back to school preparation:
Haircuts 89% $40
Hair Styling (highlights/straightening) 37% $60
Manicure/Pedicure 24% $50
Teeth Whitening 18% $70
Spa Services (facial/body treatment) 12% $80
Waxing 11% $50
Tattoos 9% $70
Outside the classroom, parents will spend plenty on extra-curricular activities. Specifically:
Sports/Athletics 35% $150
Art Classes 14% $90
Music Lessons 12% $280
Tutoring/Test Prep 8% $160
