Back to School Shopping: Higher Costs and Limited Selection of Items

As students across the country return to the classroom in the coming weeks, parents are gearing up for one of the year’s most significant expenditures: back-to-school shopping. This year’s shopping season is expected to be particularly challenging, with rising prices and diminished product variety predicted due to ongoing supply chain disruptions and tariffs.

Patrick Penfield, a professor of practice in supply chain management and director of Executive Education at the Syracuse University Whitman School, offered valuable insights into the factors influencing this year’s back-to-school shopping landscape. He emphasized that it is vital for parents to commence their shopping expeditions as early as possible. This approach not only allows for access to a broader range of products but also presents the opportunity to secure more favorable prices.

According to Penfield, parents can anticipate price increases of approximately 15% to 25% on essential back-to-school items by September 1st. Items such as clothing, footwear, backpacks, and basic school supplies—including pens and pencils—are particularly susceptible to these price hikes. The ongoing impact of tariffs has compelled many retailers to manage their inventories by sourcing products from countries with lower tariff responsibilities or opting for domestic suppliers. Consequently, parents may find themselves faced with fewer choices in style, size, and brand when shopping for school essentials.

“This year, families should brace for higher costs coupled with limited options,” Penfield notes. “Retailers are adjusting their strategies in response to rising tariffs, and that means that inventory from high-tariff countries will be reduced.” He advises parents to take proactive measures now to mitigate potential regrets later in the shopping season.

For those looking for more information or to seek interviews regarding the implications of this year’s back-to-school shopping environment, Daryl Lovell serves as the Associate Director of Media Relations for Syracuse University’s Division of Communications. He can be contacted directly at 315-380-0206 or via email at dalovell@syr.edu.

As the back-to-school shopping season commences, parents must remain vigilant and informed to navigate a landscape impacted by economic factors, ensuring their children are equipped for the upcoming school year without breaking the bank.