2025 Back-to-School Forecast
The 2025 back-to-school shopping season will begin soon as families prepare for another school year. According to PwC’s 2025 Back-to-School Survey, almost 3 out of 4 parents plan to spend the same or more than they did in 2025 on back-to-school shopping. Here are some key trends shaping this year’s back-to-school shopping season:
Value Still Matters
While parents may be planning to spend more money on back-to-school this year, they’re still looking for ways to stretch their dollars. Many plan to do this by shopping early and prioritizing sales. In fact, a survey from JLL revealed that more than 92% of parents will try to save money in some way, mostly through shopping sales. When it comes to managing the budget, items like clothes and shoes are common areas for saving, while essentials like school supplies tend to be protected.
Where, When and How People Shop
Shopping behaviors continue to evolve, and even surprise! While a mix of online and in-store shopping remains the most common approach, Gen Z parents are more likely than any other generation to shop exclusively in physical stores, tackling the fun annual activity of shopping for folders, notebooks and paper in person. This in-person preference stands out when compared to Millennials and Gen X, with over 70% planning to shop online. According to the JLL survey, another change this year is that there’s been a huge increase in parents starting to shop early, with nearly 45% of parents starting before June.
Whether online or instore, a ream of Boise X-9 Multi-Use Copy Paper is a great go-to for everyday printing needs at home and Boise POLARIS Premium Paper is ideal for important school documents like projects and presentations.
Technology is a Necessity
While essentials like books and paper are non-negotiable, some families are choosing to cut back on more optional items like clothing to focus their budgets on educational tech. In 2025, technology has become a necessity. One in every four parents plan to spend more than $500 on tech-related purchases this season, making it the top category for increased spending.
Stocking the Classroom
According to the National Education Association, many teachers spend hundreds of their own dollars each year “stocking the classroom,” which has become a common practice. Many schools ask parents to contribute items used in bulk. Boise X-9 is the perfect paper for everyday needs in the classroom.
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