-

MEDIA ALERT: ICSC Releases Back-to-School Survey Results

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ICSC:

ATTN:

Retail/Real Estate/Business Editors and Reporters

 

WHO:

ICSC

 

WHAT:

Consumer shopping behavior data for the back-to-school season

 

WHEN:

The ICSC Back-to-School Survey was conducted online between July 13 – 15, 2022, with a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,008.

 

RESULTS:

  • Overall, 48% of adults in the U.S. will buy items for the 2022 back-to-school season, spending an average of $911 on related items.
  • Apparel/footwear (88%) and school supplies (86%) are the two most popular purchasing categories, with the highest spend ($334) going toward electronics.
  • Eighty-one percent expect to increase their spending compared to 2021.
  • Among back-to-school shoppers who will increase their spending compared with 2021, the most-cited reason is that items are more expensive/inflation (43%).
  • Nine-in-ten back-to-school shoppers say inflation/rising prices will impact their purchases with 91% basing purchasing decisions on promotions.
  • Nearly two-thirds (64%) of respondents started or plan to start their back-to-school shopping earlier to avoid price hikes or out-of-stock items.
  • More than 42% of back-to-school shopping is expected to occur in August.
  • Seven-in-ten respondents say their children have significant influence over back-to-school purchases and are allowed to mostly choose the style of whatever supplies they need.

About ICSC

The member organization for industry advancement, ICSC promotes and elevates the marketplaces and spaces where people shop, dine, work, play and gather as foundational and vital ingredients of communities and economies. ICSC produces experiences that create connections and catalyze deals; aggressively advocates to shape public policy; develops high-impact marketing and public relations that influence opinion; provides an enduring platform for professional success; and creates forward-thinking content with actionable insights – all of which drive industry innovation and growth. For more information, please visit www.ICSC.com.

Contacts

MEDIA:
Stephanie Cegielski
Vice President, Research and Public Relations
ICSC
Email: media@icsc.com

Industry:

ICSC

Release Versions
English

Contacts

MEDIA:
Stephanie Cegielski
Vice President, Research and Public Relations
ICSC
Email: media@icsc.com

More News From ICSC

ICSC’s 2026 Holiday Intentions Survey Finds Consumers Prioritize Holiday Traditions Over Financial Pressures

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Retail sales are forecast to grow between 4.3%–4.9% this holiday season, with total expected spend topping $1.7T, according to ICSC’s 2026 holiday shopping forecast. Findings from ICSC’s annual Holiday Intentions Survey reinforce this forecast, as consumers prioritize holiday purchases and experiences above competing financial priorities. The survey points to continued demand heading into the critical year-end shopping period. Eighty-eight percent of U.S. adults—appro...

New ICSC Report: Consumer Spending Remains Active as Households Make Sharper Tradeoffs

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ICSC: ATTN: Retail/Real Estate/Business/Economic Editors and Reporters WHO: ICSC WHAT: The ICSC Consumer Economy Report is a new quarterly look at the forces shaping household spending and what they mean for the consumer economy. Combining ICSC’s proprietary consumer research with the latest economic data, the report tracks how Americans are feeling, spending and adapting as conditions change. WHEN: ICSC conducted consumer surveys online in summer 2026 from July 29, 2...

ICSC Research Finds Family-Friendly Experiences Influence Where Families Shop, Spend, and Gather

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ICSC: ATTN: Retail/Real Estate/Business/Lifestyle/Parenting Editors and Reporters WHO: ICSC WHAT: Consumer data exploring parents’ perspectives toward family-friendly experiences and retail. WHEN: ICSC’s “Family-Focused Retail” survey was conducted online from June 9, 2026 to June 14, 2026, among 1,004 U.S. adults with children ages 3 to 16 years old living in the household. QUOTE: “Today's families are looking for more than a place to shop. They're looking for destin...
Back to Newsroom