In a year where there have been shortages for everything from Grape-Nuts to chicken wings, another is looming that could affect students’ return to school.
Experts say some school supplies may be harder to find and may sell. In addition, prices may be on the rise.
Neil Saunders, managing director of consulting firm GlobalData Retail, told USA TODAY that he expects demand to be high for products like backpacks, sneakers, some gadgets and stationery.
“While we are unlikely to see doomsday shortages, the continued pressure on supply chains means that not all retailers will get an optimal amount of supply,” Saunders said. “What this means is that consumers will have less choice, and some might not be able to get exactly what they want, particularly towards the end of the school year.”
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Last year, as more students began the school year practically in the midst of the pandemic, parents struggled to find desks and chairs.
According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey, consumers plan to spend record amounts on school and college supplies and more and more students plan to return to classrooms in person this fall.
Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $ 848.90 on school supplies, $ 59 more than last year. Total back-to-school spending is expected to hit a record $ 37.1 billion, from $ 33.9 billion last year, according to a survey of more than 7,700 consumers.
USA TODAY discovered that Target and Walmart stores in Florida and California had well-stocked school supply sections.
Will school supplies cost more?
Keith Jelinek, general manager of the retail practice at Berkeley Research Group, urges consumers to start planning their back-to-school purchases as early as possible to avoid shortages and possible price increases.
“We are seeing cases where the demand exceeds the supply of goods, especially in clothing,” Jelinek told USA TODAY. “Consumers can see the garment or the sneakers they want, but may not be able to get it in the size or color they need. “
With clothing inflation of 6%, he said consumers should expect to pay between 10% and 15% more than last year. In addition, he expects retailers to cut discounts.
Nikki Baird, vice president of retail innovation at Aptos, a technology solutions provider that works with brands and retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods, Tilly’s, Carter’s, Skechers and New Balance, agrees that could be less promotions this year.
Baird said stores have also reduced their assortments to minimize the risk of products not selling.
Purchases at the start of school
More than half of back-to-school buyersof the investigation of the retail trade federationsaid they had already started shopping for the school year in early July, but 76% were still waiting for school supply lists.
“I think there is a lot of pressure for consumers to shop sooner rather than later,” Baird said. “There are a lot of concerns about inflation, and if the prices are going to go up, there is a lot of disruption around the supply chain.”
The upcoming sales tax exemptions should encourage buyers in some states to control their purchases. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers survey, 38% of them plan their back-to-school shopping around specific promotional events and dates such as sales tax holidays and sales.
Saunders said shortages will be uneven and consumers will have to search more than usual to find what they want.
“Consumers seem to be aware of some of these challenges, which is why more and more people are finishing their back-to-school purchases earlier than usual. “
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