Early Start and Big Spending Define Back-to-School 2025

Back-to-school shopping is off to a record-breaking start, with families diving in earlier than ever. According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), 67% of shoppers had already begun purchasing school items by early July, marking the earliest kickoff on record.

Spending is surging across the board, with college-related purchases projected to reach $88.8 billion, and K–12 families expected to spend $39.4 billion. This early momentum is fueled by major sales events and rising price concerns, prompting parents to plan ahead and stretch their budgets.

NRF’s annual survey highlights a clear trend: families are prioritizing value and making strategic choices that are setting the stage for one of the most active back-to-school seasons yet. With several weeks still to go, retailers can anticipate strong consumer engagement through the end of summer.