Parents are feeling anxious about early back-to-school shopping as tariffs and rising prices have driven a notable increase in purchases this July.
Recent studies indicate that many parents are bracing for higher expenses when school resumes, with President Trump’s trade war significantly influencing this spike.
A survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF) revealed that 67% of shoppers are preparing to spend more, up from 55% last year and marking the highest level since 2018.
Half of these shoppers specifically noted concerns about price increases linked to tariffs as a reason for their early buying.
“Consumers are navigating a pretty uncertain environment right now,” explained an NRF representative. “They’re unsure about the future costs, so they’re trying to get ahead of the game by buying early.”
Another survey by US News found that 85% of shoppers perceived rising prices as a concern for their back-to-school needs.
The trade policies enacted by the current administration have created a whirlwind of challenges for parents and experts alike.
President Trump’s announced trade deals, including 15% tariffs on Japanese goods and 10% on British imports, along with other upcoming tariffs on various countries, are raising worries.
While families are looking to cut costs, essential items like clothing and shoes remain crucial. Certain supplies, like pencils and notebooks, are not typically ones you’d buy second-hand.
“Parents are facing the challenge that their kids are growing, and they need new sneakers for school,” a retail expert commented. “Families may reconsider the types of items they buy, possibly relying more on credit or ‘buy now, pay later’ options.”
As the trade conflict continues, inflation has been on the rise; it climbed by 2.7% in June, exceeding the Federal Reserve’s target of 2%.
The Fed’s July Beige Book reported that consumer prices have surged across all 12 districts due to tariffs, contributing to increased costs for families.
Moreover, the demand for assistance with back-to-school expenses seems to be escalating, according to Dale Bannon from the Salvation Army, who noted a significant need this year due to basic necessities.
“Many families are already struggling to pay for essentials. Any increase in prices could be quite damaging,” Bannon commented, highlighting their partnership with Toyota to distribute more backpacks through local dealers.
Trump has intensified his tariff approach, asserting that dealing with other nations will ultimately benefit the U.S.
“We must address the trade deficit with China…the huge losses we incur,” Trump remarked when the trade war began last spring, stating that continuing this way is not tenable.
Some companies attempted to make early purchases to avoid tariffs, but often not all items were bought ahead of time.
While prices are gradually climbing, experts believe the full effects of these policies will be felt more keenly by families, particularly during the school year and holiday shopping seasons.
“We’ve moved up the shopping season, so people are buying early,” explained Steve Lamar, president of the American Apparel & Footwear Association. “They might feel relieved to buy now, but these tariffs impact procurement, investment, and job growth, leading to a noticeable shift in consumer behavior.”
