It’s the second highest shopping time of the year, and it has already begun. For most children, this is the time of year that signifies the end of summer, and doom, but for businesses, it’s second only to the holidays in terms of overall sales. Competition for back-to-school sales will be stiff this year, as many shoppers are being price conscious and using all the tools at their disposal—smartphones, coupons, discount codes, and comparison shopping—to find the best deals both online and in stores. Smart brands will take notice of these trends and plan accordingly. The obvious question is: What are back-to-school shoppers looking for and how do I give it them?The statistics and insights in this slideshow will show you what to expect between July and September. So start studying!

1. Shopatron Slideshow
10 Must-Know Facts About
the 2013 Back to School
Shopping Season

2. Online Sales Are Up
According to the NPD Group, online sales for back-
to-school items will increase 4% year over year.
Source: The NPD Group, July 2013

3. Up for Grabs
Total back-to-school spending will reach $72.5
billion, according to the National Retail Federation’s
annual survey.
Source: National Retail Federation (NRF), July 2013

4. More Spent on College
The NRF found that college students and parents
will spend $836.83 on average, while families with
K-12 children will spend $634.78.
Source: National Retail Federation (NRF), July 2013

5. Motivations
The top three reasons for back-to-school
purchases this year are replacements, required
for school, and because the child wanted it.
Source: The NPD Group, July 2013

6. Parents Are Looking For Deals
47% of parents listed price as the most important
influence on their back-to-school purchases. 48%
plan to shop during sales.
Source: Kiplinger, July 2013

7. Tax Free!
Sixteen states are offering sales tax holidays on
select back-to-school product types this August.
Source: Kiplinger, July 2013

8. Many Parents Will Spend More
25% of parents plan to spend more than they did
last year and more than half of parents will spend
the same amount on school supplies.
Source: Marketwatch, July 2013

9. Top Selling Items
1. Apparel
2. Footwear
3. Calculators
4. Apparel Accessories
5. School Bags
6. Sports Equipment
Source: The NPD Group, July 2013

10. Shopping Dates Will Fluctuate
Year-over-year shopping will come in at 5% less
than last year by Aug. 1, but take a 5% year-over-
year increase by Sept. 1.
Source: The NPD Group, July 2013

11. Expect Tardy Shoppers
More parents will begin their back-to-school
shopping later in the year (the first day of school, in
most cases, is the day after Labor Day, Sept. 2).
Source: National Retail Federation (NRF), July 2013

12. Looking for more
eCommerce inspiration?
Head over to the Shopatron website for dozens of resources
on how to transform your eCommerce strategy.
ecommerce.shopatron.com/resources