Back-to-School Shopping Is Powered by American Business

Nicholas Molinari
Former Associate Manager, Tax and Economic Policy, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Ledbetter
Director, Policy & Political Communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Updated

July 29, 2025

Published

August 07, 2024

The back-to-school season is the second-largest annual spending event for American families, driving an expected $30.9 billion in spending this year. To meet demand, businesses are rolling out sales, special deals, and new products to help families and students gear up for the new school year with new supplies, clothes, and shoes.

New trends are helping families stock up for back-to-school and get their students off on the right foot:

Social media has become a powerful shopping tool for families, with digitally engaged consumers significantly outspending traditional shoppers, according to Deloitte. This presents opportunities for businesses that embrace digital innovation and deliver compelling social commerce experiences, and gives consumers more choices to fit their budgets and needs.
Artificial intelligence (AI) adoption is similarly accelerating across the retail landscape, with younger generations leading the charge in embracing AI-powered shopping tools. American retailers are capitalizing on this trend by investing in sophisticated AI assistants and recommendation engines, positioning U.S. businesses at the forefront of the retail technology revolution.

Timing Extends Back-to-School Deals

While September remains the top shopping month for back-to-school items, with 35% of parents planning purchases, consumers are stretching out purchases with back-to-school shopping as early as June.

This extended season allows businesses to:

Capture early bird shoppers seeking value.
Maintain steady inventory turnover.
Maximize promotional effectiveness across multiple months.
Build stronger customer relationships through extended engagement.

Diverse Categories Drive Broad Economic Impact

The back-to-school season's economic impact extends far beyond traditional school supplies, supporting diverse business sectors across America:

Apparel and Accessories: The clothing sector is experiencing robust growth, according to Deloitte, providing a significant boost to fashion retailers, manufacturers, and the entire textile supply chain as families invest in back-to-school wardrobes.

Technology: Technology remains a key tool for students across the country.
Extracurricular Economy: An estimated 90% of parents plan to enroll children in extracurricular activities, generating revenue for sports equipment manufacturers, arts suppliers, and local activity providers.

Businesses Help Local Schools and Education Programs

In addition to providing families and students with the tools they need to get back in the classroom, businesses across the country also support local schools, students, and teachers. Many local small businesses donate funds and back-to-school essentials, while others serve as community donation sites to pool resources for students and educators in need of extra supplies.

The school year offers learning opportunities outside of the classroom, and companies like Tractor Supply support important community programs, like local National FFA Organization chapters and 4-H clubs.

Youth sports also play a major role in the school year for students and families in communities of all sizes, and companies large and small contribute to team fundraisers and sponsor teams through ads in programs and banners lining sports fields. Recognizing the importance of youth sports, companies like DICK’s Sporting Goods partners with public schools to help fund sports programs across the nation.

With the ever-changing technology landscape, students must stay up–to–date with the latest products and platforms. Verizon, with its Innovative Learning schools program, has eased this concern by donating tablets and providing necessary training to educators.

Looking Forward: Building on Success

The 2025 back-to-school season demonstrates that American businesses continue to play a part in getting students ready to reach their highest potential during the school year.

The back-to-school season is a testament to the relationship between businesses and American families. This dynamic not only drives economic growth but also ensures that students across the U.S. are well-equipped for a fruitful and informative academic year.