Impact of Inflation Decreased This Year; Nonetheless, Around One-Third of Back-to-School Shoppers Modify Their Spending to Save Money
In the bustling world of back-to-school shopping, the year 2025 has seen a shift in consumer behaviour, with a growing number of shoppers adopting cost-conscious approaches to mitigate the impact of inflation and rising prices.
According to a Deloitte study, value-seeking behaviour, deal-driven purchases, and cost-conscious choices have become the norm among consumers this year. This trend is evident in the strategies employed by back-to-school shoppers, who are increasingly focused on getting the best value for their money.
One in six shoppers are opting for secondhand clothes and supplies, a decision driven by the desire to save on expenses. Nearly half of shoppers (49 percent) are planning to employ money-saving strategies this fall, such as finding cheaper brands, budgeting, and buying fewer supplies.
Ronda Sunderhaus, a senior account manager, is no exception. With a long back-to-school shopping list for her three kids, including school supplies, new outfits, backpacks, and lunch boxes, she and her family are taking a strategic approach to their shopping. They are planning to stack coupons, promo codes, and sales, sign up for store loyalty programs, and set a budget to avoid overspending.
Sunderhaus' family is also mindful of the rising prices. For instance, stationery, stationery supplies, and gift wrap are 4.7 percent more expensive than last year, while boys' apparel is 2.1 percent more expensive. However, they are finding ways to save. Electronics are one category they can skimp on, as her kids only need low-cost headphones for their technology needs.
Inflation, currently at 2.4 percent, is a concern for many shoppers. Prices are still 23.7 percent higher than before the pandemic. One in five shoppers say these costs are straining their budgets. However, the number of shoppers changing their habits due to inflation has decreased from 41% in 2022 and 32% in 2024.
The trend towards cost-conscious shopping extends to other areas as well. Sixteen percent of shoppers plan to buy fewer school supplies, and around 1 in 10 shoppers feel pressured to spend more than they're comfortable with.
Teaming up with other parents or community groups for bulk purchasing, sharing, or exchanging supplies is another popular strategy. Renting or buying used items for higher-ticket needs like sports equipment or musical instruments can significantly cut costs.
The website, which has been a source for personal finance data since 1976, has reported that nearly half of Americans (46 percent) have credit card debt, according to its 2025 Credit Card Debt Report. This underscores the importance of careful budgeting and spending tracking during the back-to-school shopping season.
In conclusion, the back-to-school shopping season in 2025 is marked by a shift towards cost-conscious choices, strategic planning, and the use of technology and community resources to maximise savings. Shoppers are adopting a variety of strategies, from using rewards and cash-back credit cards, to checking existing supplies at home, to teaming up with other parents for bulk purchases, in an effort to navigate the rising costs and inflation.
Personal-finance strategies, such as budgeting and finding cheaper brands, are becoming essential for back-to-school shoppers to manage their expenses amid rising prices. Ronda Sunderhaus, a senior account manager, is employing such tactics, like stacking coupons, signing up for store loyalty programs, and setting a budget. These cost-conscious approaches are not limited to shopping; they also extend to other areas of personal-finance, as indicated by the 46% of Americans with credit card debt, highlighted in the 2025 Credit Card Debt Report.
