[1/2]School supplies go on sale at a Target store in Encinitas, California, on July 28, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire License Rights
1 SEPTEMBER (Reuters) – See-through backpacks and denim shorts are among popular last-minute purchases ahead of the new school year, according to several retailers, as heat waves sweep across the US and safety concerns mount at many middle and high schools.
Though U.S. student debt repayments resume Oct. 1, putting a strain on many Americans’ budgets, 2023 is expected to be the most expensive back-to-school shopping season yet. The National Retail Federation, a retail group, forecasts spending to top $135 billion, up more than $24 billion from a year earlier.
“Despite financial and economic challenges, consumers are finding a way to buy the products and services they want,” said Chip West, retail and consumer behavior expert at Vericast.
Jorts, denim jean shorts, “are the trend that never seems to die out,” said Melissa Cohen, former vice president of manufacturing at Polo Ralph Lauren and founder of MBC Consulting Solutions. “They’re undoubtedly one of the trendiest pieces of clothing for teens and tweens.”
Georgia social media influencer Nikki Mcneri also links the rise of the jorts to the weather. “People don’t want to stop wearing their perfect shorts even in the summer and the weather is still hot.” Mcneri has bought jorts at thrift stores or at Urban Outfitters, ranging in price from $5 to $90.
The US experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer, leading to wildfires, water shortages and a spike in heat-related hospitalizations. Scientists have linked the extreme weather to human-caused climate change.
The popularity of clear backpacks this year is linked to safety concerns from children carrying guns, as a small but growing number of US schools are requiring them.
“The bigger the school, the more they’re needed,” said Leslie Sparacello, a school principal in Austin, Texas, whose former school needed clear backpacks. “The problem seems to be that the plastic isn’t as durable as the other materials,” she said, adding that some schools prefer mesh.
Clear backpacks available on Amazon.com’s marketplace (AMZN.O) start at $9.97, according to the site.
Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon (LULU.O), a Canada-based sportswear company, said Thursday that bags were among the top sellers this quarter, without specifically mentioning see-through book bags. Its Clear Backpack Mini, priced at $68, “sold out of stock” online in the United States as of Friday, according to its website.
Major retailer Walmart (WMT.N) said back-to-school items sold “above plan” in the last quarter through July. A spokesman said Walmart has seen an increase in demand for clear backpacks over the past two back-to-school seasons, particularly in Texas, Florida and Mississippi. The company has a separate section in its backpack category for clear backpacks starting at $4.89.
Even in schools that don’t mandate clear backpacks, clear bags are a big trend because they’re more portable from class to class, said expert West.
On Tuesday, Matthew Bilunas, chief financial officer at Best Buy (BBY.N), said demand for electronics was “slightly better than expected,” adding that back-to-school shopping is “taking a little longer and a little later.” into the season.”
According to NRF, nearly 70% of back-to-shoppers surveyed in August said they were likely to shop for electronics like laptops and computer accessories.
Reporting by Kailyn Rhone; Edited by Josie Kao
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