Dr. Kristy Reynolds gathers data from sources ranging from the International Council of Shopping Centers to the National Retail Foundation as she assesses the potential impact of Back To School (BTS) sales each year. Here are some of those 2012 by-the numbers projections:
- 76: Percentage of moms surveyed by Wal Mart saying the start of school is more significant than the start of a new calendar year.
- 14: Percentage increase in BTS spending projected this year by the National Retail Federation. That’s the largest increase since at least 2003.
- $688: Average spending for a parent of a school-age child.
- $907: Average spending for a parent of a college-age child.
- 23: Percentage of parents who say their kids wear a school uniform, up from 18 percent last year.
- 10: Percentage increase uniform maker French Toast expects this season, the best in five years.
- $30.3 billion: Total projected national BTS spending on kids grades kindergarten through 12.
- $83.8 billion: Total projected national BTS spending for college students.
- 59.6: Percentage of parents surveyed expecting to buy some sort of electronic device – the biggest increase in consumer spending.
- 88 cents: The price of more than 100 items Wal Mart is displaying this year.
- 5: Percentage Target will discount online orders, along with free shipping.
- 40: Percentage of shoppers who plan to buy BTS online, doubling 2007’s numbers.
