Parents are stretching back-to-school budgets amid growing economic concerns

Parents are increasingly concerned about back-to-school costs, with 37% of shoppers worried about staying on budget, up from 29% last year. Despite planning to spend $557 per child (slightly less than $570 in 2025), families are adopting strategic shopping habits to stretch budgets, including prioritizing sales, tax-free events, and secondhand purchases. Surveys indicate 57% of parents expect worsening economic conditions in six months.