By Okon Ekpenyong

Navigating back-to-school shopping can be daunting for new refugee and immigrant parents in the U.S., especially those doing it for the first time. The extensive supply lists can feel overwhelming, especially without prior experience. That’s why experts advise consumers to begin shopping early, and according to the NRF survey, 67% of consumers have already started.

A report from Grand View Research, The Business of Retail, National Retail Foundation, highlights the revenue generated, the percentage of families who shop early, and where to find discounts. While U.S. spending on school supplies has risen, with an estimated $172,349.8 million generated in 2024, global sales have also grown.

Back-to-school shopping can leave parents out of touch when they are trying to figure out what specific items are, and often, we have to remind ourselves that 95% of these lists we have never heard of, seen, or known existed, or ever used them. 

The next challenge is figuring out where to shop, whether at Walmart, Amazon, or Target, as this process is entirely different from back home, where basic supplies like a pencil or notebook were often unavailable. Reports indicate that back-to-school shopping is a significant global trend, and more immigrant families participate yearly instead of later, once they start getting the hang of things.

Parents experiencing their first back-to-school transition have been inspired to prioritize sustainability by seeing how other families and schools have adopted more eco-friendly products. Popular eco-friendly products like reusable lunch boxes, sustainable backpacks, and refillable water bottles are promoting a more environmentally conscious approach to back-to-school shopping. 

For instance, due to the pandemic, there has been a rise in digital integration in classrooms. Consequently, more parents are purchasing devices like laptops and tablets to support their children’s ability to keep up with the rest of the ever-changing technological evolution. 

College students tend to spend more than K-12 students on back-to-school shopping. For example, electronics, merchandise for college dorms and apartments, clothing and accessories, food, and personal items comprise much of college spending. According to the NRF 2025 survey, college students will spend around $88.8 billion on back-to-school purchases, while K-12 students will pay $39.48 billion, and college books aren’t cheap these days.

Understanding shopping habits:

National Retail Foundation survey shows that 67% of back-to-school shoppers begin purchasing earlier due to Fourth of July sales, which offer significant discounts, weekend specials, and tariff concerns. Tariff concerns often lead to price increases, prompting early purchases. During this rush, the report also states that families will spend an average of $858.07 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics for K-12 students. Amounts like this demonstrate how far families are willing each year to ensure their loved ones have all the basics to succeed in school. 

Top retailers: where to shop:

E-commerce has become another way for retailers selling back-to-school supplies to earn profits, offering parents various options, from traditional school supplies to cutting-edge technology. Retailers like Walmart, with its 5321 locations worldwide, and online shopping alternatives, are leading the charge. Amazon, ranked 2nd, and Target, 3rd, are also popular choices. The NRP and Grand View Research data indicate that about 55% of consumers will shop online because it allows them to compare prices, making the new shopping landscape more manageable for new Americans. 

Parents are constantly looking for discounts on traditional school supplies like pens and notebooks, cutting-edge technology, or top-of-the-line merchandise, especially online, where some students want to show off the latest fashion trends to their peers, and others buy precisely what they need.

A cultural experience:

Back-to-school shopping experience is not just about the supplies anymore; it’s a cultural experience, especially when non-profit or community groups get involved to ensure no kid is left behind. It is a powerful reminder of how education bridges gaps and fosters connections in our diverse society.

In the past few years, I’ve observed new American students showing off the latest threads that are out there, coolest packages, brightest colored pencils, and fancy pens, and embracing the new adventures just like other American students. It is also a chance for students to get new, fresh gear because some outgrow them, and the first school shopping experience may have been expensive. 

However, as time has passed, families have learned there are resources available, such as nonprofit programs like [specific program name] that provide free back-to-school supplies, so they can save on those items and use that money for something else.

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