National Retail Federation (NRF)

“The NRF, in its annual back-to-school forecast, is predicting that U.S. families will spend a record $43.3 billion to get K-12 students ready for school, up from $39.4 billion in 2025.”

“Spending on items for college students is expected to top $100 billion for the first time, at $103.5 billion, up from $88.8 billion in 2025.”

“And some parents - 7% according the NRF survey - are planning to work overtime shifts to help pay for back-to-school expenses.”