Experts Say To Begin Back To School Shopping Immediately

Back to school shopping is upon us and experts say spending could break a record this year. They warn to begin your shopping now.

Items like backpacks, lunch bags, stationary, laptops, tablets, and even sneakers will go fast. The National Retail Federation expects back-to-school spending to set a record topping $37 million this year.

If there are specific supplies that your student will want, you might consider getting them sooner rather than later. From the chip shortage to the worker shortage, the experts claim it's hard to predict what items will sell out. They do fear that chip shortages could impact the sale of electronics. They also predict that shoe sales could outpace production.

Families will spend an average of $849 on back-to-school items, almost $60 more than last year. Frank Guglielmi, the Senior Director of Corporate Communications for Meijer told Fox 17,

"We are experiencing higher sales, earlier than normal. New backpacks, that’s a hot item this year, in lots of different kinds of colors. Those identity items that kids will bring to school are popular this year and last year they weren’t able to do that."

Meijer says they don't anticipate any shortages, and its supply chain is strong but - parents shouldn't wait to shop. Backpacks have technology compartments built-in along with cord access, perfect for hybrid learning.

College students and their families are expected to spend an average of $1,200. This year at Meijer teachers get a 15% off back-to-school discount that includes furniture and clothing as well as standard school supplies. And like last year, you might have to put masks on your list.