Back-to-School Shoppers Get Early Start Amid Cost Concerns, Supply Fears

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Back-to-school shopping is already in full swing for more than half of U.S. consumers, as parents, grandparents, and students begin stocking up on notebooks, clothing and classroom essentials for the upcoming academic year. According to new data from CivicScience, 54% of back-to-school shoppers have already started, with motivations ranging from seasonal routine to anxiety over rising costs and potential supply shortages.

While 26% of early shoppers say they’re simply following their usual seasonal schedule, nearly as many (28%) cite economic uncertainty and fear of product scarcity as their primary reasons for getting a jump on their lists. The survey highlights growing concern about inflation and tariffs, even as many consumers try to manage budgets without dramatically changing their buying habits.

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