Back to School Shopping is a Billion-Dollar Business

Study says parents of children grades K-12 will spend roughly $688.62 per student

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By Kate McPherson
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Story Created: Aug 13, 2012 at 7:47 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Aug 14, 2012 at 10:30 AM AKDT

ANCHORAGE - Whether it’s pencils or a new laptop, parents’ wallets are opening up to get their child back to school.

And the list of items is getting longer each year.

“Every year they need more things,” said mom of four Charmaine Johnson, shopping at Target in south Anchorage.

“The Kleenex, the disinfectant wipes, the Purell - stuff like that.”

According to a National Retail Federation survey, parents with children in grades K-12 will spend $688.62 getting each of their children ready for school this year.

Combined K-12 and college spending will reach nearly $84 billion according to the same survey.

Mom Brenda Hendrickson said even though the notebooks and binders add up, it’s the clothing that can really up the costs.

"Clothing are a lot more expensive than the supplies, all the different fashions that the kids have to have or think that they need to have” said Hendrickson.

At Back 2 School Alaska, parents can go a step further and find extra workbooks and reading books to help their kids get ahead.

“We also have some special needs things, and we have a specific language area and Alaska section,” said Bonnie Sherwood, an employee at Back to School and a pre-school teacher.

The store has a second-hand section, which can significantly cut costs to parents.

And for children whose parents can’t afford new school supplies, this Wednesday is the annual H.U.G.S.S. day organized by Lutheran Social Services. Children will receive a backpack, basic school items and a winter coat. You can get more information about it at http://www.asdk12.org/events/hugss.asp.
 

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Anonymous said on Monday, Aug 13 at 10:55 PM

And the schools still want more.

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Ashley said on Saturday, Aug 18 at 5:26 PM

It’s sad that it’s becoming so expensive to send a child to school prepared, but it is inspiring to know that there are organizations out there to help those who may not be able to fork out as much cash for supplies. I’m thankful that my son is already in college, so we’re nearing the end of a costly education. My husband and I decided to get him an iPad because textbooks cost less to download than they do to actually purchase the books themselves. He’s also using it as a source to watch TV with the Dish Remote Access app since we got a Sling Adapter from Dish after I started working for them. As long as our son has a distraction, we notice that he doesn’t ask us for money to go out. We’re eager for him to be done with school so we can get back to saving for our retirement.

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