Back-to-school shopping costs impact US families and retailers

Back-to-school shopping is presenting significant financial challenges for families in the United States. In New Jersey, rising costs for groceries, property taxes, and school supplies are placing heavy pressure on household budgets. A study indicates that 71% of parents attempt to hide financial stress from their children, while 49% have delayed paying utility bills or purchasing essentials like food and medical care to afford school supplies. Additionally, 54% of parents report working overtime or side hustles, and 35% are relying on credit cards to manage costs.

Retail price comparisons show varying trends across major stores. Walmart recorded the largest price decrease, with school supply costs dropping approximately 20% compared to last year. Staples also saw a price reduction of about 12%. In contrast, Walgreens and Dollar General were the only retailers studied that raised prices, though increases were less than 3%. While Amazon offers convenience, it was not the cheapest option for all items, and Michaels had the highest total cost for a standard list of 20 supplies.