Electronics top the back-to-college shopping list

Online retailers with the right targeting and the right deals could impact the bottom line this back to school season. According to a recent study from BIGresearch, kids headed to college will be spending a large amount of money before moving onto the campus.

by Kristina Knight

Students and families are expected to spend more than $43 billion while getting ready for campus life. On a family by family basis, consumers are expected to spend more than $950, up from $880 spent in 2006.

Laptops, iPhones and other electronic devices are expected to be top sellers, accounting for an estimated $12 billion.

National Retail Federation (NRF) President and CEO Tracy Mullin said, “Colored laptops, stylish cell phones and distinctive dorm furniture will appeal to today’s students and should be big sellers in retail stores across the country.” The NRF commissioned the study.

Clothing, shoes and school supplies - notebooks, pens, etc. - will account for just over $10 billion. Furnishings are expected to account for just over $5 billion this year, up from $3 billion last year. Textbooks will account for about $15 billion.

More than 55% of these purchases will, of course, be made at the campus bookstore. Discount retailers will also account for a bout 50% of purchases, but the report expects just over 30% of the items to be purchased from online stores.

Tags: online shopping

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