As the new school year approaches, families in Metro Detroit are grappling with increased back-to-school expenses. Many parents report spending significantly more on school supplies compared to previous years, even after shopping around for the best deals. The back-to-school shopping season, which kicks off for most Michigan students on August 25 and September 2, has prompted families to stretch their budgets and seek cost-effective options.
Concerns over rising prices due to tariffs have driven parents to start their shopping earlier this summer. According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), about 67% of parents had already begun purchasing school items by early July, a notable increase from 55% the previous year. This trend marks the highest percentage of early shoppers since the NRF started tracking data in 2018.
Families are increasingly prioritizing affordability over brand loyalty. Store managers note that many shoppers are willing to trade down to more budget-friendly options, utilize layaway plans, and time their purchases around major sales events. Despite these efforts, initial data suggests that prices for essential school supplies have risen.
The Consumer Price Index indicates that prices for stationery and related items increased by 1.6% in July 2024 compared to July 2023. Detailed analyses from DataWeave show that prices for nearly 15,000 back-to-school items at retailers such as Staples, Amazon, Walmart, and Office Depot are approximately 8% higher than last year. Specific items, like journals and notebooks, have seen dramatic price increases, with some notebooks nearly doubling in cost.
The survey conducted by Deloitte from September 2024 to May 2025 revealed that a growing number of consumers identify as “value seekers.” These individuals make more cost-conscious choices and seek deals across various areas of their lives, reflecting a broader trend in spending behavior. The survey found that nearly 40% of Americans now consider themselves value seekers, cutting across age and income demographics.
In light of rising prices, many parents are adapting their shopping strategies. For instance, Elizabeth Howard, a 57-year-old Detroit resident, reported that she opted to pick up uniforms for her grandchildren in-store to avoid shipping fees. “I do my homework and compare prices,” Howard stated, though she lamented that uniform costs have risen from $9.99 to between $12.99 and $14.99.
Mekita Rostick, a mother of four, faced a similar situation while attempting to keep her back-to-school spending under control. After budgeting $50 for basic supplies, she ended up spending $120. To alleviate some financial pressure, Rostick participated in a “Back To School Resource Party” hosted by the Detroit nonprofit Take My Hand on August 21, 2024. The event provided free backpacks and supplies to families in need, alongside additional services like haircuts and health screenings.
The cautious spending habits extend beyond parents to educators as well. Nancy Korte, owner of Learning Gizmos in Warren, noted that teachers are becoming more conservative with their budgets, particularly due to uncertainties surrounding school funding. Korte mentioned that the demand for school supplies continues to grow, with parents frequently purchasing new items each year.
As back-to-school shopping continues, families in Metro Detroit are navigating a landscape of rising costs, seeking out deals and support to ensure their children are well-prepared for the school year ahead. The ongoing adjustments in spending behavior reflect broader economic challenges, but also a community’s resilience in facing them.
