Back-to-School Shopping Makes the Grade—78% of Consumers Plan to Spend More, ICSC Survey Finds

Ninety-five percent of back-to-school shoppers to spend in physical
stores; 93 percent to spend at mall or shopping center

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) released its
annual back-to-school consumer survey results, finding an overall uptick
in spending. In-store purchases continue to dominate, with a whopping 95
percent of back-to-school (BTS) shoppers planning to spend at physical
stores, while omnichannel trends like click and collect are also gaining
traction. In total, the average BTS shopper is expected to spend $657.00
in purchases.

Seventy-eight percent of BTS shoppers expect to spend more this year, a
significant increase compared with those who planned to do the same in
2015 (67%) and 2014 (50%). When asked why their spending would increase
this year, 48 percent noted a need to replace wardrobe and school
supplies, 44 percent cited that school requirements have changed and 35
percent stated that the items they plan to buy are more expensive than
last year.

“Back-to-school shopping is considered the second biggest spending
season of the year and according to ICSC’s survey, this season is
shaping up to be the strongest of recent years,” said Tom McGee,
President and CEO of ICSC. “As we’ve seen in our other surveys, the
majority of consumers intend to shop primarily in stores. At the same
time, there is a continued interest in leveraging omnichannel strategies
such as click and collect as consumers integrate technology into their
shopping experience.”

Ninety-three percent of BTS shoppers plan to spend at a mall or shopping
center. When asked why they prefer to spend in physical stores and
shopping centers, the top reasons included:

  • Ability to physically see, touch or try on merchandise (42%)
  • Avoid shipping costs (34%)
  • Convenience of one-stop shopping (33%)

While the majority of back-to-school shoppers (95%) will spend at
physical stores, many also plan to spend online from retailers with
brick-and-mortar locations. As a result, 97 percent of BTS shoppers will
spend in-store and/or online at retailers with a physical presence.

Click and collect is resonating with consumers. Thirty-three percent of
shoppers will make a purchase online to be picked up in a physical
location. What’s more, 84 percent of those shoppers will make an
additional purchase when picking up their online order.

Sixty-two percent of BTS shoppers plan to conduct research online before
shopping. Eighty-six percent will use their mobile device while shopping
in-store, primarily to compare prices (58%), retrieve discounts (45%)
and view ratings (34%).

Over three-quarters (77%) of BTS shoppers will purchase school or office
supplies, 68 percent will buy apparel or footwear, and nearly half (47%)
will spend on electronics. On average, all BTS shoppers will spend
nearly $280 on electronics.

The back-to-school shopping season is starting and ending earlier this
year, with more consumers planning to spend in July and less in
September than 2015. Almost one-third of those surveyed have already
started spending and six percent have completed all their shopping
needs. August remains the most popular time to shop with 87 percent of
Americans planning to do their shopping then; forty-nine percent of
shoppers believe this month is the best time for back-to-school deals,
promotions and discounts.

Methodology

The ICSC Back-to-School Survey was conducted online by Opinion Research
Corporation on behalf of ICSC from July 7-10, 2016. The survey
represents a demographically representative U.S. sample of 1,023 adults
18 years of age and older.

About ICSC

Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping
center industry. Its more than 70,000 members in over 100 countries
include shopping center owners, developers, managers, investors,
retailers, brokers, academics, and public officials. The shopping center
industry is essential to economic development and opportunity. They are
a significant job creator, driver of GDP, and critical revenue source
for the communities they serve through the generation of sales taxes and
the payment of property taxes. These taxes fund important municipal
services like firefighters, police officers, school services, and
infrastructure like roadways and parks. Shopping centers aren’t only
fiscal engines however; they are integral to the social fabric of their
communities by providing a central place to congregate with friends and
family, discuss community matters, and participate in and encourage
philanthropic endeavors. For more information about ICSC visit www.icsc.org
and for the latest news from ICSC and the industry go to www.thecenterofshopping.com.

Contacts

ICSC
Noelle Malone, 646-728-3540
nmalone@icsc.org

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