High prices are impacting back-to-school shopping for both parents and students

CHARLESTON, W.Va (WCHS) — The National Retail Federation says back to school shopping per household is down slightly this year, marking the first decrease since 2017. However, communities are stepping up to help ease the burden for families and students preparing for the school year.

Amanda Knell is a mother of three and she says the prices of supplies and clothing gives her sticker shock because it’s increased so much, but by being resourceful, you can still find what kids need.

“Look towards your community resources, as much as possibly you’d be surprised what’s out there,” Knell said. “The company that I work for has a backpack challenge where employees put together backpacks for children who need them and school supplies. So if you have a community organization that’s getting donations, like that definitely take advantage.”

According to the National Retail Federation, families are expected to spend nearly $875 per household heading back to school in 2024, down slightly from last year’s average by $15, and families are finding it hard to keep up with these prices.

Instructor Chelsea Steelhammer said she sees the firsthand impact on students without proper supplies.

“We have kids that come in and they need shoes, and it’s not the beginning of the year, it’s the middle of the year so then you and another teacher or two pull together and you go and find size six sneakers for the kid and that’s just sort of what you do,” said Steelhammer.

Colleen Csenteri is a mother of two and she recommends getting an early start on school shopping to relieve the financial stress.

“I think just breaking it down and doing it beginning of the year, starting to get certain things, especially like on sale, like a lot of things go on sale in July, that’s when I tend to pick up a lot of things too, and that helps,” Csenteri said.