With the exception of one new backpack and a few neckties, I have bought virtually no back to school items for my kids so far this year. Perhaps it's because my kids wear uniforms to school (which allows me to escape the whole fashion in school nightmare). And, perhaps its because I have yet to receive the dreaded school supply list from the teachers. 3 glue sticks, 20 #2 pencils, etc. You know how that goes. When I do get it, I will dutifully go shopping as I am sure most parents will do. I consider most back to school shopping non-discretionary...unlike discretionary shopping for gifts during the holidays. For that reason it's hard for me to accept that there is a strong correlation between back to school and holiday sales. But, that's what the experts say. What do you think?
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Comments
Toivo -- yes, except that the price for the discretionary Hannah Montana folder is still just about a dollar more than the required plain blue paper one. So parents may splurge on back to school and still not have a lot of extra income come December.
I agree that necessary school supplies are non-discrecionary. Perhaps the schools should consider supplying those items. Due to their then greater purchasing power it should be possible for the schools to obtain the needed supplies at a lower cost than parents shopping individually.
I can also see the experts' point. In the overall purchases made during the back to school season they also see the additional discretionary spending for things the kids just "need" to have. Kids will always want something when you take them to a store. The amount of discretionary spnding parents can afford in August can foretell how loose the pursestrings will be for the holiday season.