Americans become consumers during the back-to-school season, as they purchase goods from domestic businesses for their children's education needs.
In the United States, the back-to-school season continues to be a significant economic driver, with this year's spending expected to reach $30.9 billion. The season, traditionally concentrated in September, is now stretching out as early as June, providing businesses with an extended shopping period.
One of the benefits of this extended season is capturing early bird shoppers seeking value. But it's not just about the sales; building stronger customer relationships through extended engagement is another key advantage.
Companies like DICK's Sporting Goods and Tractor Supply are contributing to this economic growth by partnering with public schools and supporting important community programs during the school year. These initiatives range from funding sports programs across the nation to sponsoring local National FFA Organization chapters and 4-H clubs.
The clothing sector is experiencing robust growth during the back-to-school season, providing a significant boost to fashion retailers, manufacturers, and the entire textile supply chain. Technology remains a key tool for students across the country, with an estimated 90% of parents planning to enroll children in extracurricular activities during the season, generating revenue for sports equipment manufacturers, arts suppliers, and local activity providers.
Social media is a powerful shopping tool for families during the back-to-school season. About 33% of online back-to-school shoppers use social media to discover products and deals, with 1 in 8 planning purchases directly through social media platforms in 2024. Social media also influences spending behavior, with 95% of these shoppers influenced to splurge on children and 68% buying items for themselves, notably higher than general shoppers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) significantly influences back-to-school shopping trends and retail technology in the U.S. In 2025, AI adoption is accelerating across the retail landscape, with younger generations leading the charge in embracing AI-powered shopping tools. Retailers are deploying AI technologies like generative AI and machine learning to enhance personalized shopping experiences.
AI tools like Stitch Fix offer product suggestions based on user preferences, and AIUTA provides virtual try-ons to visualize products. These AI tools use natural language processing and recommendation engines to simulate humanlike interactions, improving customer engagement and personalization.
Social media acts as a major channel for product discovery, influence, and purchase in back-to-school shopping, while AI complements this by offering personalized recommendations, virtual try-ons, and efficiency in the shopping journey. The desire for customizable and tech-enhanced school products reflects the digitally engaged consumer, often driven by trends discovered through social media and supported by AI technology in retail.
However, the reliance on AI by teenagers for shopping advice and everyday decision-making may have cognitive and social implications. While it could affect their creativity and critical thinking, it also underlines AI's growing role in their lifestyle and consumer behavior.
In conclusion, the 2025 back-to-school season demonstrates that American businesses continue to play a part in getting students ready for the school year. By leveraging social media and AI, retailers are enhancing personalized shopping experiences, adapting to changing consumer expectations, and driving economic growth.
- The chamber of commerce in the United States recognizes the back-to-school season as a significant economic policy driver, with this year's spending projected to reach $30.9 billion.
- Companies like DICK's Sporting Goods and Tractor Supply are fostering economic growth by partnering with public schools and supporting community programs during the school year.
- In the fashion industry, the back-to-school season provides a boost to businesses, manufacturers, and the entire textile supply chain, with the clothing sector experiencing robust growth.
- Technology is essential for students, and with 90% of parents planning to enroll children in extracurricular activities during the season, it generates revenue for sports equipment manufacturers, arts suppliers, and local activity providers.
- Social media plays a major role in back-to-school shopping by serving as a tool for product discovery, influence, and purchase, while AI enhances the shopping experience through personalized recommendations and virtual try-ons.
- By 2025, AI adoption is accelerating across the retail landscape, with younger generations embracing AI-powered shopping tools and influencing the future of commerce and economic growth.
- The increasing reliance on AI for shopping advice and decision-making by teenagers raises questions about potential cognitive and social implications, highlighting AI's growing influence on their lifestyle and consumer behavior.
