Nevada's back-to-school spending to eclipse $525 million

Nevada families are poised to spend $525.1 million on back-to-school preparations this year, according to the Retail Association of Nevada.

Compared to one year ago, total spending is down 0.5%. RAN projects that $369.1 million will be spent on K-12 students, marking a 0.7% decrease from last year.

Electronics top the spending list at $130.5 million, followed by clothing and accessories at $106.9 million, shoes at $71.9 million and school supplies at $59.8 million.

Nationally, families with K-12 students are expected to spend $38.8 billion, with an average of $874.68 per household, down 1.7% from last year’s $890.07, according to the National Retail Federation.

For college students, of which there are an estimated 114,000 enrolled in Nevada’s public and private institutions, RAN estimates total back-to-school expenditures of $156.1 million.

Electronics again lead the spending at $41.1 million, followed by dorm and apartment furnishings at $22.0 million, clothing and accessories at $19.6 million, and food expenses at $17.1 million.

Nationwide, the NRF projects college students’ spending to reach $86.6 billion, with an average of $1,364.75 per household which is down 0.2% from one year ago.

In terms of shopping destinations, 57% of back-to-school shoppers and 50% of back-to-college shoppers are turning to online retail sites.

Department stores are popular among 50% of K-12 shoppers and 35% of college shoppers. Other preferred locations include discount stores, clothing stores, and electronics stores. For college students, office supply stores and college bookstores are also favored.

For information, visit https://rannv.org.