See-through backpacks and jean shorts are among the popular last-minute purchases ahead of the new school year, several retailers said, as heat waves sweep the US and security concerns grow at many middle- and high schools.
Despite the fact that beginning on 1st October US student loan repayments will put a burden on many Americans’ finances, 2023 is anticipated to have the most costly back-to-school buying season yet. A retail trade association, the National Retail Federation, forecasts spending to top US $ 135 billion, up more than US $ 24 billion from the previous year.
Jorts, denim jean shorts, “are the trend that never seems to die,” said Melissa Cohen, former vice president of production at Polo Ralph Lauren and founder of MBC Consulting Solutions. “They are unquestionably one of the hottest apparel items for teens and tweens.”
The popularity of transparent backpacks this year is linked to security concerns of children carrying weapons, as a small but growing number of US schools are requiring them.
“The larger the school, the more they are needed,” said Leslie Sparacello, a school superintendent in Austin, Texas, whose former school required clear backpacks.
Without naming clear book bags directly, Calvin McDonald, CEO of Canadian athletic wear firm Lululemon, stated that bags were among the top sales this quarter.
In its most recent quarter through July, major retailer Walmart reported “ahead of plan” sales of back-to-school merchandise. According to a representative, Texas, Florida, and Mississippi saw a rise in demand for clear backpacks during the previous two back-to-school seasons, according to Walmart. The business features a unique section under its bag category for clear backpacks.
