Retail spending on Back to School items, including uniforms, is projected to hit around $2.7 billion in 2025, according to research by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and Roy Morgan.
The projected spend is up $150 million (5.9 per cent) over last year’s BTS spending, driven by population growth and inflation.
The research also shows that 5.1 million (or 24 per cent of Australians aged 18+) will spend an average of $525 each on BTS related merchandise. This is up from an average of $512 in 2024.
ARA chief industry affairs officer Fleur Brown said the projected BTS purchases would provide retailers with a welcome cashflow boost.
“Back to School sales are the first seasonal moment for retail after Boxing Day and peak season trading. Whilst these are mainly essential purchase items, for many retailers they provide positive momentum to begin the year,” she said.
“After a tough year, with interest rates remaining high and household budgets stretched for many families, we expect to see a continued focus on value in the spending activity.
Of those surveyed, 44 per cent of Australians making BTS purchases said they would be spending more than last year, while 23 per cent said they would spend the same and 33 per cent said they would be spending less.
The most popular purchases will be stationary - mentioned by 55 per cent of respondents - followed by school uniforms (53 per cent), footwear (50 per cent), books (40 per cent) and lunchboxes or water bottles (27 per cent).
More than half of those participating in the sales will be making purchases for primary school (59 per cent), with 50 per cent spending for high school. Less than one in ten (9 per cent) will purchase for university of TAFE, while 4 per cent will be for post-graduate studies.
The 35 to 49-year-old age bracket are set to make up the lion’s share of BTS spending, spending an average of $600 each and making up $1.75 billion of the $2.7 billion overall spend.
Around 15 per cent of those participating in the sales plan to spend more than $1,000, while 9 per cent plan on spending less than $100.
Women remain the main household decision maker on BTS purchases with 74 per cent of purchases, followed by men at 14 per cent, guardians at 6 per cent and students themselves at 2 per cent.
Nearly two-thirds (65 per cent) will purchase in-store, with 33 per cent making purchases online and 37 per cent making purchases directly through the school or school suppliers.
Western Australia (46 per cent) and South Australia (40 per cent) had the highest number of respondents planning to purchase online. This contrasts with New SOuth Wales where 76 per cent of purchasers intend to buy items in-store.
“Typically, uniforms, stationery, books and shoes make up most of the spending, with tech, school bags, lunch boxes and water bottles also highly sought after,” Brown said.
“It remains tough out there for a lot of families. These essentials are a critical focus for families wanting to ensure their kids get off to a strong and confident start for the school year.”
Many schools provide exemptions and financial support for those experiencing financial hardship, while some state governments have their own programs to assist.