"Back to School 2023: Record-breaking Spending and Shopping Pressure"

The upcoming back-to-school shopping season in 2023 is expected to be the most expensive ever, with estimates suggesting that spending could surpass $135 billion, $24 billion more than in 2022. However, projections vary, with some experts predicting a decline in total spending due to inflation and consumer resilience. Higher prices and longer shopping lists have made parents more cost-conscious, leading them to be choosier about what they buy and where they shop. Clothing, shoes, and electronics are among the top categories for back-to-school shopping, with consumers also turning to discount retailers and online shopping for better deals.