2025 Back-to-school data: Fewer store trips but more spend

Back-to-school shopping is usually a high point for retailers, but this year, parents and shoppers approached the season with more caution. According to new data from RetailNext, which analyzed over 7 million shopping trips across thousands of U.S. stores in July and August 2025, shoppers consolidated visits, focused on apparel, and showed signs of more cost-conscious decision-making.