Metro Detroit families struggle with back-to-school shopping in face of inflation

As the back-to-school shopping season kicks off, families are grappling with rising inflation while trying to prepare for the new academic year. Parent Ecora Foshee highlights her strategy of utilizing community resources on social media to find free items for her children, rather than relying on dollar or thrift stores. The National Retail Federation (NRF) projects that back-to-school spending will reach $39 billion this year, a significant increase from $26 billion in 2019, with families expected to spend an average of $875 on clothing, shoes, and supplies. This year’s spending marks the second-highest figure on record, according to NRF's Katherine Cullen. As families seek cost-effective solutions, resale clothing stores are witnessing a surge in shoppers looking for bargains. Some stores offer children's clothing starting as low as 50 cents, with the most expensive items priced around $12. The recent inflation data indicates a 2.9% rise in consumer prices in July, the first time it has dipped below 3% since 2021. The NRF estimates that essential school supplies, including pens and paper, will cost parents approximately $141. Online shopping remains the most popular choice for back-to-school shoppers, followed by department and discount retailers. As economic issues become a focal point in the ongoing presidential race, parents express concern over the financial strain of rising prices, with some younger parents resorting to debt to cover school-related expenses.