Expect Savings on Back-to-School Supplies in 2024

Prices for School Supplies Decrease YoY

Prices for school supplies have seen an average drop of 4% from 2023 – 2024, making many of the most popular products more affordable for families and teachers alike. This, according to new data from ecommerce accelerator, Pattern. 

Why it matters: As the back-to-school season kicks off, early shopping is proving to be a smart move for those looking to maximize savings. Retailers may be shifting sales earlier to align with other trending summer sales events, including Amazon Prime Day, Target Circle Week, and Walmart Deals. However, while prices have been friendlier so far in the season, this may change as we get further away from prominent summer sales periods. 

What we’re seeing: Our team analyzed pricing data for the most popular back-to-school items, and we looked at every day of 2023 and 2024 so far. Overall, prices for back-to-school supplies have dropped by 4% with the following items seeing the most significant price decreases: 

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• Tablets decreased in price by -16% from 2023 - 2024
• College dorm decorations -14% 
• College ruled paper -14% 
• Dry erase markers -12%
• Crayons -11%

‍Yes, but: Paper products appear to have suffered the brunt of price increase activity year over year. Here are some of the back-to-school items that may cost parents more this year: 

• Graph paper increased in price by 11% from 2023 – 2024
• Glue sticks +5% 
• School supply kit +4%
• School planners +4% 
• Notebooks +4% 

‍What about teachers? In addition to reviewing pricing data for back-to-school products that parents purchase, our team analyzed how prices have changed for items that teachers need to prepare for the upcoming school year. Overall, prices for the most popularly purchased items for school teachers have decreased by 2%. Here’s how prices for the most popular items for teachers have changed year over year:

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• Storage bins have decreased in price by 13% from 2023 – 2024
• Classroom bookshelves -7% 
• File organizers -7% 
• Copy paper -5% 
• Classroom posters -2%

However: There are some items that will cost more for teachers this year, specifically when it comes to printing. Both printers and ink have seen an increase in price year over year, with printers costing 8% more and ink costing 3% more in 2024 compared to 2023. 

The takeaway: As retailers reduce pricing on back-to-school supplies to coordinate with other summer sales events, parents and teachers can look forward to lower prices on some of the most popular back-to-school items before the school year kicks off. While some items may cost a bit more, the overall decrease in price will make preparing for the academic year less of a financial burden for families and instructors alike. 

Pattern’s data science team analyzed product pricing data on Amazon for back-to-school shopping supplies for every day of 2023 and 2024 so far to understand what consumers can expect at checkout this school year. If you’d like to use insights like these to develop a smarter ecommerce strategy, contact our team online to learn more.