JONESBORO, Ark. – Online shopping and bulk supply purchases by school districts are reshaping how families prepare for the school year, reducing in-person shopping, according to Phillip Tew, an associate professor of finance at Arkansas State University.
Tew explained that families are increasingly focused on finding the lowest prices for essentials like pencils and notebooks, shifting their purchasing habits toward more convenient and cost-effective options. Factors such as the time needed to prepare, the effort involved in traveling to stores, and rising fuel costs make online shopping a more attractive choice for busy families.
“That’s why the brick-and-mortar stores are going to struggle with this, unless they find a way to separate themselves,” Tew said of the retail landscape.
In addition to e-commerce, school districts are playing a larger role in consolidating school supply purchases. In some cases, schools buy supplies directly in bulk, then request reimbursement from families for a portion of the cost. This method helps ensure that students receive the correct items, often at a lower cost per family due to bulk discounts, Tew noted.
“That way, they know that everybody’s getting the correct things,” he said. “They are able to buy in bulk, so to get a discounted price, and so the parents don’t have to pay as much.”
Tew mentioned that this shift in purchasing strategies may also contribute to fewer shoppers taking advantage of special events like the tax-free weekend, once a mainstay of in-person school supply shopping.
The trend reflects an ongoing evolution in retail, where convenience, savings, and consistency are becoming top priorities for consumers navigating back-to-school preparations.