KPMG consumer pulse survey | Back-to-school
Cautiously committed: How consumers are navigating back-to-school spending in 2025
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The 2025 KPMG consumer pulse | Back-to-school survey is now available, providing the latest insights from over 2,000 U.S. consumers. This year's survey explores how current economic worries will affect consumer spending and shopping habits during the back-to-school season. The findings provide a fresh look at how consumers are managing the uncertainties of 2025 as they gear up for the upcoming academic year.
Consumers are selective—with spending up in essential categories and down in others
Higher spending is mainly driven by expectations of higher costs
Core supplies, apparel, and footwear comprise nearly half of BTS spending
Peer recommendations have the most influence on teen product choices
Dive into our thinking:
Cautiously committed paper
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Meet our team
Duleep Rodrigo
U.S. Sector Leader, Consumer & Retail, KPMG LLP
Julia Wilson
Principal, Advisory Strategy, KPMG LLP
Duleep Rodrigo
U.S. Sector Leader, Consumer & Retail, KPMG LLP
Julia Wilson
Principal, Advisory Strategy, KPMG LLP