A study by Port Washington, NY-based research firm The NPD Group shows that 45% of consumers intend to buy consumer electronics such as computers and cell phones as part of their back-t0-school purchases this fall. “Kids are convincing parents that they need consumer electronics and the Internet to get through school, to be better educated, more productive, and better informed,” Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst of The NPD Group, said in a statement.
Nonetheless, basic school supplies and apparel continue to be the largest categories during the back-to-school season. According to the NPD study, 86% of consumers will spend money on school supplies, and 71% will buy apparel this season. In addition, 59% plan to buy footwear as part of their back-to-school buying, and 46% say they will buy schoolbags and backpacks.