What to Expect This Back-to-School Season

The internet will play a key role in helping consumers complete their back-to-school shopping. Fifty-seven percent of shoppers said they will conduct research online before purchasing items. Retail websites, search engines and emails from retailers will be the most popular online resources.

Even more importantly, 80 percent of consumers will purchase back-to-school items online this year. Half of electronics’ shoppers, 46 percent of dorm and kitchen shoppers, and 45 percent of bed and bath shoppers will purchase at least half of those products online. School supplies, however, will be purchased mainly offline, with only 18 percent of shoppers purchasing at least half of those items online.