IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
The Internet is apparently putting a slight dent in back-to-school shopping.
About 85 percent of all back-to-school purchase are expected to happen at brick-and-mortar stores, according to a recent survey of 1,000 consumers by the International Council of Shopping Centers.
Seventeen percent of those surveyed said they plan to buy items online and have them delivered to their home, while seven percent said they would shop online and pick up their purchases in store, the council stated.
“Of those who plan to buy and pick up in-store, 80 percent said theyd likely make additional purchases while picking up the order, said Jesse Tron, council spokesman. Thats a big opportunity for retailers to boost sales by converting online buyers into in-store pick-up customers.
Most of those surveyed – 77 percent – said they plan to shop at discount stores, while office supply and department stores tied at 40 percent each.
Parents of K-12 students said they expect to spend an average of $873 a student this year, while parents of college students said they will spend about $1,000 per student. Both of those figures are up slightly from last year, the council stated.
