First Insight said the report was made to “uncover how soaring inflation and a potential recession on the horizon will impact this year’s back-to-school shopping season, as well as the economic health of the footwear industry overall.” The report was also done to explore consumer behavior shifts, “such as the role of social media, as both parents and children use major platforms and influencers to inform their purchases.”
The Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America teamed up with First Insight to poll 691 households about back-to-school shopping intentions. The households had children who were attending elementary school through college. The goal was to help brands and merchants better understand what to expect this b-t-s shopping season.
In a statement, First Insight said the report was made to “uncover how soaring inflation and a potential recession on the horizon will impact this year’s back-to-school shopping season, as well as the economic health of the footwear industry overall.” The report was also done to explore consumer behavior shifts, “such as the role of social media, as both parents and children use major platforms and influencers to inform their purchases.”
The results are encouraging for footwear brands. The report revealed that 78 percent or respondents said they plan to spend more or the same as last year on children’s footwear. And 36 percent said they expect to spend at least $200 in total for b-t-s footwear this year, which is two times the rate as last year. And 63 percent of respondents said they plan to spend $75 or less on footwear this year, which compares to 81 percent last year.
This consumer poll follows a prior report of footwear industry leaders regarding their top business concerns.
at WWD (subscription required) or download below.
