TMCnet News

Students Head Back to Class with Technology in Tow
[August 13, 2014]

Students Head Back to Class with Technology in Tow


NEW YORK --(Business Wire)--

Students will need to find more room in backpacks for tech gadgets as they head back to school this fall. According to the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, parents expect to spend an average of $529 (46%) of their back-to-school budgets on electronic devices, equipping kids with the latest technology as the new school year begins. Overall back-to-school spending is up 5% since last year, as parents say they'll spend an average of $1,151 (vs. $1,094 in 2013 and $867 in 2012).

View/download the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker

With the majority of students using tech devices for learning (77% vs. 70% in 2013), it's no surprise that laptops, as well as classroom-friendly tablets, top kids' wish lists. The top five electronics parents intend to buy this season are:





    1.   Laptop computer (21% vs. 25% in 2013)
2. Tablet (20% vs. 15% in 2013)
3. Scientific calculator (17% vs. 18% in 2013)
4. Mobile phone (13%, on par with 2013)
5. Printer (12% vs 13% in 2013)
 

"Smartphones and laptops are being used for more than just games and social networking, as more students and schools find ways to integrate technology into the classroom," said David Rabkin, Senior Vice President of Consumer Lending Products at American Express (News - Alert). "As this trend continues, we expect consumer electronics retailers to see a lift in sales around back-to-school shopping time."

Tots, Tweens and Teens Pace the Tech Race

Younger students outpace their older counterparts with technology, as more K-8 (80% vs. 74% in 2013) and high school students (77% vs. 71% in 2013) report using electronic devices for learning than college students (75% vs. 69% in 2013). Tablets, specifically, are the device of choice for the K-8 set.

While tablets may be the new go-to for school, mom and dad understand smartphones are essential to safety and socializing, with 75% of parents who say they'll purchase a mobile phone for their child this year will choose a smartphone (vs. 69% in 2013). Parents report the average appropriate age for a phone remains at 12, and phone purchases for tweens (ages 10-14) have increased significantly (64% in 2014 vs. 57% in 2013).

Don't Rule out Rulers

In addition to electronics, parents say they will still purchase traditional items for the school year, spending more in several categories including:

                         
Category       2014   2013   2012
Clothing and Accessories       $265   $236   $241
Shoes       $129   $111   $102
Outerwear/Jackets       $114   $114   $97
School Supplies       $109   $102   $79
Textbooks       $270   $193   $209
         

Parents say they'll spend the majority of back-to-school clothing budgets at department stores (26%) and big box retailers (21%), followed by malls (16%), outlets/discount stores (13%) and online (10%), with credit card usage up significantly (44% vs. 39% in 2013).

Parents Do the Math, and More

From dioramas to book reports, parents anticipate their kids will have six school projects per child this year, and they will spend an average of $325 on extra supplies for these assignments. On top of financing school projects, parents will also contribute to their kids learning beyond purchasing supplies by lending their brain power. Most parents (57%) say they will give general guidance when helping out but leave it up to their children to complete big assignments, while nearly one third (32%) actively participate and collaborate with kids on their school projects.

About the American Express Spending & Saving Tracker

The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker research was completed online among a random sample of 2,033 adults, including the general U.S. population, as well as parents with school-aged children, and parents of college students. Interviewing was conducted by Ebiquity between July 17 and 19, 2014. The results reported in this release have a margin of error of +/- 2.7 among parents at the 95 percent level of confidence. For access to previous American Express Spending & Saver Tracker results, please visit inr.synapticdigital.com/americanexpress/spendsave.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpresslinkedin.com/company/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card.

About Ebiquity, Plc.

Ebiquity provides independent data-driven insights to global media, marketing and communications professionals to continuously improve clients' business performance. This includes specialized services in research supporting creative testing, brand/advertising tracking, corporate reputation, brand image, research for public relations and thought leadership, global media/social media content analysis, and communications research. Ebiquity acquired Echo Research in May 2011 and Echo officially started conducting business under the Ebiquity name on July 1, 2013. Learn more at Ebiquity.com


[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]