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Students Head Back to Class with Technology in Tow; From Tablets to Smartphones, Electronics Comprise 46% of Average Back-to-School Budgets
[August 14, 2014]

Students Head Back to Class with Technology in Tow; From Tablets to Smartphones, Electronics Comprise 46% of Average Back-to-School Budgets


(M2 PressWIRE Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) NEW YORK -- Students will need to find more room in backpacks for tech gadgets as they head back to school this fall. According to the latest , 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 per child (vs. $1,094 in 2013 and $867 in 2012).



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. "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 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).

Click to enlarge 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 http://amex.co/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/americanexpress , linkedin.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 .

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