Back-to-School shopping season in full swing as parents hunt for deals

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With the summer coming to an end and school starting back up  many parents have been busy back to school shopping. 

According to the National Retail Federation back to school shopping is one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year with K-12 shoppers expected to spend about $858 per person this year. 

 At Mayfaire Town Center, parents have been busy looking for the latest trends and sales. 

Assistant manager at Gap, Brandy Miller says this year has been especially busy. 

“Since COVID this has been one of our busiest back to school seasons that we’ve had,” Miller recalled.  

She credits both fashion and discounts for driving sales.  

“We actually have our big friends and family sale going on that is 40% off the entire store, card members get an extra 10% off. It’s one of the biggest sales we have for the year, we only do it 2 to 3 times a year and customers love it,” Miller said. 

Buckle store manager Ann Hall says denim is in demand. 

“For girl’s right now, it’s gonna be our wide-leg jeans and sevens and then for men it’s definitely going to be about our fabrics. Something that is super light-weight and easy to wear in Wilmington,” Hall informed. 

Gabby Guerrero was out at Mayfaire shopping for new outfits before attending East Carolina University.  

She says prices have increased over the years but not out of the norm. 

“I think they still have some pretty good prices in here,’ Guerrero said. 

And for her shopping in person still wins over online.  

“Online you don’t know what you are getting they may be big, too small, and I just hate sending it back and stuff so it’s better to shop in person for me to see if I like it or not,” Guerrero added. 

So far this season retailers say the largest spending categories have been clothing, shoes and dorm room and apartment furnishings.