Shopify Reveals Top Back-to-School Sales Trends and Regional Insights

Overview of Back-to-School Sales Trends in the US

Back-to-school shopping is a significant event in the retail calendar, with families investing in various products to ensure a smooth start to the academic year. According to Shopify‘s data, certain categories have experienced remarkable growth, reflecting broader trends in education and consumer behavior. From July 2025 sales data, categories like school uniforms, backpacks, and lunch boxes have shown substantial month-over-month increases, highlighting their importance in the back-to-school shopping list.

Key Product Categories and Their Growth

Analyzing the data, school uniforms emerged as the category with the highest growth, boasting a staggering 231% increase. This surge aligns with data from the National Center for Education Statistics, which indicates that school uniforms are becoming more prevalent, particularly in public schools. Backpacks and lunch boxes also saw significant increases, with 180% and 174% growth, respectively. These items are not just functional; they serve as a means for students to express their individuality.

The Role of School Uniforms and Personal Expression

In environments where school uniforms are mandatory, accessories like backpacks and lunch boxes become vital for personal expression. Students often use these items to showcase their unique styles and preferences, making them more than just school supplies. Water bottles have also become a key accessory, with students using them to display personal flair. These items offer a small but meaningful outlet for self-expression in a uniformed setting.

Declining Categories and Digital Trends

While many categories saw growth, some items experienced a decline in sales. Markers and highlighters, for example, saw an 8% decrease, while book covers fell by 1%. This trend may suggest a shift towards digital tools, such as e-readers and styluses, particularly in higher grade levels where technology integration is more prevalent. As digital learning tools become more common, traditional supplies may take a backseat in certain educational contexts.

Regional Insights: Midwest, Northeast, South, and West Coast

Examining back-to-school sales trends across different regions reveals unique preferences and purchasing behaviors:

• Midwest: The Midwest saw sports uniforms as the top-selling item, followed closely by water bottles and backpacks. Interestingly, stickers and sticker machines experienced a 174% increase in sales, indicating a regional preference for these items. However, calculator sales declined by 11%, marking the Midwest as the only region with a decrease in this category.
• Northeast: In the Northeast, sports uniforms also topped the sales chart, with backpacks and water bottles following suit. The region saw the most significant growth in sports uniforms, with a 25% increase. Bulletin boards, on the other hand, had the smallest growth compared to other regions.
• South: Backpacks were the leading back-to-school item in the South, with lunch boxes and water bottles also popular choices. The South recorded the strongest growth in water bottle sales, at 35%, and saw a notable increase in calculator sales, which rose by 124%.
• West Coast: Water bottles were the most popular item on the West Coast, followed by sports uniforms and backpacks. Despite strong overall sales, sports uniforms saw a 14% decline month-over-month, suggesting that purchasing for these items may occur earlier in the year compared to other regions.

Conclusion

Shopify‘s back-to-school sales data offers a comprehensive view of current trends and regional preferences in the United States. As families prepare for the new school year, categories like school uniforms, backpacks, and lunch boxes remain essential, reflecting both functional needs and opportunities for personal expression. While some traditional items face declining sales, the rise of digital tools continues to shape the landscape of school supplies. Understanding these trends can help retailers and consumers make informed decisions, ensuring a successful start to the academic year.

2025 Tendency LTD. All rights reserved.