BOULDER — Amanda Kennedy snapped up University of Colorado T-shirts for her family at the campus bookstore. The soon-to-be freshman, who saved up some cash working at an ice cream store this summer, said she expects to spend up to $1,000 in back-to-school shopping — on everything from a laptop to laundry detergent.
The engineering student, who recently moved from Delaware to Boulder, is amid a flock of students descending on this college town.
It’s that time of year when Boulder begins to bustle.
Movers say it’s their busiest season, and retailers are braced for the annual back-to-school boon — although spending is expected to be more modest than in past years, according to the National Retail Federation.
College students and their parents will spend an expected average of $618.12 this year, up 3 percent from last year. But with fewer people planning to attend college this fall, total college spending is expected to decrease 4 percent to $30.8 billion.
“Parents want to give their children everything necessary for the best education, but, this year, living at home may need to be a concession students need to make,” said Phil Rist, a vice president of BIGresearch, the company that conducted the survey for the National Retail Federation. “The trend of students living with their parents will disproportionately impact home-furnishings retailers, as fewer people may be purchasing kitchen items, home decor and furniture.”
Chris Hawksley, a CU senior majoring in psychology, will be moving in with his mother in north Boulder, saving money for his upcoming study-abroad trip to Amsterdam that begins in the spring semester.
Hawksley doesn’t plan to spend any cash on back-to-school items, aside from textbooks. “I’m really trying to cut down on material stuff,” he said.
Fall classes at CU begin Aug. 24.
