Onslow County parents forced to cut back on school supplies amid rising inflation rates
With inflation forcing Onslow County residents to cut back on spending, students may have to forgo new sneakers, clothes and other amenities and stick with the basics.
Inflation rates are currently at 8.5% as local economic experts believes there is a 30-40% chance of a recession happening this year.
According to an annual survey by the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights and Analytics, 38% of consumers said they are cutting back in other spending areas to cover the cost of items for the upcoming school year.
More: With a recession possible, experts say Onslow County may be better off than we think
The survey also found that families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $864 on school items, approximately $15 more than last year. However, a 68% of survey respondents said they have seen higher prices on school items.
Because of this, many local families are having to look into alternative options as they shop for back to school, which starts Monday.
"I am having to shop earlier to budget more, use extra things bought from years past for this year, shopping the sales," said Hubert resident Melissa Davis. "Target has 15% right now with their app, they did $20 back last month if you spent a certain amount, so I took advantage of that."
Many parents agree that shopping at their house is the first thing they do, rather than running to the store for brand new supplies.
Swansboro resident Tammy Parker said she would always keep school supplies in one place and her kids would refill or replenish from there first. Many times, Parker said they would find most of the things they needed, without ever having to step foot in the store.
"I also think we need to change the mindset of back-to-school shopping," Parker said. "While buying all new clothes and shoes sounds fun and fresh, it is not always needed. I hate that the stores make families feel, especially in times that are financially tough, that they have to have 'all new and sparkling' when kids start school."
More: Meet the new principals and administrators in Onslow County Schools this year
Because of the high prices of everything, some parents are choosing to homeschool.
Onslow County resident Lauri Hughes said her kids are homeschooling again this year, as it saves them a ton of money. Stella resident Mary Lowry agrees, saying she has been homeschooling for over ten years now, which really helps when it comes to back-to-school shopping.
"Although we are at home, I do buy my girls a new outfit to start the new year," Lowry said. "Our supplies are easy on the budget, as I can buy things as I need them. The biggest expense is paying for the tuition and curriculum through the academy we use, but that is paid a month before we need any supplies."
The National Retail Federation survey said the top five back-to-school shopping destinations are online (50%), department stores (45%), discount retailers (40%), clothing stores (37%) and electronics stores (28%).
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Back-to-school shopping too expensive for many Onslow County residents
