UK parents to spend 1.45 billion pounds on Back to School

As the days grow shorter and the leaves begin to change color, the younger part of the nations prepares to return to school after the summer holiday. Although most students are keen to return to school with a new gadget to show off, parents in the UK would rather invest in high quality school uniforms and sportswear, according to the latest data from retail research agency Conlumino.

With total retail spending on Back to School items forecast to hit 1.45 billion pounds this year, a 2.7 percent increase from 2014, UK consumers will be focusing on product quality ahead of low prices, special deals or store convenience when it comes to school uniforms. "Consumers are demanding uniforms that are durable and will last for the full school year. As disposable incomes continue to recover, consumers are likely to be willing to spend slightly more on school uniform if it will last longer and represents better value for money," says Bromley.

Last year saw UK consumers spend 842 million pounds on school uniforms, 225 million pounds on sportswear and sports equipment, and 130 million pounds on school accessories. "While purchase volumes are unlikely to pick up massively, parents may start to splash out more on Back to School purchasing – this might mean buying their child some extra stationery or a new pair of football boots – purchases that previously would have been postponed," adds Bromley.