Consumerism Trends
This week, I packed four lunches, tied four pairs of shoes, and waved goodbye to four backpacks heading out the door. Back-to-school season has officially begun!
This year’s Deloitte Back-to-School Survey found that parents are reshaping how spending decisions get made. Families are feeling financial pressure, and back-to-school spending is holding flat for the first time in years. That means parents are prioritizing essentials and weighing every dollar more carefully.
Many using social media to guide shopping and even turning to AI tools to compare, plan, and purchase new clothes and school supplies.
Why It Matters
This same mindset will carry into the giving season. Family budgets are getting squeezed, and just because there’s a reason to spend—or give—doesn’t mean that they’ll be opening their wallets wider than last year.
Next Steps
Ministries and nonprofits will need to offer compelling reasons why their mission deserves support. In a value-seeking environment, messages that emphasize impact, necessity, and eternal value will stand out.
To read the entire study, click here.
Curious what this data means for your ministry strategy? Let’s talk. I’d be glad to explore how your message can meet parents right where they’re making choices.
Sam Rinearson
Director of Strategy | sam@eaglecom.us