Staples Survey: 'Savings' Is The the Top Priority for Parents During Back-to-School Season

A new online survey of parents of children ages 8-18, commissioned by Staples and conducted by Harris Poll, finds that price is the top consideration for 86 percent of these parents when buying school supplies. But shoppers are also looking for a mix of both fun and function and would purchase products designed by students for students when back-to-school shopping.

“We’ve seen many new back-to-school shopping trends over the past 30 years, but we know savings has always been top-of-mind for our customers,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president, North American stores and online, Staples, in a press release. “

The Staples 2015 Back-to-School Parents Survey revealed the following:

• 82 percent always look for deals and coupons before leaving the house to go shopping
• 81 percent agree they would purchase products for their child that other students designed
• 53 percent say the best time to purchase school supplies is one month before school starts
• 81 percent agree that they get their child all of their school supplies by the first day of school because it is most important that their child feels organized and prepared to succeed right from the start
• 78 percent buy their school supplies only or mostly in-stores
• 62 percent shop for a mix of fun and function
• 61 percent of parents of children 8-18 say children request new backpacks

Exclusive Staples’ Designed by Students

The overwhelming majority (81 percent) of these parents say they would purchase products designed by students when back to school shopping. Staples has worked with teams of middle school students on the Designed by Students initiative.

The exclusive Designed by Students school supplies are available in select stores nationwide and at Staples.com/designedbystudents.

The products range from multi-function pencil cases, backpacks with removable compartments, multi-purpose folders and portable desks to floating locker shelves and a dishwasher safe lunch bag.

Backpacks Available in Stores and Online at Staples.com

The majority of parents say children request new backpacks, and Staples carries one of the broadest selections of backpacks combining technology, fashion and fun – all at a 25 percent discount for the back-to-school season:

• M Edge Power Backpack that combines a battery interface on the exterior of the backpack for mobile phone and tablet charging and use on-the-go
• Jansport functional backpacks in trendy patterns including donuts, hamburgers or space kittens to name a few
• Studio C backpacks combine the latest fashion trends and patterns with removable purse and available notebooks, paper and accessories to coordinate
• Exclusive to Staples, Paperchase backpacks feature large white dots with a trendy mint background that coordinate with available matching lunch bag and supplies

The survey reveals that 78 percent of parents of children 8-18 do much of their shopping in stores. Staples is 110% ready and in stock all season long so parents, students and teachers can always find what they need with a great selection.

Staples make savings easy with their Back to School 110% Lowest Price Guarantee that gives shoppers the lowest prices on their back-to-school shopping. The Staples Less List offers the lowest prices on key back-to-school essential products all season long.

This survey was conducted online within the United States between April 28 and May 8, 2015 among 1,006 parents of a child aged 8-18 by Harris Poll on behalf of Staples.

Staples has its worldwide headquarters in Framingham.