What Back-to-School Shoppers Want—And How Resellers Can Deliver

Back-to-school season is here! For resellers, it’s one of the best times of year to move inventory, attract new buyers, and position your business as a smart way to save on popular products.

This year, budget-conscious shoppers are getting their shopping done earlier, making their dollars go further, and even looking beyond traditional retail. If you sell secondhand, discount, or liquidated goods, this is your moment to capitalize!

What Back-to-School Shoppers Are Doing Differently in 2025

Families are feeling the pinch of rising costs but still expect to spend big on back-to-school needs. Here’s what stands out this year:

• Average expected spend: Nearly $900 per K–12 household; even more for college students.
• Earlier shopping: Many families started in late June or early July, hoping to beat high prices and low stock.
• Smarter tools: Shoppers are using AI-powered apps and browser extensions to compare prices and find deals fast.
• High-priority products: While tech and apparel spend might be tighter for some this year, they are still historically popular back-to-school categories. Shopping lists include:
  • Laptops, tablets, headphones
  • Kids’ and teens’ apparel
  • Athletic shoes and sneakers
  • Backpacks
  • Books and school supplies
• Deal hunting: Over a third of U.S. back-to-school shoppers plan to only buy items on sale (37%).

And while major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Walmart remain popular, shoppers are also poised to take an alternative approach. That’s where resellers come in.

Why Resellers Should Lean In—Now

With high prices and growing interest in secondhand options, resale has the potential to become more mainstream among back-to-school families. According to a recent survey, 71% of shoppers aged 25-34 bought “pre-loved goods” in the past year.

This is your opportunity to:

• Fill the gap left by out-of-stock or overpriced retail goods
• Offer budget-friendly alternatives that match what buyers are already searching for
• Build long-term trust with cost-conscious families who could become loyal repeat customers

But it’s not just about having the right products—it’s about having them at the right time.

3 Ways to Source Smart for Back-to-School Season

Retailers are quickly liquidating summer inventory, including any early back-to-school returns. That means resellers like you can get ahead—if you move quickly.

1. Track Early Returns

Popular shopping events and holidays lend themselves to more returns and exchanges. (Think: Amazon Prime Day and the Fourth of July.) Later, that inventory hits recommerce platforms like B-Stock before the school year starts. Watch for shoes, apparel, and outdoor items especially!

Did you know? Through 2024, the majority of apparel inventory listed on B-Stock was customer returns (72%). Check out apparel inventory >>

2. Look for Seasonal Overlap

Retailers are clearing summer goods, even though many products (like clothes and shoes) are still in high demand. Use this to your advantage when planning the next few months of your inventory supply. Back-to-school and early fall items can be sourced together, giving you more bang for your buck.

3. Shop the Right Categories

Focus on what families are prioritizing: practical, essential, and budget-friendly goods. There are “nice to haves” and necessities, but everyone loves a deal!

Categories to watch on B-Stock:

• Consumer electronics
• Footwear
• Children’s and teen clothing
• Backpacks and accessories

Don’t Forget to Market for the Moment

Once your shelves are stocked, help shoppers find you:

• Send an email blast to your customers letting them know about new inventory, drawing attention to “student essentials” or “school-ready tech.”
• Highlight the brand names you offer in your listings on sites like Poshmark and eBay.
• For the extroverts: Host a back-to-school-themed live auction on Whatnot.
• If you’re a brick-and-mortar retailer or discount store owner, organize sales and shopping events that generate buzz and boost foot traffic.

Ultimately, you want to promote savings and value—top priorities for every shopper right now—without getting lost in the noise.

Back-to-School and Beyond: Make Your Business a Go-To for Smart Savings

Back-to-school season may be a peak moment, but the habits buyers form now can carry through the year. Even now, lawmakers in Congress are looking to support small sellers and entrepreneurs on digital platforms to incentivize a more sustainable, circular approach to shopping.

By sourcing liquidated inventory in bulk from recommerce platforms like B-Stock, you’re able to:

• Offer name-brand products at discounted prices
• Support families looking for affordable alternatives
• Position your business as a sustainable and cost-effective choice, even after school starts

Shoppers are getting smarter. Make sure your business is, too. Find pallets, products, and pricing that work for your budget. Shop live listings now.