ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – The National Retail Federation is expecting to see lower back-to-school costs for households this upcoming school year for the first time since 2018.
From 2018 to 2023, the price of back-to school shopping — which includes items like school supplies, clothing, and electronics — increased by $205.28.
This year, the cost is expected to go down around $16, although the cost of school supplies alone is expected to increase slightly.
Toni Riley, senior director of diversity, equity, inclusion, and community engagement with the Anchorage School District, said returning to the classroom can cause financial stress on families.
“We know is a necessity that people need and this also makes them nervous about back-to-school,” Riley said.
To help with the cost of items this year, the district put on the 25th Back-to-School HUGSS event, in partnership with the Lutheran Social Services of Alaska. The partners passed out …