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 2026

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:

Earlier shopping: About one-third of back-to-school shoppers got started in early June—with 40% of Gen Z and 42% of Millennials leading the charge.
Average expected spend: A look back at 2o25 numbers show K-12 spending hit $875 per household and $1,365 per college student.  This year, NRF predicts total spend to reach $38 billion.
Live shopping curiosity: Some of the fastest-growing categories on live shopping app Whatnot include beauty, electronics, and women’s fashion. And with more than 20 million new accounts created last year, this is one channel not to miss.
Expanded shopping lists: Clothing, accessories, and electronics are consistently top back-to-school categories for K-12 and college shoppers. However, shopping lists also include:

Shoes
Food
Dorm/apartment furnishings
School supplies

Deal hunting: Over half of U.S. back-to-school shoppers (52%) made plans to shop during sales in 2025. This is likely to continue into 2026.

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. Secondhand apparel, especially, is becoming a default starting point; a recent report shows that 46% of shoppers browse resale before buying new!

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 home furnishings especially!

Did you know? Through 2025, the majority of apparel inventory listed on B-Stock was customer returns (57%). 

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.