South Dakota Back-to-School Shopping Starts Early as Families Turn to Local Retailers

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Families across South Dakota are gearing up for the new school year, and retailers say back‑to‑school shopping is already in full swing. According to new data from the National Retail Federation (NRF), households with K‑12 students are expected to spend an average of nearly $864 this season, with electronics, clothing, shoes, and school supplies topping the list.

South Dakota retailers are seeing those trends reflected in their stores.

At Shoe Science in Aberdeen, owner Mckenzie Farmen said families began shopping earlier this summer — a budgeting strategy that’s becoming more common.

“We typically receive our back‑to‑school inventory in mid‑to‑late June, so it’s great to see families getting a head start,” Farmen said.

She still expects the biggest rush to come in the final days before school starts, a pattern she sees every year.

In Lemmon, The Current Connection owner Kim Anderson said early shoppers tend to be the ones who know exactly what they want. “Our early shoppers are those that are excited about particular items, styles, and colors,” Anderson said. She reviews school supply lists early to ensure her shelves match what teachers request — including unique or hard‑to‑find items.

National data also shows a shift back toward local shopping. In 2025, 55% of families purchased back‑to‑school items online. This year, that number is expected to drop to 50%, with more shoppers choosing brick‑and‑mortar stores.

Farmen said she’s seeing that shift firsthand. “We’ve made a significant investment in expanding our kids’ footwear selection, replacing lower‑quality brands with premium options,” she said. “The response has been very positive, and we’re seeing more families choose to shop locally for quality shoes and personalized fitting expertise.”

The South Dakota Retailers Association, which represents nearly 4,000 businesses statewide, says the early momentum is a welcome sign for retailers heading into one of their busiest seasons of the year.

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