Gen Z spends £4.3bn on back-to-campus products | kbnmart

As the new academic year approaches, we were told that Gen Z were prepared to spend an average of £1,600 per person on back-to-campus supplies, representing a total spend of £4.3 billion, according to research from UniDays.

Its wide-ranging ‘Back to Campus In-Depth Student Survey’ report surveyed thousands of UK students and found that the £1.5bn tech-fashion rival is a ‘strong favourite’ among Gen Z.

Respondents indicated “high purchase intent across categories” with the highest spend (£308m) on sports shoes followed by womenswear (£238m), streetwear (£176m) and accessories (£174m).

After technology and fashion, the desire for self-care was expected to drive beauty purchases to a total expected spend of £1.1bn, with average spend of £1,118 per new student compared to £518 for years two to four.

Body care, makeup, hair care and fragrances will be the most in-demand products, with total purchases expected to reach £204m, £192m, £184m and £174m respectively.

“Getting ready for the semester is a big task,” said Derek Morrison, general manager of Retail Marketplace. “With the first student loan payments due, Gen Z will be restocking their stocks of school supplies, groceries, fashion, beauty products, and essential tech tools.

“It’s a pivotal moment for brands to connect with Gen Z, particularly new students who are expected to spend more than any other age group, with average spend forecast to exceed £2,500 per student.”