Whether it is the excitement of getting out of the house back to somewhat normalcy or whatever the explanation may be, the National Retail Federation estimates that the “total back-to-school spending is expected to reach a record of $37.1 billion.” This record increased the total from last year by $3.2 billion, which is surprising as many had to adapt home spaces into classrooms. With this knowledge in mind, stores can prepare to meet the demand and gear advertisements towards families as they anticipate to “spend an average of $849 on back-to-school items.” So restock on the backpacks and textbook covers because back-to-school shopping is right around the corner.