Families, professor say school shopping costing parents more this year
Families in Yonkers say back-to-school shopping is putting a big dent in their wallets this year.
More Stories
Families in Yonkers say back-to-school shopping is putting a big dent in their wallets this year.
Students, like rising fifth grader Liliana, have a long list of supplies they need to start the school year off on the right note.
"Like a homework pad, four notebooks and a few pencils," Liliana says.
The basic items are costing her family a pretty penny this year, according to her relative Siliva Pllumbaj.
"Maybe $200...in the past, it was cheaper," Pllumbaj says.
Pllumbaj's observation is spot on, according to Pace economics professor Mark Weinstock.
"This year is going to be more expensive, but people are responding by buying less." Weinstock says.
The professor says tariffs are partially to blame.
"Especially on clothing and consumer electronics items," Weinstock says.
That's something store managers are seeing firsthand.
Ray Singh, the manager of Jackie's Kids in Yonkers, says shoppers just aren't coming in like they used to.
"Not really. Not too many people [are] coming in," Singh says. "I guess it's a last-minute thing."
Last minute or not, parent Danielle Farrell-Bannister says the money she spends on supplies is worth it.
"Education is extremely important, so that's my focus, really," Farrell- Bannister says.
