Back-to-school season has always been one of the biggest moments in American retail, but in 2025, New Jersey families are hitting the stores — and their favorite online shopping carts — earlier than ever. With inflation, tariffs, and ongoing price uncertainty shaping consumer behavior, parents across the Garden State are finding new ways to stretch their dollars while still making sure their kids are ready for the year ahead.

Why Shopping Started Early This Year

A growing number of parents across the U.S. have already crossed off big chunks of their school lists by midsummer. According to industry surveys, nearly 70% of families began their back-to-school shopping in early July, far ahead of the traditional August rush. That’s the highest percentage since national tracking began in 2018.

Why so soon? Two reasons stand out:

Inflation and tariffs. With the potential for rising import prices, many families are locking in deals before sticker shock hits later in the season.
Big July sales events. Amazon Prime Day, Target Circle Week, and mid-summer clearance events at Walmart and Kohl’s gave parents incentive to stock up early.

The result? A back-to-school season that feels more like Black Friday — complete with long wish lists, big-ticket electronics, and price-conscious shoppers who aren’t waiting until Labor Day.

What Families Are Spending in 2025

Even with tighter budgets, the numbers are staggering:

K-12 families will spend an average of $858 per student, adding up to nearly $39.4 billion nationally.
College students and their parents are planning to spend even more — an average of $1,326 per student, bringing total U.S. college spending to $88.8 billion.

In New Jersey, where school districts range from urban hubs to suburban strongholds, shopping lists are as diverse as the families filling them. Popular categories include:

Electronics – laptops, tablets, and calculators remain top priorities.
Clothing & Shoes – parents are balancing fashion-conscious teens with budget-friendly retailers.
School Supplies – from crayons to graphing calculators, the basics still matter.
Dorm Essentials – mini-fridges, bedding, and furnishings are major purchases for New Jersey’s large college student population.

The Rise of Value-First Shopping

The hunt for value has completely reshaped how families shop this season.

Discount and off-price retailers like Five Below, Dollar Tree, Burlington, and T.J. Maxx are experiencing heavy traffic.
Mass merchandisers such as Target and Walmart remain central players, particularly for families who want one-stop convenience.
AI-powered shopping tools are helping families find hidden deals online, with one in five shoppers reporting they’ve already used AI to compare prices and track discounts.
Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options are spreading costs over time, helping families balance big-ticket purchases like laptops or sports equipment.

Parents are also trading down to more affordable brands, shopping refurbished electronics, and choosing slower shipping options to cut costs.

Want to explore where New Jersey families are shopping this season? Visit our Shopping section for updates on malls, outlets, and retail hubs across the state.

New Jersey’s Shopping Centers See a Boost

One clear trend in 2025: brick-and-mortar shopping is back.

Industry research shows 59% of adults plan to buy most of their back-to-school items in person this year, up from 54% last year. That’s good news for New Jersey, which boasts one of the highest numbers of shopping centers per square mile in the nation.

Where the Crowds Are Going:

Bergen Town Center (Paramus) – Families are combining errands with dining, thanks to new food options alongside anchor stores like Whole Foods and Target.
Flemington Marketplace – A new Target location has drawn shoppers from across Hunterdon County.
Somerset Shopping Center (Bridgewater) – Off-price favorites like T.J. Maxx and Gap Factory remain staples for clothing runs.
Blue Star Shopping Center (Watchung) – Value chains like Marshalls and Dollar Tree thrive with cost-conscious families.

Real estate leaders say strong foot traffic at malls and open-air shopping centers reflects both convenience and consumer desire for hands-on shopping. Parents like being able to touch, try, and compare before buying, especially when choosing clothing and footwear.

Back-to-School Shopping in New Jersey: A County-by-County Guide

New Jersey isn’t just the most densely populated state in the country — it’s also one of the most retail-saturated, with shopping centers, outlet malls, and boutique downtowns around every corner. When it comes to back-to-school shopping, parents and students across the Garden State have no shortage of options.

Here’s a county-by-county breakdown of some of the best destinations for back-to-school shopping in New Jersey, from mega-malls to hidden gems.

North Jersey

Bergen County

Bergen Town Center (Paramus): Anchored by Target and Whole Foods, plus dozens of fashion and shoe stores.
Westfield Garden State Plaza (Paramus): The largest mall in NJ, offering everything from Apple to Nordstrom — a one-stop shop for clothing, electronics, and supplies.
Paramus Park Mall: A smaller, family-friendly option with easy parking and mid-range retailers.

Hudson County

Newport Centre (Jersey City): Popular for its mix of big-box stores and fashion brands, plus easy PATH train access for NYC commuters.
American Dream (East Rutherford): Beyond shopping, it offers entertainment like Nickelodeon Universe and DreamWorks Water Park — making it a back-to-school trip kids actually look forward to.

Essex County

The Mall at Short Hills: Upscale shopping for fashion-forward teens and college students.
Livingston Mall: Affordable chains like Macy’s and Foot Locker, perfect for budget-conscious families.

Passaic County

Willowbrook Mall (Wayne): Known for its variety — everything from electronics to sportswear.
Downtown Clifton & Paterson Markets: Great for affordable clothing and accessories.

Morris County

Rockaway Townsquare: A reliable hub with department stores, shoe retailers, and school supply shops.
Morristown Green & Downtown Boutiques: For parents looking for unique finds, especially in clothing and accessories.

Sussex & Warren Counties

Ledgewood Commons (Roxbury): Features Walmart, Marshalls, and Burlington — all favorites for school basics.
Phillipsburg Mall Area: While the traditional mall has declined, surrounding big-box retailers like Target and Kohl’s remain strong.

Central Jersey

Middlesex County

Menlo Park Mall (Edison): Wide range of fashion and footwear chains, plus a new Apple Store.
Woodbridge Center Mall: One of the state’s largest, with everything from H&M to school supply shops.

Somerset County

Bridgewater Commons: Stylish mall with mid- to high-end clothing retailers, plus easy highway access.
Somerville Circle Shopping Center (Raritan): Budget-friendly options like Burlington and Five Below.

Union County

The Mills at Jersey Gardens (Elizabeth): NJ’s largest outlet mall, tax-free shopping on clothing, and deep discounts.
Downtown Westfield: Boutique shopping with a classic small-town vibe.

Mercer County

Quaker Bridge Mall (Lawrenceville): Offers everything from Apple to Sephora, making it a top stop for high schoolers and college kids.
Downtown Princeton: Trendy stores, bookstores, and cafes make it ideal for college prep shopping.

Monmouth County

Freehold Raceway Mall: The anchor retail destination of Central Jersey with a full lineup of back-to-school must-haves.
The Grove at Shrewsbury: Upscale open-air shopping for stylish families.

South Jersey

Ocean County

Ocean County Mall (Toms River): Reliable mix of big-box anchors and smaller shops.
Jackson Premium Outlets: Great for scoring discounted shoes, backpacks, and apparel.

Burlington County

Moorestown Mall: Recently revitalized with new stores and restaurants.
Cherry Hill Mall (nearby in Camden County): South Jersey’s premier fashion hub, worth the short trip.

Camden County

Cherry Hill Mall: The region’s largest, anchored by Nordstrom, Macy’s, and JCPenney.
Gloucester Premium Outlets: Affordable shopping for sneakers, activewear, and backpacks.

Gloucester County

Deptford Mall: Popular with families for its variety of mid-range clothing and supply retailers.
Downtown Pitman Shops: Independent stores for unique finds.

Atlantic County

Hamilton Mall (Mays Landing): Although scaled back in recent years, still offers strong back-to-school shopping options.
Atlantic City Outlets – The Walk: Major brand outlets at discounted prices.

Cape May County

Rio Mall (Rio Grande): Convenient for shore families wrapping up summer while prepping for school.
Washington Street Mall (Cape May): A mix of boutiques and specialty stores for unique clothing and accessories.

Cumberland & Salem Counties

Cumberland Mall (Vineland): Regional hub with affordable back-to-school shopping staples.
Local Downtowns (Salem, Bridgeton, Millville): Smaller independent stores help families find basics without a long drive.

Generational Shift: Gen Z Parents Lead the Way

A new wrinkle in 2025? Many parents of today’s K-12 kids are Millennials and early Gen Z — digital natives who shop differently than the generations before them.

These parents value:

Experiential retail – choosing malls and centers where kids can grab lunch, play, and shop all in one trip.
Treasure-hunt shopping – stores like HomeGoods and Marshalls that make bargain-hunting fun.
Tech-savvy solutions – apps, AI, and digital coupons are second nature to them.

This generational influence is part of what’s driving the physical shopping renaissance in New Jersey.

Looking Ahead: What Retailers Expect

Retail executives in New Jersey say that despite ongoing uncertainty, the outlook is strong. Many chains front-loaded their inventory earlier this year to soften the blow of tariffs, and so far, sales reports show families are spending steadily.

“Value is increasingly important,” said Matthew Harding, CEO of Levin Management Corp., which manages dozens of New Jersey shopping centers. “Parents are prioritizing essentials, and retailers that adapt quickly to those needs are the ones succeeding.”

With the holiday season already on the horizon, retailers are expected to continue pushing early promotions and tech-driven savings tools to keep New Jersey shoppers engaged.

Back-to-school shopping in New Jersey is more than just a seasonal rush — it’s a $128 billion economic engine nationwide that reflects how families are adjusting to inflation, tariffs, and changing retail habits. From Paramus megamalls to small-town shopping centers, the state is buzzing with activity as parents check off their lists earlier than ever.

For New Jersey families, the strategy is clear: shop smart, hunt for value, and start early. And for retailers, the message is just as important: evolve, adapt, and deliver both affordability and convenience.

Whether online or in person, one thing is certain — in the Garden State, back-to-school shopping is alive, well, and already shaping the retail landscape of 2025.

From Paramus to Cape May, New Jersey offers parents countless ways to tackle their back-to-school lists. Whether it’s scoring deals at outlets, hitting luxury stores for stylish teens, or shopping small in local downtowns, every county has its own flavor.

Before you shop, check out Explore New Jersey’s Shopping section for more guides, deals, and seasonal retail updates across the state.