HONOLULU (KHON2) — While many kids are excited about showing off new outfits and accessories this school year, parents are facing a different kind of reality: sticker shock.
“How is everything looking so far? Expensive,” shopper Chenoa Lalamua said while back-to-school shopping with her child. “Yeah, well, there are a lot of sales, but it still adds up.”
From backpacks and lunchboxes to sneakers and water bottles, the cost of getting ready for school is climbing.
“Shoes [are] 50 to 90 dollars per set,” Lalamua added.
A recent survey by U.S. News found that 85% of Americans are concerned about rising back-to-school costs due to new tariffs on imported goods. And it’s not just talk — the National Retail Federation says nearly 70% of consumers began shopping as early as July, a noticeable jump from 55% last year.
“I believe a lot of people were scared of the tariffs and the hike in everything, so they bought early,” said Tina Yamaki, president of the Retail Merchants of Hawaiʻi. “School supplies went on sale in early July. People were hoping prices would come down closer to school starting — deeper discounts.”
But despite the early rush, shopping centers like Pearlridge Center and Ala Moana were busy this weekend, as many families waited until the last minute.
“For sure, we are on Hawaiian time,” said Francine Nao, associate manager at T&C Surf in Pearlridge. “This is the last weekend before school starts, so the Sunday before, we should expect a lot of foot traffic.”
T&C Surf is currently offering 25% off select Da Kine and Herschel backpacks, and for those spending $60 or more on Da Kine accessories, a free accessory tote or fanny pack is included.
“We have pencil cases, lunchboxes — and we can’t forget about water bottles,” Nao said.
But while many big box stores stocked up ahead of anticipated price hikes, experts warn that more price increases are likely on the way.
“You’re probably going to see an increase in the price of everything,” Yamaki said. “Not just because of tariffs but because it just costs more to manufacture and ship things over.”
According to Yale’s Budget Lab, tariffs ranging from 10% to 40% on imported goods could soon push shoe prices up by 40% and clothing by 38%.
Yamaki adds that now might be the right time to look beyond the mall. Local craft fairs and small businesses are not only a great place to shop for school essentials but also a way to support Hawaiʻi’s local economy.
“So many of these local markets are going on with local crafters and small businesses,” she said. “People have been buying a lot of things from them as well — backpacks, back-to-school gear — and that’s great for the local economy.”
And with sales already happening this week, Yamaki says people are already shopping for the holiday season too.
“If you see something you like at a good price, grab it,” she said. “Because it might not be there next time you look.”