Half of back-to-school shoppers say they are hitting stores earlier this year compared to last year specifically because they are worried tariffs will increase prices, the NRF’s survey found. Many school essentials like backpacks, clothing, and electronics are imported into the United States.

While families are planning to spend less on back-to-school shopping this year, the National Retail Federation predicts consumers will spend a total of $39.4 billion this year compared to $38.8 billion last year.