WCPO: Shoppers are cutting costs to buy school supplies
UC economist David Brasington encourages consumers to search for bargains
Finding the best bargain is the best bet for consumers searching for school supplies, according to David Brasington, PhD, James C. and Caroline Kautz Chair in Political Economy and economics professor at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business.
David Brasington, PhD, James C. and Caroline Kautz Chair in Political Economy and economics professor.
“With everything that people have to buy, it really cuts down on what they want to buy,” Brasington told WCPO.
According to the National Retail Federation, more than one-third of consumers are cutting back in other areas to pay for back-to-school supplies.
Brasington noted that increased wages that have been raised for inflation are partially responsible for the higher prices on school supplies. He also cited other factors such as oil prices and supply chain backups.
“You just have to find whatever's cheapest,” Brasington said. “If you normally shop at a name-brand store, maybe go to a lower quality store, like a dollar store, and find things that are cheaper there.”
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
World class: Alumni travel program connects Bearcats on global scale
January 7, 2026
Most people have a natural curiosity to see the world. Meanwhile, most Bearcats enjoy being around other Bearcats. Alumni can check both boxes through the UC Alumni Association’s travel program, which offers about half a dozen excursions each year to fascinating places around the globe.
UC launches Bearcat Affordability Grant
January 7, 2026
The University of Cincinnati is making college more attainable for students across Ohio with the creation of the Bearcat Affordability Grant. The new grant will provide a pathway to tuition-free college for students of families who make less than $75,000 per year. Beginning in fall 2026, the Bearcat Affordability Grant will cover the remaining cost of tuition for Ohio residents who are Pell eligible.
How aerospace is turning to trustworthy AI
January 6, 2026
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science graduate Lynn Pickering talks to the Ohio Federal Research Network about her research into artificial intelligence and the future of AI in aerospace engineering.