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
‘Designer drug’ shows early neuroprotective signal in acute ischemic stroke
October 28, 2025
Medscape highlighted new trial results led by the University of Cincinnati's Eva Mistry that found an experimental drug shows promise in protecting injured brain cells for patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Is menstrual fluid ‘the most overlooked opportunity’ in women’s health?
October 27, 2025
The Guardian recently reported that period blood has long been thought of as ‘stinky and useless’, but startups are exploring using the fluid to test for a wide range of health conditions — including endometriosis.
What is squalane, and how does it work to moisturize skin?
October 27, 2025
The University of Cincinnati's Kelly Dobos was featured in a Women's Health article discussing squalane, an ingredient being increasingly used in moisturizing skincare products.