With the back-to-school shopping season in full swing, what items are consumers targeting most?
According to price comparison site SortPrice.com, electronics and gadgets are once again the most sought-after products in 2011. The company rolled out its annual top 10 popular back to school products list yesterday, which is compiled using site traffic and user searches.
Gone are the days when pencils, pens, and spiral-bound notebooks dominate back to school shopping lists, though SortPrice is quick to point out that the economic climate is still having an effect on consumer buying habits, even now during the industry’s second-biggest shopping period of the year.
“With the economy still clearly affecting consumer buying habits, we’ve got an interesting dynamic going on this back to school season,” says Doron Simovitch, SortPrice co-founder and CEO. “While parents seem committed to spending extra time looking for the best price on back to school essentials, that diligence hasn’t necessarily translated down to students, who are still targeting higher-end electronics in particular as must-haves before they return to the classroom this fall.”
So what does this year’s SortPrice top 10 look like?
1- Apple iPad 2
2- Sony Cybershot Digital Cameras
3- UGG Girls and Women’s Boots
4- Acer Netbooks
5- Jansport Backpacks
6- North Face Hooded Sweatshirts and Outerwear
7- Bed-in-a-Bag Bedding Ensembles
8- Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Sneakers
9- Diesel Messenger Bags
10- High-Definition Web Cams
We were surprised to see the iPad so high on the list given its hefty price tag but it’s apparent that more students (and their parents) are viewing Apple’s tablet as a must for a successful school year.
Thoughts on SortPrice’s list? Leave us a comment with what you’re targeting for back to school 2011!




