Back to School Fun Facts 2026
The back-to-school/college season is among the most significant shopping events for consumers and retailers in the U.S., according to the National Retail Federation. Nationally, consumers plan to spend $43.3 billion on back-to-school shopping and $103.5 billion on college purchases in 2026. From August 7-9, 2026, Missouri hosts a sales tax holiday to help families with certain back-to-school purchases.
Job Postings Comparison - June 2026
Total job postings in Missouri decreased 4.7 percent from June 2025 to June 2026. In June 2026, there were 71,490 online postings compared to 75,000 in June 2025. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers had the largest increase in job postings (104%), while First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers had the largest decrease (-31%). Postings for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers have been increasing over the last four months.
Videos
Click on the following link to view instructional videos on how to use and view reports and data on the MERIC website.
