A chance to pick out a new outfit is something many teens find enjoyable. Shopping is a great way to spend time with friends and look for a wardrobe upgrade. 

   But, with the COVID-19 pandemic preventing many stores from opening their doors to the teenage population, teen spending is at an all time low. 

   Why is this the case? Why is teen spending lower than usual?

   While the teenage population is still spending less money than is generally seen, some are taking quarantine as an opportunity to revamp their closet and find their style.

   “I have spent more money during the pandemic,” freshman Emme Danielson said, “I am starting to develop my style so I have an idea what to buy now.”

   According to a biannual survey done by Piper Sandler, teen spending fell 13% overall this year when compared to last year’s data from the spring.

   Teen girls are purchasing a significantly less amount of cosmetics, bringing the spending average to $103 per year. 

   “I have bought (fewer makeup products) because during quarantine I wasn’t really going out and wearing it as much so I didn’t feel the need to buy more,” sophomore Diana Jones said.

   However, there has also been a rise in teen spending for guys on shoes, as well as video games. Food has also gone up since last fall as it is still a priority in teen spending.

   When asked if teens prefer shopping online or in a store, many will say in-store shopping.

   When given this question, sophomore Evelyn Huang’s answer was rather straight-forward.

   “In person for sure— it’s a lot easier to try on clothes or see which ones would look good one you,” Huang said.

   Many popular stores and businesses for teens have not been having much success during the pandemic. However, many stores and businesses are doing better than they ever have because of the pandemic.

   Many of the students at Granite Bay High have been spending less money on clothes because it is more difficult to simply go to the store.

   Huang describes why she has not spent as much money on clothing during the pandemic.

   “(I have spent) less money because I don’t have to really care about what clothes I wear at home,” Huang said.

   While some clothing and cosmetic stores may be suffering, many restaurants have been thriving.

   A couple examples of these places are Chick-Fil-A and Starbucks. These teen hot spots before the pandemic have not lost their appeal to the younger crowd.

   Still, many teens are also going out less because of the pandemic’s restrictions.

   “(My family and I) normally get take out now, but we have been going to restaurants less frequently,” Huang said.

   Whether this lack of spending is a phase or a trend that’s here to stay will be determined by the outcome of the pandemic. Perhaps the trend of saving money will stick around post-pandemic.

   In this consumerist era, it can be expected that malls will be flooded the second the doors finally reopen.