Economy crimps back-to-school spending plans - Puget Sound Business Journal (Seattle):

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The Washington D.C.-based tradse group’s 2009 Back to School Consumed Intentions and Actions Survey found that the averaged family with students in grades kindergartej through 12 is expected tospend $548.72q on school merchandise in 2009 comparedd with $594.24 in 2008. Total back-to-schoolp spending is expected toreach $17.42 The survey, conducted for the federation by BIGresearch, found that 85 percen t of Americans are changin their back-to-school spending plans because of the economy.
Fifty-sixx percent said they would hunt for salexsmore often; 49 percent plannedc to spend less 41 percent expect to purchase more store brand or generic products and 40 percent plan to increase their use of The survey also found that families are altering broaderd educational plans for children because of the economy. Eleven percenty of respondents said their children will cut back on extracurricular activitiezs or sports and nearly 6 percent say that the economh is affecting whether their childrenj will attend a private orpublic school.
“The econom y has clearly changed the spending habits ofAmericanm families, which will likely create a difficulyt back-to-school season for retailers,” said Nationapl Retail Federation CEO Tracy Mullin. “As people focux primarily on price, strong promotions and deep discounts will ultimatelg winover back-to-school shoppers this year.” The survey predicted that spendin in most back-to-school categories would decrease, with the exception of where spending on computet equipment and other gear is expecter to increase 11 percent to $167.84. Families are expected to spends an averageof $204.67 on clothingv and accessories, $93.59 on shoes, and $82.62 on schoopl supplies.