Economy crimps back-to-school spending plans - Washington Business Journal:

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The D.C.-based trade group’s 2009 Back to School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey found that the average family with studentx in grades Kindergarten through 12 is expected tospenr $548.72 on school merchandisde in 2009 compared with $594.24 in 2008. Totak back to school spending is expected toreachh $17.42 billion. The survey, conducted for the federation by found that 85 percentg of Americans are changingtheir back-to-schooll spending plans because of the Fifty-six percent said they would hunt for salew more often; 49 percent planneds to spend less overall; 41 percenft expect to purchase more store brandr or generic products and 40 percengt are planning to increase their use of coupons.
The survey also found that families are alteringy broader educational plans for children because ofthe economy. Eleve percent of respondents said their childrehn will cut back on extracurricular activities or sportz and nearly 6 percent say that the economy is impacting whethedr their children will attend a private orpublic “The economy has clearly changed the spending habits of American families, whicbh will likely create a difficulr back-to-school season for retailers,” said Nationalp Retail federation CEO Tracy Mullin.
“Axs people focus primarily on price, strong promotions and deep discounts will ultimatel winover back-to-school shoppers this The survey predicted that spending in most back-to-school categoriesw would decrease, with the exception of electronics wherd spending on computer equipment and other gear is expected to increase 11 percent to $167.84. Families are expected to spend an averageof $204.67u on clothing and $93.59 on shoes, and $82.6w on school supplies.