Back-to-School spending to top 18 billion

Though the summer is still in full swing, families across the nation are already planning back-to-school shopping trips. According to the National Retail Federation's 2007 Consumer Intentions and Actions Back-to-School survey, conducted by BIGresearch, families with school-age children are expected to spend 563.49 on back-to-school merchandise, up 6.9% from last year's 527.08 average. Total back-to-school spending this year is expected to reach 18.4 billion.

According to the survey, the electronics category will see the biggest increase in sales this year, with families spending 13.0% more on electronics than last year (129.24 vs. 114.38). Footwear will also see a higher-than-average sales increase, with sales expected to rise 10.3% over last year (108.42 vs. 98.34). Families are also expected to spend 94.02 on school supplies, up from 86.22 a year ago.

Though the majority of shoppers will be purchasing clothing and accessories this year (95.4%), spending in that category is expected to be flat, with consumers spending an average of 231.80 on those purchases, similar to last year's 228.14. Clothing and accessories remains the largest spending category at 7.6 billion.

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