Monday August 9, 2010

Survey: Robust Back-To-School Spending Expected

New York — The average U.S. family of four will spend at least $550 this year on back-to-school items, with eight in 10 consumers saying they plan to spend more or the same amount compared with 2009.

According to a survey by American Express Co., which polled more than 2,000 shoppers, parents also intend to purchase more discretionary items this year.

Spokesperson Mona Hamouly says this is welcome news for retailers, considering low consumer confidence numbers in the past few months and other economic concerns.

“Parents are committed to spending what they need to in order to get their kids back to school,” she says.

Spending expected per child is said to increase with age for the season, from $220 for kindergarteners to $330 for those in high school.