NRF survey: Plenty of BTS shopping to do

WASHINGTON — According to the National Retail Federation and BIGinsight's "2012 Back-to-School" survey, families with school and college-aged students as of Aug. 7 said they have more than half of their shopping lists to complete.

The average person with children in grades kindegarten through 12 has completed 40.1% of their shopping, while college shoppers and their families have completed slightly more at 45.3%.

Overall, school and college shoppers this year are expected to spend a total of $83.8 billion.

"It's evident that there are plenty 'last-minute shoppers' this year and for retailers these next two weeks are of utmost importance when it comes to attracting families who still have apparel, electronics and school supplies to stock up on," NRF president and CEO Matthew Shay said. "Given how much of an impact the economy is having on consumers’ buying decisions, retailers will remain competitive up through the final sale after Labor Day, rolling out web, in-store and even mobile promotions to entice children and their parents."

The survey found that more college students and their families already have finished their shopping (16.4%), than school shoppers (7.8%). Additionally, there are fewer school and college shoppers who said they have not started their shopping yet (28.5% versus 31.1% of college shoppers last year, and 26.9% versus 28.3% of K through 12 shoppers last year.)