Back to school expected to reverse retail slump

27 July 2006 — Washington DC (US): A study by the National Retail Federation (NRF) expects that this year’s back to school season may help to reverse the current US retail slump.
             
Americans have been shopping less over the summer due to rising fuel costs and poor weather conditions.
             
The average US family is expected to increase its spending on back to school items this year by 19 percent to $527 compared to $444 during the same period last year.