Study: BTS spending not affected by economy

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. While many retailers have responded to concerns about a pending recession with back-to-school deals designed for those on a tight budget, they may not need to worry so much about a decline in spending. According to Nielsen, consumers won't be skimping on school supplies.

Nielsen forecasts 2.65% growth or more than $1.57 billion in school and office supply sales in U.S. grocery, drug and mass merchandiser stores during the core back-to-school season of mid-July through early September.

“Consumers may be cutting back in terms of discretionary spending, but they are not about to send their kids to school without the necessities,” said James Russo, vp of marketing, food and beverage sector, The Nielsen Company. “While we don’t expect to see a drop in back-to-school sales in this economic downturn, we do foresee changes in where consumers shop for back-to-school items, along with the prices they are willing to pay.”