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Back-to-school sales will increase 1 percent this year, research says

U.S. retailers can expect to see a 1 percent year-on-year improvement in sales during the back-to-school season, up slightly from 2008, when sales were flat, according to ICSC. Back-to-school spending was up 4.7 percent a year, on average, between 1993 and 2008.

Booksellers will enjoy the largest gains, up 3 percent, versus a nearly 2 percent drop in 2008, the organization says. Family clothing, which accounts for just over half the total of these expenditures, the largest share, is expected to gain 2.5 percent this year.

Overall, however, weak demand for electronics and footwear will press sales down, ICSC says. The season generally gets under way around mid-July and runs through mid-September.

Compiled by the staff of Shopping Centers Today. © June 16, 2009 International Council of Shopping Centers.