Parents Get Head Start on BTS

WASHINGTON — Americans with school-age children have taken advantage of early back-to-school promotions, with the average having made more than half (52.1%) of their purchases thus far, according to the National Retail Federation.

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“Shopping early and often has become a sign of the times as budget-conscious consumers aim to ease the brunt of large spending events,” said National Retail Federation President and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Shay, in a statement.

Indeed, three in four Americans say the economy is still impacting their spending plans. Of those who have already started back-to-school shopping, 42.8% say retailers’ sales, coupons and promotions influenced at least half of their purchases, up from 38.5% last year.

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While there are fewer procrastinators this summer — 20.9% haven’t begun shopping vs. 26.9% in 2012 — last minute shoppers can expect promotions to continue through Labor Day as retailers make room for fall merchandise.