More Families Delay BTS Shopping

“As the shopping season draws to a close, budget-conscious parents are likely hoping that end-of-summer sales and promotions will be just what they need to wrap up their school lists,” says Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer, NRF. “Much of the delay this summer could also stem from families holding out for a sales tax holiday in their state, as well as from influential teenagers who want to first see what their friends are buying before they ask mom and dad to commit to their fall needs.”

According to the survey, as of Aug. 12, fewer families had stepped

College families on the other hand, got a good jump on retailers’ sales and promotions this summer: 23.4 percent say they are completely finished with their lists, up from 20 percent last year. Additionally, slightly fewer families this year say they haven’t started shopping (26.2 percent vs. 28.8 percent last year.)