Even though the Fourth of July was less than two weeks ago and the summer is not yet over, many parents are thinking ahead to the upcoming school year. For retailers, this means stocking their shelves with school-related items to prepare for the influx of customers. However, several estimates on the back-to-school shopping season are varied.

According to Reuters, many merchants throughout the United States are ordering less school-related inventory this year, after a sluggish winter season and fluctuating consumer spending levels have pointed to potentially stagnant back-to-school sales. The source explained that because the upcoming shopping period is the busiest only behind the holiday season, retailers want to make sure they don't order too much merchandise that they will later have to mark down. Analysts interviewed by the news source stated that while retail sales will increase in the coming weeks, it won't be a "blowout year."

On the other hand, CNBC reported that a lower unemployment rate and higher consumer confidence will contribute to a strong back-to-school shopping season. Last year, merchants brought in $84 billion throughout the seven week period, and while spending may vary this year, more parents are willing to purchase the necessary school items for their children, which could lead to increased sales, the source noted.

This entry was posted by Retail Pro on Monday, July 22nd, 2013 at 5:32 pm .