Back-to-school spending to decrease

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The National Retail Federation's latest survey found the economy's forcing 4 out of 5 Americans to change their back-to-school spending plans.

They report consumers will spend about $549 on school merchandise this year, which is down nearly 8% from 2008.

"We're going to try to spend less money than last year because of the economy. We're trying to watch every penny we have," said Andrea Florence of Chicopee.

We don't ever cut back on back-to-school shopping. We only have one daughter, Taylor, and she gets whatever she wants," said Scott Richards of Agawam.

The NRF survey also found 56 percent of shoppers will hunt for back-to-school sales this year, and 40 percent are planning to increase their use of coupons.