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Retailers Banking On Big Back To School Shopping Season

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The back to school shopping season is critical for retailers' success and it is often a suggestion of things to come.

For retailers, the back to school season really could be Christmas in July.

Your kids may not be crazy about breaking out the backpacks, but retailers can't wait.

"What we found is that Christmas of course, is always the number one sales and really makes or breaks the entire year for retailers. But, back to school is extremely important because it's the second busiest shopping season of the entire year and basically, what it is, it's an indication for retailers of how Christmas is going to be," Dr. Audrey Guskey said.

Dr. Guskey, of Duquense University, studies retail trends. Predictions from the National Retail Federation call for a four percent bump in spending this year, which is an average of nearly $700 per family with school-aged kids.

It's $30 billion for retailers. However, you don't have to break the bank before the kids hit the books.

Take advantage of aggressive retailers who really want your business.

One final tip, don't buy all of your school supplies before the school bell rings.

There will be huge sales after the buses hit the road.

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