Moms Tighten Back-to-School Shopping Purse Strings

A new survey of moms indicates they plan to cut back on their school supply spending by as much as 10 percent, but a local economist says North Texas parents may not trim by as much.

Some parents haven't even thought about back-to-school shopping, others have checked everything off their shopping list, even though it's only July.

“I spent $189,” said Arlington mother Shanie Wilkerson.

She said it's probably about the same as she spent last year.

But the Marketing to Moms Coalition predicts that many parents will be spending differently. According to a survey by the group, mothers are expected to spend 10 percent less than they did last year, with clothing poised to take the biggest hit.

”The economy is really bad," said Arlington mother Anna Flores. "People are without jobs, and most people are willing to spend less right now."

The survey predicts moms will spend about $440 per child -- down from $487 last year.

“It’s not the best of economic times, so I wouldn't expect that back-to-school shopping experience to be particularly vibrant or exciting,” said Bernard Weinstein, an economist at Southern Methodist University's Cox School of Business.

But Weinstein cautions that the survey looks at national spending habits and may not reflect what happens in the Metroplex.

“While we might see a slight decline in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, I wouldn't expect it to be as high as 10 percent; maybe 3 or 4 percent,” he said.

Weinstein said this year's tax-free weekend will be critical for businesses across North Texas.

”That’s when back-to-school moms spend a lot,” he said. ”That will tell the tale whether spending is down or not.”

The tax-free weekend is scheduled for Aug. 20 through Aug. 22.

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