cross the country, families say they have trimmed what little fat there was in their back-to-school budgets. The tightening has been an unexpected blow to many retailers, who had bet that consumers would be spending again and that the school season would be fuel for an industry turnaround.
Instead, sales figures have been disappointing and awkward scenes have been playing out at checkout counters, as parents and children tussle over wish lists, coupon items get substituted for full-price ones and necessities like underwear and socks take priority over graphic T-shirts and designer jeans.
Full story: Back-to-School Shoppers Focus on Necessities – NYTimes.com