Drop in back-to-school spending anticipated for college freshman - KYTX CBS 19 Tyler Longview News Weather Sports

TYLER (KYTX) - As college students head to campus, many may be sticking to a stricter budget. CBS 19's Hayley Wielgus explains a predicted drop in back-to-college spending.
 
Experts say it will be the new freshman class. The National Retail Federation predicts first-year college students, millions of them, will spend almost 20% less on back-to-school shopping.

College student Casey Bulls is scanning the aisles of Target for back-to-school specials. "If you look at all of the things you're paying for, just school, getting all this stuff, you need to find a good deal."

Next week, Bull is starting her first year as a transfer student at the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio. This time around, her back-to-school shopping cart is a little less full. "As a freshman going into Tyler Junior College, I got probably too much stuff and I took too many things to the dorm, so this year I'm getting the essentials."

Many college students will be doing the same. The NRF predicts freshman will slash their spending by $150 bucks on laptops, mp3 players and other gadgets, and instead look for bargains on the basics. "Cabinets, microwaves, plastic storage all kinds of things, this week we have drawers on sale, cabinets on sale."

Many retailers, like Target, are trying to attract back-to-college shoppers by offering deep discounts and marketing directly to college students. "We have a brochure we send out in college markets that lets everyone know what we carry for back-to-college in the metro areas and Tyler with two colleges."

Bulls says she's also noticed a price drop on dorm room must-haves, like bedding, making back-to-school on a budget that much easier. Many retailers have created programs especially for college students. That includes student friendly versions of electronics at Best Buy, and a dorm room registry at JC Penney.