As comparison shopping becomes more popular among consumers looking for the best deals and gas prices remaining high, 24.8 percent of back-to-school shoppers will buy online, compared to 21.4 percent last year, according to National Retail Federation's 2008 Back to School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch.
 
While spending in most categories will remain flat over last year, electronics spending will continue to rise as consumers spend on household electronics like computers and cell phones. This year, parents will spend $151.61 on electronics purchases during the back-to-school timeframe, up from $129.24 last year. Spending on clothing ($234.51 vs. $231.80 last year), shoes ($109.75 vs. $108.42) and school supplies ($98.37 vs. $94.02 last year) will see more moderate increases.
 
A large majority of consumers will head to discount stores (73.0%) for back to school purchases this year, trying to stretch their dollar as far as possible. Others will head to department stores (56.6%), clothing stores (47.8%), electronic stores (21.4%), office supply stores (41.8%) and drug stores (18.2%).
 
Though parents want to make sure kids are fully prepared for school, they will be comparing prices online and in stores before making any big purchases.