Back-to-school spending to soar this year: study (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The average family is likely to shell out even more for new clothing, electronics and dormitory supplies for the coming school season, even as higher energy prices have crimped spending in other areas, according to a retail survey. Soaring gas costs and uncooperative weather limited consumers' trips to the mall in June, but parents will not hold back when it comes to their kids, said Scott Krugman, a spokesman for the National Retail Federation, which commissioned the survey ...