Those who plan on heading to the mall for some back-to-school shopping this week may have a little more elbow room while perusing the racks of clothes and shelves of school supplies.

According to the National Retail Federation’s 2009 Back to School Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, the average family with students in grades kindergarten through 12 is expected to spend $548.72 on school merchandise, a decline of 7.7 percent from $594.24 in 2008.

According to the survey, the economy is having a major effect on back-to-school spending, as four out of five Americans have made some changes to back-to-school plans this year. Whether it’s hunting for bargains, buying more store-brand items or clipping coupons, people are curbing their spending habits.

Locally, John Wojtowicz, owner of John’s Shoe Store in Fall River, has yet to see a big rush of people purchasing their footwear for the upcoming school year.

“It has [...]

Original post by Derek Vital