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While it's almost time to go back-to-school shopping for new clothes and supplies, many say the recession is putting a big dent in their budgets this year.
Right now, the prediction is families are going to be conservative when it comes to school shopping. A survey by the National Retail Federation says 85-percent of Americans are changing their spending plans because of the economy.
"What we're hearing many people say is that their kids are going to do without this year. Their kids are going to wear the same pair of jeans that they did last year," said Ellen Davis of the National Retail Federation.
Some high school seniors from D.C. say they are hunting for sales more often and their parents already told them they'll be spending less this year.
Said student Tenisha Wyn, "If it's on sale, why not go to a sale instead of paying full price for it?"
"She said since you have a job, you buy your own stuff," added Marissa Montfort, a student.
The survey also found that some families are even changing schools altogether, making the decision to send their children back to pubic school. Others are cutting back on extracurricular activities or sports to save money.
But the one sales spot that hasn't changed is electronics. Stores like Best Buy say families are purchasing computers and laptops -- showing college students are the exception to the spending rollback.
Experts say the same thing goes for discount and online stores. "Sixty percent off, 70-percent off and in the stores you don't find it like that," said Montfort.
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