Stores are filling with fall fashions and readying for a steady influx of back-to-school shoppers despite a tight economy.

The total spent on outfitting children and teens is expected to total about $17.42 billion, according to the Washington, D.C.-based trade association, National Retail Federation. This spending represents an expected decline of 7.7 percent as shoppers focus on using coupons, scouting sales and limiting purchases to necessities, the federation news release states.

“The economy has clearly changed the spending habits of American families, which will likely create a difficult back-to-school season for retailers,” said Tracy Mullin, the federation’s president and CEO. “As people focus primarily on price, strong promotions and deep discounts will ultimately win over back-to-school shoppers this year.”

Purchases for college students, however, are expected to increase by an average of 3 percent, or $618 per student compared to last year’s $599. About 48 percent of parents surveyed said they planned to shop for bargains more than in the past, though. The federation’s back-to-school and back-to-college surveys were tabulated from responses from 8,367 participants from June 30 through July 7, 2009.

Locally, Independence Mall and Mayfaire Town Center have put the focus on back-to-school, according
o news releases.

For those looking for school fashions that meet the dress code, Belk is promoting its featured “uniform” choices. Belk stores are located at Independence Mall and Mayfaire Town Center.

This month, a kiosk that features backpacks of all types opened in Independence Mall called The Travelers Store. Meanwhile, at Mayfaire, World Market has gathered merchandise ideal for dorm rooms that it calls “big finds for small spaces.”

At Independence Mall, shoppers can look for bargains by joining the Loyalty Club program, featuring e-mail offers and coupons, by signing up at the Web site address: shopindependencemall.com. Each month, one shopper will win a $250 mall gift card.

Mayfaire launched a new Web site last month that gives details about sales and events on Mayfaire. Visit mayfairetown.com for information.

Currently, Mayfaire has a promotion to help schools purchase equipment and supplies. Shoppers who bring their receipts to the management office can have points given to the school of their choice at a rate of one point per each dollar spent. Receipts must be dated from Aug. 7 to May 1, and Harris Teeter and Fresh Market receipts are excluded.

Receipts also can be collected by Parent Teacher Associations, according to a Mayfaire flyer. The three schools, including an elementary, middle and high school, that receive the most points will share $2,500 in cash donations. For information about Shop 2 Help Your Schools, call Mayfaire at 256-5131