Back-to-school spending is projected to rise 4.3% in August, and retail foot traffic will increase 0.6% compared to the same period last year, according to ShopperTrak.

"Back-to-school shopping is the first major 'shopping season' of the calendar year, and has the potential to set the tone for the holidays," said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder. "The economy is, in many ways, stronger than it was last August. We expect that the 2013 season will continue the growth trend of both retail sales and foot traffic."

In 2012, back-to-school sales increased 5.9% compared to the previous year, according to Back-to-school sales expected to rise due to 'stronger' economy

Back-to-school spending is projected to rise 4.3% in August, and retail foot traffic will increase 0.6% compared to the same period last year, according to ShopperTrak.

"Back-to-school shopping is the first major 'shopping season' of the calendar year, and has the potential to set the tone for the holidays," said Bill Martin, ShopperTrak founder. "The economy is, in many ways, stronger than it was last August. We expect that the 2013 season will continue the growth trend of both retail sales and foot traffic."

In 2012, back-to-school sales increased 5.9% compared to the previous year, according to the world's largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic. In 2011, those sales increased 4.5% compared to 2010.

While this year's retail foot traffic increase projection may seem incremental, it continues a positive trend, ShopperTrak said. In 2012, foot traffic increased 11% compared to 2011, which declined 5.1% from 2010.

The expected increases in August reflect the U.S. economy's slow but steady gains, ShopperTrak said. Unemployment this year is lower than it was during last year's back-to-school period. Additionally, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index recently reached its highest level since the beginning of the recession. The last time consumer sentiment was as high as it was in May 2013 was in September 2007.

"On the whole, more people feel better about their financial situation than they did last year in August," Martin said. "Parents are ready to spend on their children's school necessities.

The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s recent survey conducted by BIGinsight found that nearly 77% of families with school-aged children say the economy will affect their spending plans. world's largest counter and analyzer of retail foot traffic. In 2011, those sales increased 4.5% compared to 2010.

While this year's retail foot traffic increase projection may seem incremental, it continues a positive trend, ShopperTrak said. In 2012, foot traffic increased 11% compared to 2011, which declined 5.1% from 2010.

The expected increases in August reflect the U.S. economy's slow but steady gains, ShopperTrak said. Unemployment this year is lower than it was during last year's back-to-school period. Additionally, the University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index recently reached its highest level since the beginning of the recession. The last time consumer sentiment was as high as it was in May 2013 was in September 2007.

"On the whole, more people feel better about their financial situation than they did last year in August," Martin said. "Parents are ready to spend on their children's school necessities.

The National Retail Federation (NRF)'s recent survey conducted by BIGinsight found that nearly 77% of families with school-aged children say the economy will affect their spending plans.

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