Smarter back-to-school shopping

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The National Retail Federation predicts families will spend 5 percent more on back-to-school items this year, than last year: an average of $669.28 on apparel, shoes, supplies and electronics.

Believe it or not, back-to-school shopping is already in full swing in the middle of July. Nick Conway, at the Target store in River Park in North Fresno: "It seems like back-to-school season starts earlier and earlier every year. Right after the summer season is about to end, back-to-school starts up immediately. Back-to-school is one of our busiest seasons out of the entire year next to Christmas."

Christmas in July is something families -- like Valerie Pierce's -- have to budget for: "I like to start early, so we can get what we need, if I see a good sale, I like to pounce on it." The mother of four takes an inventory before ever leaving the house: "So I stick with my list and I go through the drawers at home and see what we have and don't, and go from there."

The National Retail Federation says back-to-school spending this year will increase in nearly every category: Electronics, like laptops and tablets, up 7 percent to $212 per family. School supplies, up 12 percent to $101, and clothing and shoes up too, to $355. But shopping experts say, go easier on your wallet by spreading out your purchases. Conway suggests, "Picking it up in increments makes it easier than that last minute rush, coming to Target the week before school and trying to check everything off the list."

And for the bargain hunters, timing is everything. Buy backpacks now -- shelves are fully stocked and many stores kick off the season with sales or even buy one get one free. Now's a great time of year to stock up on summer staples. They're on clearance for as much as 50 to 70 percent off. So things like shorts and T-shirts will last your kids through the first weeks of school.

And things like coats and jackets, they can wait. Winter apparel tends to see the deepest discounts around the holidays. Denim -- a back-to-school staple -- gets even cheaper in October, as retailers are eager to clear out back-to-school inventory. And hold off on Apple products -- until after their September product reveal -- for the best prices on their gadgets.

Several retailers also offer discounts with your student ID. From Apple to Amazon to Ann Taylor, students can get extra savings on their back-to-school purchases, so make sure to ask.