With American consumer confidence seemingly stuck in neutral, the back to school season can be an insightful view into the state of consumer spending, as well as a precursor to what retailers can expect for the upcoming holiday season.

Update: Watch James Russo discuss back to school sales on CNBC’s “Closing Bell.” [ video - requires Windows Media Player]
The middle of summer marks the beginning of the Back to School (BTS) season, as parents and kids across the country start to prepare to return to class rooms in late August and early September.  The excitement of school starting isn’t just felt by the kids – retailers also look forward to the season, as it’s an incredibly important time for the $2.5 billion office/school supplies category.  Additionally, with the economy mired in a …

Mobile phones are more likely than ever to pop up on back-to-school shopping lists this year, The Tampa Tribune reported Saturday.
With cellular phone companies targeting more of their advertising at younger children, and parents worried about children’s safety and ability to communicate in an emergency, the upsurge in mobile phones for younger children is no surprise, the Tribune noted.
On average, each phone adds $28 to a family’s monthly cellular bill, the Tribune reported, citing data from Nielsen Mobile.
Nielsen research also suggests that children are more receptive to advertising delivered via …

Despite continuing tough economic times, consumers won’t be skimping on school supplies this fall, according to data released Tuesday by Nielsen.
The back to school shopping season is poised to peak in mid-August, and Nielsen is forecasting U.S. consumers will spend $1.57 billion on school and office supplies this year — 2.6% growth. 
This year, however, the selling season may be shorter and more intense, Nielsen predicts — as consumers wait for more aggressive sales and promotions by retailers.
Grocery stores may also play a bigger role this fall, as consumers seek to conserve …