Stores push limits of back-to-school season: Slowing sales, reluctant spenders encourage...

KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Jul. 8--The three-day Fourth of July weekend gave struggling retailers a bit of a revenue bump, but many have moved on to the year's next big shopping event: back to school. Normally, the back-to-school rush doesn't hit full stride until the state's tax-free holiday. During that weekend -- Aug. 1-3 this year -- the state suspends the 6.75 percent sales tax on some school supplies and clothing. But this year, with shoppers watching their spending carefully and store sales slumping, many merchants are trying to bring in every dollar they can -- as soon as they can. Retailers are being helped by year-round schools; some Wake County students returned to school Monday. But retailers are hoping to entice parents of students in schools on traditional schedules as well. Triangle stores are stocked... [read full story]