Content about Perry James

August 20, 2012
Personalization makes mark on BTS spending

Despite an economy that’s still in the doldrums, the back-to-school season means parents will once again open their wallets for the annual shopping ritual.

Despite an economy that’s still in the doldrums, the back-to-school season means parents will once again open their wallets for the annual shopping ritual. “We expect spending to be up again modestly this BTS season — most likely in the low- to mid-single digits,” said Perry James, president of the NPD Group division that follows the category.

June 21, 2011
Before hitting the books, students hit drug stores

Back-to-college merchandise is big business. “College students are starting to represent the most important segment of the back-to-school market,” said Perry James, an analyst with the NPD Group. The segment has grown, Perry said, since the weak job market has caused many college seniors to extend their education through graduate school.

Back-to-college merchandise is big business. “College students are starting to represent the most important segment of the back-to-school market,” said Perry James, an analyst with the NPD Group. The segment has grown, Perry said, since the weak job market has caused many college seniors to extend their education through graduate school.

February 18, 2011
Penciling in more BTS spending

Consumers may have a bit more to spend for the 2011 back-to-school season, so retailers should tweak their merchandise plans to accommodate.


Consumers may have a bit more to spend for the 2011 back-to-school season, so retailers should tweak their merchandise plans to accommodate.


Perry James, an analyst at the NPD Group, said that over the past few years, dollar trends in school supplies have not kept pace with unit supplies. Consumers also have been waiting until the last minute to shop. “As the economy gets better, retailers should be careful about too many promotions late in the season,” James said.