Mon, 11 Aug 2008 11:56

American retailers and stockists of school uniforms are going all-out to lure shoppers during the traditionally expensive back-to-school period.Aggressive product introductions and special offers are being put in place as rival stores battle for profit in a period of economic uncertainty.But discount stores are being touted by analysts as the places where most parents' money will be spent this year, the Salt Lake Tribune reports.Office Depot promotions like free rulers and pencil sharpeners for a penny are no different to other years, but this time its product range is set to be much larger.Walmart.com is promoting a special online gift card and offering free shipping on many items.Chief marketing officer at JC Penney Mike Boylson told the Salt Lake tribune: "We assume it's going to be a very difficult customer environment, so from a sales and promotions standpoint we'll be extremely competitive."Last year, the department store chain introduced one line targeting the teen and young adult market for the season but this year it has increased it to six.Managing director of the Strategic Research Group Burt Flickinger III added: "It will be very promotional as consumers are more cash-and-credit-constrained than any other time in U.S. history."