WASHINGTON – Even though more parents started back-to-school shopping early this year, many families still have a lot of shopping left to do as they prepare their children for the start of school. NRF has forecast that families will spend $83.6 billion on back-to-school this year, including $29.5 billion on K-12 and $54.1 billion on college.

According to the National Retail Federation’s annual survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics, the average family with children in grades K-12 had completed only 45% of their shopping as of early August. That’s down from a peak of 52% at the same time in 2013 and 48% last year, and the lowest level since 40% in 2012.

“Parents this year have been taking longer than usual to finish buying the clothing and supplies their children need for school,” said NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay in a press release. “Many kids are already getting on the bus and millions more will be back in class in another week or two, so anybody who hasn’t finished shopping by now is cutting it close. Retailers have some great bargains to offer, but parents better take advantage of them before the school bell rings.”