A study reveals that for this year’s back-to-school season, one in five US back-to-school shoppers plan to buy items on the internet. The percentage was the same in 2007.

Just like in 2008, for this year discounters take the number one spot in terms of types of stores where US consumers intend to purchase back-to-school products. 81 percent of respondents plan to visit them, over 84 percent in 2007. Office supply stores come second, with 45 percent of back-to-school shoppers willing to buy from such locations, as compared with 43 percent in the previous year.  Department stores are positioned third, with 25 percent of respondents preferring to visit them in 2008, over 26 percent in 2007.

School supplies rank highest in terms of category spending, with 78 percent of respondents claiming they intend to buy such products. 60 percent will turn to apparel, 48 percent will choose footwear, 34 percent electronics, 33 percent school bags and 20 percent accessories.

When asked about the reasons why they purchase back-to-school products, 80 percent mentioned value, 51 percent cited the 'required' reason, 30 percent would do so for replacement, 18 percent consider them trendy and 4 percent would buy such products because of friends' influence.

Another study, focusing on college students and their parents reveals that 3 out of 10 respondents have expressed their intention to buy back-to-school products on the internet. 52 percent are willing to buy such items at discount stores, 41.8 percent at department stores, 37.3 percent at office supply stores and 30.7 percent at clothing stores.

Data have been published by research firm eMarketer.