 The back to school and college season is an important time for retailers and consumers. Bruce Neustadt is president of the Minnesota Retailers Association. Back to school and back to college shopping, especially here in Minnesota, is a big season for retailers. And about half of us here in Minnesota have already started shopping for our back to school supplies. Families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874 on clothing, shoes, school supplies, and electronics.