Daniel Baer

Consumer Confidence Dept: But analysts predict that back-to-school sales will grow only modestly this year compared to last, as consumer confidence remains low and Canadian retailers face growing competition from south of the border, according to Winnipeg Free Press. Daniel Baer, national retail industry leader at the firm, said while the increased spending is in line with population growth and inflation, it is much lower than the 6.5 per cent increase in pre-recession seasonal spending seen from 2006 to 2007 and tORONTO - With the start of classes mere weeks away, the scramble to stock up on everything from laptops to shoes is on. Back-to-school spending is set to increase by 2.5 per cent in Canada this year compared to last year, according to recent data from Ernst & Young. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.