WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WOWO): Hoosier consumers are expected to spend upwards of $1.3 billion on back to school sales this year. 

Purdue University Retail Expert Dr. Richard Feinberg says back to school time is right up there with Christmas for Hoosier retailers. “It is the second biggest chunk of money in a very concentrated period of time.” Feinberg says. “It's estimated to be $75 billion dollars (nationwide)”.

In Indiana, he says one-third of back to school shopping dollars will be spent at Walmart and clothing will be the number one shopping item.  

Feinberg says this year, many stores are bundling shopping items based on grade and even schools. He says they're also aggressively pricing items and using digital advertising like never before.