Back-to-School Shopping Heats Up

* Total back-to-school spending this year is expected to reach $18.4 billion.

* Electronics will see the biggest increase in sales, with families expected to spend 13 percent more this year than last year ($129.24 vs. $114.38).

* Footwear also will see a sharp increase in sales, with sales set to rise 10.3 percent over last year ($108.42 vs. $98.34).