PITTSBURGH -- Your kids are in no hurry to head back to school, but they'll probably begin nagging you soon about buying new clothes.

Thanks largely to higher food and fuel prices, retailers are bracing for a slow school shopping season -- which may be good news for you.

"It's a shopper's market this year, and you want to take advantage of that to save as much money as you possibly can," said marketing expert Audrey Guskey, of Duquesne University.

Call 4 Action reporter Aaron Saykin said much of it depends on timing.

Right now, stores are offering deep discounts on warm-weather apparel.

One way to save is to buy just one or two summer outfits for the first week of school, "but wait to get the bulk of the things, even until after Labor Day, because that's when all of the sales are going to be," Guskeys aid.

In other words, try to stall your children. It's a practice that Connie Puntureri, of Elizabeth Township, has preached for years.

"Plus, you have the holidays coming. You have Christmas, and certainly you can supplement their wardrobe with gifts at that time," Puntureri said.

The longer you wait, the lower the prices are likely to drop -- and not just on clothing. Experts recommend buying a few school supplies now, and the rest after Labor Day.

Some stores are getting creative:

American Eagle had been offering a free T-shirt to anyone who tried on a pair of jeans.
Apple is offering discounts on computers for college students, plus a free iPod.
Target is selling $10 backpacks.
Wal-Mart is selling some notebooks for less than $1.

To get your child to go along with the plan, experts recommend splurging on one item.

When all else fails, "they'll hit up Grandma, if they're smart," said Joy Swimkosky, of Green Tree. "Then, they get what they want."

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