Consumers intend to spend more during the back-to-school shopping season this year, with increases expected in categories such as apparel, footwear and sports equipment, according to data from research firm NPD Group. The online poll was among 2,500 members of NPD’s consumer panel and also found that most consumers planned to start shopping by Sept. 1 rather than Aug. 1. Six percent of respondents said they would be purchasing sports equipment during back-to-school shopping, up from 3% last year. Department stores ranked as the location most likely to be visited for back-to-school purchases, followed by footwear specialty stores and online shopping. Seven percent of respondents said they would be shopping at a sporting goods store, up from 4% last year (NPD Group).