Most shoppers buying only what they need

NEW YORK – Stores deepened discounts more than planned in June to draw recession-scarred shoppers to buy summer tops and other merchandise. But shoppers bought mostly items they needed, resulting in small revenue gains.

The mixed results from June, released Thursday, are raising concerns about the back-to-school season and consumers’ ability and willingness to hit the accelerator on spending.

The International Council of Shopping Centers’ index of June retail sales rose 3 percent, the low end of its growth forecast that ranged from 3 to 4 percent.