**Major retailers are bracing for a potential hit to their bottom lines as student loan repayments are set to resume in the United States after a two-year pause.**.
The resumption of payments, which were paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to impact consumer spending, particularly in discretionary categories such as apparel and home goods..
According to a recent survey by the National Retail Federation (NRF), 37% of consumers said they would cut back on spending if they had to start repaying their student loans..
**The impact is likely to be felt most acutely by retailers that cater to younger consumers, who are more likely to have student debt.**.
For example, Levi Strauss & Co., which sells jeans and other casual wear, has said that it expects the resumption of student loan repayments to have a .
