COLLEGE STUDENTS: It's that time again when retailers and other businesses offer discounts and other back-to-school incentives. This year, many retailers are rolling out long-term discounts like lower prices on cell phone service contracts and gym memberships that continue throughout the year. In some cases, the discounts last as long as students are in college, leaving them four years or so to decide if they are worthwhile.

Retailers have a clear motive for offering these deals. Business has been slipping -- retail and food services sales fell to $360.2 billion in June, down 0.5% from May, and following a 1.1% decline the month before, according to the Census Bureau -- and college students represent a new crop of independent spenders. By building brand loyalty with them, retailers aim to keep them buying the same products and services after graduation, says Peter Framson, a partner at X Team International, a retail brokerage alliance.

Also, most long-term deals offered to students are for inexpensive items or services, so in many cases, there s only a small benefit.

Retailers are looking for any opportunity to make money right now, says Framson. It used to be really easy [when more] parents had more money and they bought what the kids asked for. Now, retailers are directly targeting students in hopes that they ll start dipping into their savings from summer jobs or their allowance.

Here are six areas where college students will find long-term incentives.

Tech

This season, tech companies are bracing for a dip in demand among college students. Freshmen are expected to spend $280 on electronics, compared to $439 a year ago, according to the National Retail Federation.

With families strapped, students are likely to opt for cheaper alternatives, like taking a hand-me-down computer from their parents or using the computers on campus, says Ellen Davis, vice president at the NRF.

To entice students into buying a new computer or laptop, manufacturers and retailers are offering value deals, increasing quality or selection, Davis says. For example, Apple education pricing deals include a 5% to 10% discount off desktops and laptops. College students can purchase a MacBook for $949, $50 off the original price, or an iMac for $1,149, $100 off the original price. These deals are available throughout the year. (In addition, Apple is giving a free 8-gigabyte iPod Touch to each college student who buys a new Mac through Sept. 7.) To qualify, students must present a student ID or acceptance letter at an Apple store or, if ordering by phone, tell the customer-service agent the college they re attending.

Software is also on sale. Microsoft is discounting software for college students, selling Microsoft Office 2010 for $79.95, compared to a regular starting price of $150. Discounts are available throughout the year on new software and upgrades. Students can buy online by entering their school email address.

Cell phone service

College is where many students first become responsible for paying their own cell phone bill. Many cell phone service companies offer discounts in an attempt to lure students in and hold on to them after graduation.

Sprint discounts vary by college. At the University of Arizona in Tuscon, the company offers a 10% discount to students on service plans with a two-year service agreement. At Webster University in St. Louis, Mo., the discount is 15% off monthly service plans; at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tenn., it s a 10% discount. Sprint also offers a 10% discount on service plans for students attending a college or university that supports Blackboard Mobile Learn, an application that organizes class information and homework assignments and is free for Sprint customers using Blackberry or Android smartphones.

AT&T is offering $25 off the HTC Aria, plus free shipping with online orders. The smartphone typically costs $130 for customers with a two-year contract or $380 for those without a contract.

By offering discounts to college students, gyms are hoping for to hook students as members and fill a customer void during the weekday work hours, says Framson.

Currently, 24 Hour Fitness is waiving its initiation fee a one-time payment of around $30 for college students. At most of Bally s nearly 300 locations in the country, college students can pay discounted monthly dues of $22, lower than the regular dues of $23.99 to $29.99.

Before signing up, students should ask gyms about any promotional incentives outside of college discounts that may offer even cheaper rates.

Clothing

There are plenty of sales on apparel right now for back-to-school shopping, but some stores offer discounts year-round to college students. To receive these discounts, shoppers need to present their student ID. However, they should be aware that these promotions can get expensive quickly.

J. Crew s 15% discount for college students is available only in retail stores only (not including factory stores) and only on full-priced items. Also, U.K. import Top Shop offers a 10% discount in stores and online.

Dorm Room

Discount warehouse clubs, typically frequented by parents, are now pitching discounted snacks, school supplies and cleaning products to the college crowd.

For the last two years, Sam s Club has been offering a collegiate membership, which costs $40 for two people (it can be shared among roommates or friends) and comes with a one-time $15 gift card. While the gift card is a perk, the membership price is the same as the starting price for regular customers.

Travel

Students can save more than 10% each time they book airfare throughout the year.

For example, American Airlines offers college students discounts of as much as 10% off airfare and 5% off a hotel stay booked on AAVacations.com.

Student travel site StudentUniverse.com offers discount airfare and lodging specifically to college students. It works with more than 30 airlines, including American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Delta, to offer discounts of 10% to 25%. Discounts are available on most flights, but the site charges a booking fee of $6.