Back-to-School, Back to Shopping
Category: Blog - August 10, 2010
The search is on for the best lunchbox. The ideal notebook. The snazziest pens and pencils. And of course, the perfect first-day-of-school outfit.
While friends’ Facebook status updates aren’t a scientific measure, they certainly are anecdotal evidence that we are in the thick of one of the most important shopping seasons of the year.
As for the science: Families expect to spend an average of $606.40 on back-to-school supplies, clothing, shoes and electronics this year, nearly $60 more than a year ago, according to a recent National Retail Federation (NRF) survey.
Retailers of all stripes are eager to take advantage of this annual boost in spending – especially in a shaky economy – and hope to keep the momentum going into the holidays. So be on the lookout for an array of marketing efforts, especially cool digital and mobile applications.
Already a popular back-to-school destination, Kohl’s has added a social networking and corporate social responsibility twist this year. The retailer will donate $500,000 each to 20 schools who are top vote getters on its Kohl’s Cares Facebook promotion. The leading schools currently have 20,000-plus votes – and counting.
Beyond the promotional glitz remains the fact that consumers are sensitive to prices and will be seeking sales, coupons and deals. Case in point is the excitement around the annual sales tax holidays now offered by 18 states. OfficeMax even includes an easy-to-download list on its website to highlight relevant tax breaks and timing.
Check out this chart from the NRF for more insights into what’s on shoppers’ minds as they ponder their back-to-school lists:
Group Director
Javascript is required to add comments.