Back-to-School Trends: What Retailers are Doing Right

As the back-to-school season approaches, retailers are ramping up their efforts to attract shoppers with innovative strategies and well-structured merchandise displays. This period is critical for retailers as parents, students, and teachers gear up for the new academic year. Let’s delve into some successful examples of what retailers are doing well and how they can enhance the shopping experience through strategic merchandise structuring.

Success Stories: Retailers Excelling in Back-to-School Season

  1. Target’s Comprehensive Back-to-School Aisles

Target has mastered the art of creating dedicated back-to-school aisles. These sections are meticulously organized, with clearly marked categories such as stationery, backpacks, electronics, and clothing. The use of bright, engaging signage helps guide shoppers through the aisles, making it easy to find what they need quickly.

Target signage
Target signage

Additionally, Target’s integration of their mobile app with in-store shopping allows customers to locate items and check stock availability seamlessly. QR codes throughout the stores help shoppers find even more items online to easily ship to their home or dorm, creating a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.

target-mobile2
  1. Walmart’s Competitive Pricing and Bundling

Walmart attracts back-to-school shoppers with its unbeatable pricing and smart bundling options. By offering bundles of essential items like notebooks, pens, and folders at discounted rates, Walmart provides value and convenience.

Walmart back to school bundles

Their in-store displays are strategically placed at entrances and in high-traffic areas, ensuring maximum visibility and easy access for busy shoppers. This approach increases early awareness and captures the attention of customers shopping for other items, ensuring they don’t overlook back-to-school essentials or choose to shop elsewhere later. It also strengthens the association between the retailer and the back-to-school season.

  1. Staples’ Interactive and Engaging Displays

Staples has taken a more interactive approach to back-to-school shopping. Their stores feature interactive displays where customers can test out new tech gadgets like laptops and tablets. They also offer custom