Back-to-School Retail Strategies

𝗥𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸-𝘁𝗼-𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗛𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝘁 𝗪𝗮𝗹𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 The set went from zero to nearly fully merchandised in just 48 hours. Walmart is all in on BTS. Here’s what stood out: 🎒 Massive backpack presentation filled with licensed characters that speak directly to younger students. Marvel, Pokémon, Hello Kitty, and more starting at just $14.97. 🧃 Endcaps with real punch: notebooks from 45 cents, lunchboxes with standout patterns for only $9.97. ✏️ Center aisle corrugate fixtures stocked with essentials like scissors, colored pencils, pens, and highlighters with many on rollback. Corrugate displays could also be found on the apparel floor plan including licensed kids’ character underwear multi-packs. A smart presentation choice that simplifies zoning for store associates. One fixture already looked a bit worn, but overall, they make great use of space. 🎓 Walmart+ membership also gets some shine with signage calling out 50% off for college students. Another smart layer to the broader BTS strategy. Where the set falls short: 🗂️ The product flow and overall adjacency felt scattered. Notebooks were merchandised in multiple places, and similar categories like loose paper and three-ring binders were separated across the shop. If I were advising the team, I’d recommend pulling together core categories housing all notebooks together, followed by paper and binders to make the journey simpler. This would help shoppers check items off their lists with less backtracking and boost overall satisfaction. Compelling value, deep in-stocks, and great visual momentum — there’s a lot to like. With a few space planning adjustments, this could become one of the most shoppable BTS experiences in the mass space. ✏️ Have you started your BTS shopping? What’s jumping out in your market? #backtoschool #retailmoment #visualmerchandising #spaceplanning #walmart #storeexecution #retailstrategy Walmart

Deloitte's 16th annual back-to-school (BTS) survey is attached below: Although parents were willing to endure higher prices last year for replenishing BTS items after the pandemic, 18 months of inflation have changed their tune. Uneasiness about the economic situation is creating price sensitivity and causing parents to reassess how they’ll approach shopping for the upcoming school year. 🎯 Key findings ➡ Parents plan to spend less in the face of inflation – Average spend per child is expected to decrease 10% across all income groups, but many parents will provide occasional splurges. ➡ Financial fatigue shapes economic outlook – Parents are focusing on necessities like school supplies (+20%), while pulling back on apparel (–14%) and tech (–13%). Sustainable items—once a priority—are on the back burner, with only 35% planning to purchase them (versus 50% in 2022). ➡ B2S shoppers look to economize – By the end of July, 59% of BTS spending is expected to be completed, up from 53% in 2022. ➡ Digital preferences – Overall, social usage is on the decline (21% in 2023 versus 35% in 2022), but compared to last year, more parents this year will use social media to shop for deals. #deloitte #digital #socialmedia #tech #like #sustainable #school #planning #apparel Brian McCarthy, Nick Handrinos, Lupine Skelly, Brooke Furman, Kasey Lobaugh

IN RETAIL NEWS… 🔎 Target’s Back-to-School Shoe Sale: A Win for Parents or Just Another Gimmick? Alright, footwear fam—let’s talk back-to-school (BTS) deals, because if there’s one thing we know, it’s that parents are desperate for value right now. And Target? They’re stepping up (pun intended) with some aggressive promotions. But is it enough to win over inflation-weary shoppers? Let’s break it down. 💰 The Deal Drop: Starting July 28th through August 2nd, Target’s rolling out its "Back-to-School-idays" event, featuring 30% off select kids’ shoes, plus discounts on apparel, socks, and underwear. They’re also throwing in free shoelace kits with qualifying purchases—because nothing says “BTS prep” like a fresh pair of laces, right? But here’s the kicker: Target Circle members (their free loyalty program) get extra perks. Verified college students and teachers score 20% off storewide while Target Circle 360 paid members unlock early access to sales and unlimited same-day delivery. Smart? Absolutely. Enough to move the needle? Maybe. (This is the key barometer here) 🎯 Why This Matters for Footwear: Parents are stressed right now. According to an AlixPartners & Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA) study, a whopping 80% of consumers expect to pay MORE for kids’ shoes this fall—yet price remains the #1 driver in purchasing decisions. That’s why mass retailers like Target and Kohl's (which just expanded its BTS footwear lineup with Nike, adidas, and Converse) are doubling down on affordability + brand variety. ❓ The Big Question: Will It Work? Target CEO Brian Cornell insists they’ll stay hyper-competitive on price, leveraging scale and supplier relationships. But with tariff pressures looming and inflation still nagging, discounts alone might not be enough. The real winners? Retailers that combine deals with experience—like Target’s in-store personalization stations for school essentials. 👉🏻 Final Takeaway: For footwear pros, this is a masterclass in balancing promotions with perceived value. Free laces? Cute. But 30% off kids’ shoes + exclusive loyalty perks? That’s the kind of combo that gets parents clicking "add to cart." Are these discounts enough to sway shoppers, or just a temporary quick fix? Drop your thoughts below—let’s debate! ⬇️ *** #Footwear #BTS #RetailStrategy #Target