Last Minute Back to School Sales

back to school

Even though school has already started in most areas, there are many consumers still hoping to snag some back to school deals. As retailers try to sell the rest of their school supplies, Skydeo conducted a report on back to school shoppers to see what they’re buying, who is buying, the top brands and more for the 2024 season.

Specialty Retailer breaks down the report in this article so retailers can get creative with their marketing tactics and win over last minute shoppers. 

Back to School Consumer Demographics

“Back to school shopping is an exhilarating time for retailers to get creative with their marketing strategies,” says Skydeo CEO Mike Ford. “From exciting sales and unique product bundles, to engaging social media campaigns and lively in-store events, these tactics will not only boost customer traffic, but also make the shopping experience more enjoyable. By mixing and matching these innovative approaches, retailers can capture the attention of eager shoppers and turn the busy season into a golden opportunity for their business.”

To ace your marketing campaigns, it’s crucial to know the demographics of the customers you’re trying to reach. According to the Skydeo report, the age bracket more focused on back to school shopping ranges from parents (30-50 years old) gearing up their kids to older students (16-21 years old). These consumers also vary on household incomes, but the majority ranges from $50k-$150k. Most are ready to splurge on supplies and trendy gear.

Top Brands for Back to School Shoppers

Back-to-school shoppers are interested in quality supplies and clothes that will last them or their children all year long. According to the report, here are the brands they mainly trust:

  • Gap
  • Dell
  • Microsoft
  • Office Depot
  • Old Navy
  • Lenovo
  • Texas Instruments
  • Target
  • Nike
  • Apple
  • Staples
  • Samsung

These popular brands pave the way for savvy marketers to collaborate, innovate and stand out.

Looking for some marketing tips to score the sale? Here is what Ford suggests: 

“Tried and true methods like percentage-off sales and enticing buy-one-get-one deals are guaranteed to get customers flocking to your store. Boost their spending even more by offering free shipping on orders over a certain amount. Create a sense of urgency with limited time offers, tempting shoppers to snag those deals before they disappear. And don’t forget the power of student discounts — they’re a surefire way to bring in the back to school crowd and make your store the talk of the town.”