When are Moms Starting Back-to-School Prep?

Back to school season is big business for many retailers.  According to a recent survey by KPMG, parents are planning to spend $268 per child to prepare them to head back to school in 2021.  With numbers like that, it's no wonder so many companies are jumping on the back-to-school bandwagon.  

So when are parents spending all this cash on school prep?  We asked moms across the country about their plans.

When the first day of school is still one month away, 49% of moms have at least begun their back to school shopping for school supplies, 52% have begun clothes and shoes shopping and 41% have begun registering for after-school programs and activities.  

Two weeks before school starts, 75% of moms are doing school supply shopping, 85% are working on clothes and shoe shopping and 51% are planning programs and activities.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES?

If you're a local business that sells school supplies, clothes, or shoes, or if you offer afterschool programs and activities - you'd better be ready now since nearly all schools across the country are in session by Labor Day (September 6, 2021).  That one-month window has already started, or will soon.

But what if your products and services don't necessarily align with traditional back-to-school preparation?  You can still take advantage of the season. Some ideas include:

• Back to school themed events
• Drop and shop events so moms can run errands without kids in tow
• Remind parents to get those wellness appointments before busy school schedules kick in 
• Promotions for parents who want to squeeze all the fun out of summertime - many moms plan to take their kids to fun local venues but might need an incentive or reminder 
• Create your own "back to school" promotion - moms are always up for a deal and won't mind if your offer doesn't really relate to school.

Whatever options you choose, don't miss out on this opportunity to connect with local parents and offer them some great deals, make their days easier, or just provide them with the opportunity to have some fun. 

Make back-to-school season add up to some great revenue and lead generation for your local business.