As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm, and the same can go for retail planning. In retail, this means planning ahead for upcoming events so you can promote in advance to boost awareness and interest and then hit the ground running when the date arrives. Even though it won’t start up again for a little while, now is the time to get your back-to-school strategy on lockdown so you can beat competitors to the punch with effective promotions and eye-catching displays.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), spending for K-12 and college students combined was projected to hit a whopping $82.8 billion in 2018. It is estimated that 17.2% of annual retail sales in the U.S. occur during the back-to-school season. You definitely want in on that action, whether you sell apparel, bedding, housewares, school supplies, or electronics, just for example. How can you prep for successful back-to-school sales?

Promotions

First and foremost, you need to plan for promotions, since advertising starts well in advance of the back-to-school season. Price is a top priority for many shoppers, with 46% citing it as the main consideration and 10% of shoppers citing deals as the primary influence on purchasing decisions.

When you have your discounts and deals locked in, you can start promoting on social media with targeted Facebook ads, making sure to optimize for mobile and considering the potential value of working with influencers to spread your message. Your efforts only pay off if you get shoppers in the door.

Displays

Once you’ve got back-to-school shoppers in your store, you need to make sure your prime inventory is easy to spot and reach. This means optimizing your store layout and maximizing displays of sale goods. If you need new hardware, from clothing racks to wall displays, to bins or shelving, now is the time to order so you’ll have foundational display pieces in place with plenty of time to arrange and stock them leading up to your sales date.

Then you’ll want to plan your layout to ensure shoppers entering your store can find sale items quickly and reach them with ease. Make sure to account for the increased flow of traffic so you don’t see frustrating bottlenecks that could impede shoppers from reaching popular displays or getting to the register to complete purchases. Don’t forget to stock up on sale inventory, as well, to ensure a positive purchasing experience for all of your customers.

Practical Considerations When Retail Planning

You might be so focused on stocking your inventory and planning your display that you forget about practical considerations for shoppers. Check-in on your stock of carts and baskets to make sure you have ample options for shoppers to haul their goods. With planning and attention to detail, you can make the most of the busy back-to-school season.

If you are interested in purchasing Retail Store displays and accessories, shop our website, Specialty Store Services.  We have everything you need.  If you have a question that you would like answered immediately, you can Live Chat or phone us at 800-999-0771.

Updated on August 15, 2022.