How to Prepare for the Back-to-School Season

As a retailer, back-to-school shopping can be a busy time. Get your store ready for the influx of back-to-school shoppers with the right customer-attracting fixtures and display tables, making the shopping experience easy and enjoyable.

Specialty Store Services has just what you need to create the perfect atmosphere for back-to-school customers. Read on for our retailer tips for the upcoming season!

Preparation Tips for Back-to-School Retailers

Preparation Tips for Back-to-School Retailers

There are a few things to keep in mind when preparing for the back-to-school shopping season:

1. Make sure your retail fixtures are in good condition.

This is the first thing customers will notice when they enter your store. Old and outdated store fixtures reflect poorly on your business. Using sturdy, metal fixtures like wire shelving racks. They provide a clean, organized look for your store and great value to you as they are much longer lasting compared with other commercial shelving options.

2. Have a plan for how you want to layout your store.

Back-to-school shopping can be chaotic, so you want to ensure your store is orderly. Having a plan will help you stay organized and make it easier for customers to find what they’re looking for.

Try portable display racks, mobile shelving, or other store fixtures with wheels on the bottom; that way, if you need to change things up, you can quickly and with efficiency.

3. Be prepared for large crowds.

This season can be retail stores’ busiest time of year, not including holidays. Make sure you have enough staff to handle the influx of customers.

Also, using register displays with plenty of space for collecting customers’ items is key. Moving customers through the checkout line efficiently creates a more pleasurable experience for both the shopper and the staff.

4. Make the shopping experience enjoyable.

The back-to-school season can be hectic for not only parents but kids as well. It’s best to have your store looking pristine and welcoming. Yes, this includes cleaning the store from top to bottom. Wash windows and display cases, vacuum carpets, dust shelving, and organize and/or fold merchandise. Check that sizes are in the correct order. This way, customers can easily find what they need and feel good about shopping in your store.

You can also use this time to promote new products or sales. Eye-catching displays and signage grab the attention of back-to-school shoppers and encourage them to buy more items from your store.

Types of Retail Fixtures to Use for School Supplies

Retail Fixtures to Use for School Supplies

There are a few items that always sell well during back-to-school time:

  • backpacks
  • notebooks
  • pencils and pens
  • binders
  • folders

With these products in mind, using fixtures like display tables or slatwall panels in your store is crucial. These installations make it easy for customers to see all the different back-to-school supplies you have in stock.

Creating a designated back-to-school area can help customers find what they need. Including last-minute items such as pens or pencils near the register can add last-minute sales.

Also, signage is important. Signs that say “Back-to-School Supplies” or “School Supplies” help customers find what they’re looking for quickly and easily. Specialty Store Services has indoor and outdoor signage to display your message clearly and concisely.

Back to School Apparel Fixtures and Supplies

Another back-to-school essential is clothing. Many parents wait until the last minute to shop for back-to-school clothes, so it’s important to have a wide selection of apparel in your store.

Using retail clothing racks or shelving t-shirt displays is a great way to showcase all the different back-to-school looks you have available. You can also use mannequins to show off complete outfits. This is a terrific way to give customers ideas on how to style their clothes. Be sure to add layers to your mannequins, a sweatshirt, and backpack, and increase overall sales.

For shoes, using shelving units or display cases is a must. This lets customers see all the different back-to-school shoes you have in stock.

Final Thoughts

As previously stated, the back-to-school season is a busy time for retail stores. Being prepared and using the right fixtures and signage makes the back-to-school shopping experience enjoyable for parents and kids. Specialty Store Services has everything you need to prepare your store for back-to-school shoppers. Check our website today for all the different fixtures and supplies we offer!