What Essential Inventory Should Retailers Order Before School Starts?

Now that the Civic Holiday is behind us, we have one more long weekend to look forward to this summer. Labour Day weekend takes place as August closes out and September begins. We all know what follows that. A new school year will be upon in about a month’s time! For retailers, this is an important time of year to stock up on new inventory. It’s pretty important to meet the demands of eager students and their parents.

So what are the essential inventory items that retailers should order before school starts?

School supplies.

Okay, we know this one is obvious. Does your shop have enough pens, pencils, notebooks and binders to satisfy the needs of students? These items are staples on every student’s shopping list this month. It’s wise to have a diverse range of these items, including different styles, colours and brands. Consider offering both bulk packs and eco-friendly options to boost your sales. As well, it’s wise to offer promotions and bundle deals to encourage customers to purchase more.

Last year, the Retail Council of Canada’s (RCC) Back-to-School Shopping Survey found that stationery was expected to be the top spending category (60.8%). They found it noteworthy since this product category did not make the list at all in 2022. This was most likely due to the pandemic when most schoolwork was done electronically at home.

Backpacks and lunchboxes.

All students need something to stuff those supplies in, right? With the new school year fast approaching, it’s important to stock up on backpacks and lunchboxes for the kids. Display a variety of bags including trendy designs for fashion-conscious youth. Your backpacks should be both durable and ergonomic. Lunchboxes should also come in various shapes and sizes, including insulated ones to keep food fresh.

“I always let my kids pick out new bags and lunchboxes for the school year because it helps them get excited for school and gives them something to look forward to for getting organized for the new school season,” reports Brianne Manz of Stroller In The City, “The best backpacks are one’s that have plenty of pockets, adjustable shoulder straps and are the perfect size to fit all of their homework.”

Tech gadgets and accessories.

It goes without saying that, in today’s world, technology plays a crucial role in education. To drive sales this month, ensure that your store is well-stocked with laptops, tablets and e-readers. As well, display such accessories as headphones, chargers and protective cases. Don’t forget to stock items like USB drives, external hard drives and wireless mice too. You might want to offer tech bundles or student discounts to drive sales and attract tech-savvy shoppers.

“Technology provides students with instant access to a vast amount of information and resources,” Explorance reminds us, “The internet and digital tools allow students to explore various subjects, conduct research, and access educational materials that may not be available in traditional textbooks.”

Get in touch with Synergy Merchants!

For many years, our clients have been taking advantage of our unique merchant cash advance program to purchase new inventory. Please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-718-2026 or email us at info@synergymerchants.com to learn all about how our program can help you. You can also apply online for a free, no obligation quote!