The back-to-school season is a golden opportunity for retailers worldwide, marked by a surge in demand for school supplies. Sales are set to reach over $81 billion in 2024 for the USA alone. While parents race to physical and online stories on a mission to tick off the essentials like pens, notebooks and backpacks, smart retailers can expand their offerings to include home décor and lifestyle products that make the transition from the summer break to school more exciting and seamless for kids.
TRANSFORM MORNINGS WITH FUN AND FUNCTIONAL DECOR
As summer ends and school routines start up again, the amount of free time kids have significantly reduces. So why not inject some of their favourite things to do into their morning routine. Make the early back-to-school wake up easier with an alarm clock inspired by one of your child’s favourite video game or movie franchises. Paladone’s range of alarm clocks span across Minecraft, PlayStation, Harry Potter, Star Wars, Peppa Pig and more.
WATER BOTTLES WITH PERSONALITY
Water bottles have become an essential back to school item for kids. However, they don’t have to be boring. Brighten up your water bottle offering by including a range of bottles featuring characters or themed designs. From Star Wars to Disney’s Stitch, Hello Kitty to Minecraft and even more, there’s an option for every school kid out there.
ACCESSORISE BEYOND BACKPACKS
Every student needs a backpack, but the retail opportunities don’t stop there. Backpack accessories such as keychains and backpack buddies can add some personality to a child’s school gear. Small accessories are a great way for kids to show their interests. Backpack buddies featuring fan-favourite characters and items from movies and video games are an easy win for retailers. They make a great low-cost impulse buy at the checkout too.
MAKE BREAKFAST MEMORABLE WITH THEMED KITCHENWARE
The first day back to school calls for an epic breakfast to set kids up for the day. Add themed kitchenware like superhero egg cups and breakfast sets to your store’s inventory to help make breakfast a true experience to look forward to before the start of the school day.
ENHANCE HOMEWORK TIME WITH STYLISH STUDY ACCESSSORIES
Once school kicks out for the day, you can make homework time easier with some study accessories. Retailers can help make this time more engaging with stylish and functional study accessories. Desk mats featuring colourful designs, pen pots shaped like characters and objects from popular franchises, and other desk organisers can create an inviting study space. These items not only serve a functional purpose, but also add a touch of personality to a space, making study time something kids might not dread so much.
The back-to-school season offers retailers a chance to expand their product offerings beyond traditional school supplies. Enhance the daily routines of parents and kids with home décor and lifestyle products. From the morning wake-up to after-school study sessions, the right products can help ease the back-to-school transition period.
Explore Paladone’s extensive homeware and lifestyle catalogue on our trade website.
