Starting early, running unique promotional campaigns and having a strong online presence are the keys to success for small businesses looking to compete with the retail giants.  Here we’ve collected some information from across the web to help you prepare for back to school season.

Start Early

“It’s never too early for brands to start getting ready for the next big sales period – and once Back-to-School begins, it may already be too late.” – One Click Retail

“School Supplies Go on Sale at most stores starting in July. Stores like Staples and Walmart will put School Supplies out as early as July 1st and School Supply Sales typically run through Labor Day Weekend.” – Passion For Savings

“57% of shoppers will begin shopping before August” – AdRoll Group

“Shoppers starting before August will spend 26% more than those beginning in August” – AdRoll Group

Promotions

Fit Small Business offers some great unique promotional ideas for a variety of retailers:

• Discounted snack packs or healthy food bundles in grocery stores
• Be-ready-for-school haircut promos in salons
• Don’t-be-late-for-school promos for watches
• Look-cool-for-school sale for apparel retailers
• End-of-summer promos for resorts or hospitality establishments

“37% of back to school shoppers use their mobile phone to look for coupons in-store.” – Market Technologies Inc.

“For repeat customers and those that are shopping in your store, make sure it’s as easy as possible for them to notice your store’s Back-To-School section. This means you should have bold and exciting signage that distinguishes your BTS section in a positive way.” – International Wholesale

“Consider letting kids create your back-to-school campaign. Target used this approach for its back-to-school campaign in 2016, during which they let kids write, direct, produce and star in its commercials.” - Forbes

Online Presence

“Ninety-six percent of shoppers read reviews specific to retailers’ sites.” – Town Square

“For many students, back-to-school shopping is a social event. Integrating in-store and online events, product launches and promotions can fuel a “buzz” around shopping and encourage a virtual, if not physical, sense of community.” – Total Retail

“More customers will likely be shopping online this year, up to 56% if the trend from the last two years continues.” – Paradox Labs

“84% of parents reported that they wouldn’t buy online without free shipping” – Paradox Labs

Back to school shopping can account for a large portion of the yearly revenue generated by smaller retail establishments.  Ensuring you’re prepared will give you a leg up on the competition and help you fight larger retailers for those back to school budgets.