The inventory you need for back-to-school

As summer is getting closer to an end and kids are heading back to school, parents are preparing to go shopping for the necessary supplies. Now is the perfect time to stock up on school essentials that families will need!

Back-to-school is the second biggest shopping event of the year next to the holidays, so consumers are bound to spend more. The global back-to-school market size was valued at USD 66.1 Billion in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 131.1 Billion by 2030. After investing more in tech during the pandemic for online learning, parents are also returning to the more traditional purchases now. Also, the digital acceleration fueled by the pandemic reached a saturation point, so in store shopping is estimated to get a boost.

If you are looking to acquire an inventory for the back-to-school season, here are some categories you should be looking at.

1. Apparel
Clothing and shoes are by far the most purchased items when it comes to children because they are outgrown fast. Parents prepare for the beginning of the school by buying new clothes and shoes for their children. As the cold season approaches, the most sought-after items besides regular school clothes are outwear items and shoes. Gym equipment is also important, together with basic items like underwear, socks and belts.

2. School supplies & stationary
To do well in school, students must have all of the necessary supplies. Every child needs a basic supply of items like notebooks, pencils, markers and folders every year. School projects call for glue, tape, scissors, and numerous art supplies.

3. Electronics
From writing reports to virtual schooling, students are more dependent than ever on technology to learn. Older children will most likely need items like computers, laptops and printers to keep up with their school requirements.

4. School bags
Next to electronics, backpacks are probably the single most expensive item on a back to school supply list. Backpacks take a lot of wear and tear throughout the school year, so they will be most likely renewed quite often. Depending on the school’s requirements and children’s activities, other carrying items like sports bags, laptop bag and lunch bags will be on parents’ shopping lists.

5. Lunch items
Besides buying a lunchbox or lunch bag, parents will want to start stocking up on the items they’ll use to pack the kids’ lunches. These include reusable water bottles, freezer packs to keep the food fresh, reusable sandwich bags and different small containers.

Furniture and bedding
As children grow, their needs grow. With a new school year, families may realize they might need to refresh their children’s sleeping and study area. New furniture like beds, desks, bookcases, chairs, and lamps will all be top picks for the upcoming back-to-school season.

Start sourcing back-to-school gear now and get ready for the shopping season. Stock up your stores and use promotions to get ahead of the competition!
Whatever your budget is, ARLL will help you to maximize your sales by purchasing the right stock. Click here to get the best offer!