With most people back at work and the school holidays ending in a few weeks’ time, retailers are filling their shelves with back to school products including backpacks, lunchboxes and stationery to ensure kids are ready for the new school year.
According to the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), stores and shopping centres are shifting their focus from Christmas to back to school supplies, preparing for the biggest trading period of the year for these product categories.
Apparel, footwear, stationery and technology retailers in particular will see a big boost in sales this month says ARA executive director Russell Zimmerman.
“The start of the new year is a milestone for each student around the country, and the purchases associated with back to school products are crucial to many small and large retailers,” he explains.
“With the increased use of technology in our education system and more schools implementing ‘Bring Your Own Devices’, electronic retailers will likely see a surge in sales for laptops, tablets and other electronic learning accessories.”
He adds that while cost can be significant for school supplies, savvy parents can still seek out the best deals when it comes to purchasing these necessary items.
“Every year we see an increase in back to school supplies online and with many parents now back at full-time or part-time work, online platforms provide parents with the convenience and flexibility they need to prepare their children for the new school year.”
The ARA and Roy Morgan Research predict that shoppers will spend $17.2 billion nationwide in the post-Christmas sales during the period from 26 December 2016 to 15 January 2017.
By Marion Gerritsen
