Get Ready for Back-to-School Shopping Season

August 10, 2017
Get Ready for Back-to-School Shopping Season

It’s August, which means students will soon be filling Tenleytown’s sidewalks – and local businesses. More than 24,000 students live, study, shop and dine in the Tenleytown area, including 12,000 American University students. Nationally the back-to-school shopping season is second only to the winter holiday season, according to the National Retail Federation.

Small business marketing firm SnapRetail recently aired a podcast on back-to-school marketing with great tips for capitalizing on the student – and parent – market. Among them are:

  • Define your target audience. Are you trying to reach secondary students, college students, parents, and/or teachers?
  • Create shopping lists that make it easy for customers to purchase back-to-school essentials, such as school supplies, clothing, dorm furnishings, tutoring services, etc.
  • Think creatively about your niche in the back-to-school market. Even businesses that aren’t in the traditional school supplies or clothing markets have opportunities to reach customers. For example, hobby businesses can capitalize on parents who have more free time with kids back in school.
  • Market early and regularly – and tailor your message to each of your target audiences.
  • Customize your online and social media presence to highlight your back-to-school offerings.

Listen to the podcast for more tips and ideas.

Although SnapRetail doesn’t touch on restaurants, back-to-school season can also be a boon for dining establishments. Whether a snack between classes or after school, coffee to fuel study sessions, a night out with friends, or a special dinner paid for by mom and dad, the student market offers a lot of opportunities for local restaurants. Back-to-school specials, student nights, and marketing tailored to students and their parents can increase revenue at the end of summer, and keep customers coming back throughout the year.

If you are looking for ideas or assistance, give TMS a call at 202-362-1815 or take advantage of free one-on-one consulting at Hera Hub DC. Hera Hub, located in the neighborhood at 5028 Wisconsin Avenue, offers drop-in GURU hours for local entrepreneurs. Click here for more information.

Don’t forget to share any back-to-school specials, promotions, or events with TMS. We’ll help you get the word out to potential customers.