Return to school this year takes on a whole new meaning. Not only are kids and university student stocking up on pens, pencils and school gear, many of us are also preparing for a return to something – whether that be school, work or travel.

Publicis Commerce compiled our 2021 Back to School overview by taking a look at some of the biggest trends we saw this year, along with analysis from several of our closest partners. This report is underpinned by a deep dive analysis from our proprietary technology tool Commerce Intelligence, which offers insights and analysis into what’s happening on the digital shelf and offers brands prioritized actions and optimizations for winning across commerce retailers.

We analyzed the top Back to School related categories – from electronics to office & school supplies to teaching materials – to uncover the top brands that played in each category, identify sales strategies and provide tips for brands looking to understand how to win during a shopping event like Back To School.

What you’ll find in the report: 

• Analysis from Commerce Intelligence - We analyzed the top Back to School related categories – from electronics to of­fice & school supplies to teaching materials – to uncover the top brands that played in each category, identify sales strategies and provide tips for brands looking to understand how to win during a shopping event like Back To School.

• By the numbers overview - We compiled the biggest trends from how covid shifting back to school shopping, to what new items were popular. We leaned on data from Google, Roundel, Snap, eMarketer and more.

   

• Targeting around BTS - Epsilon shared data about how to target 3 different potential customers: all female, 35 with 2 kids with the same HHI living in Ohio. The overview highlights how to target similar profiles with unique creative with more personalization.

   

• 5 Trends from Amy Lanzi - Originally appearing in The Drum, Amy Lanzi walks through some of the biggest back to school trends that brands capitalized on this season.

You can download the full report here.