How to Capitalize on Back-to-School Season

As summer break winds down and backpacks start flying off the shelves, the back-to-school season presents a major opportunity for small businesses — and not just for those selling pencils and notebooks. Whether you run a boutique, coffee shop, service-based business, or restaurant, this seasonal shift is your chance to boost sales, build relationships, and become part of your community’s school-year routine.

Here’s some tips on how to make the most of it:

1. Sales, Sales, Sales

Parents and teachers alike will be looking for deals! Offer a limited-time discount or special promotion in late July or early August to encourage early shopping and help families gear up for the school year.

2. Bundle Up Back-to-School Products & Services

Think beyond school supplies. Consider what local families and teachers need:

• Boutiques: Style "first day of school" outfits or teacher appreciation gift sets

• Coffee Shops/Bakeries: Morning fuel bundles for parents, “Teacher Survival Kits” with coffee + snacks gift cards.

• Salons: “Fresh Cut for Class” kids’ specials or back-to-school self-care packages for moms and teachers.

• Gyms: “School Year Reset” memberships or early morning class packages for parents.

• Photographers: Mini-sessions for the first day of school, whether for kindgergarden or senior year.

  
  

3. Support Teachers & Schools

Educators often spend their own money to stock their classrooms. Create goodwill (and real impact) by:

• Offering teacher discounts

• Hosting a school supply drive in-store or online

• Donating a portion of sales during a certain week to a local school or organization

• Sponsoring local events like open houses, sports teams, or fundraisers

These show your business is invested in more than just profit — it’s rooted in the community.

4. Host a Back-to-School Bash

Bring people in with a fun, low-cost event:

• In-store events: Face painting, giveaways, samples, photo booths

• Collaborations: Partner with other small businesses for a community market or kids' activity day

• For restaurants/bars: “Parents’ Back-to-School Happy Hour” or “Final Fling of Summer” night

These events don’t just drive traffic — they build loyalty.

5. Create Helpful, Localized Content

Show up as a resource, not just a business:

• Share local school start dates, open house info, or tips for a smoother morning routine. You can incorporate it into your content and specials, too!

• Make “Lunchbox Ideas”, “First Day Outfit Inspo”, or “Backpack Essentials” guides on social media.

• Feature local families or teachers on your blog or Instagram

This makes your content feel personal and shareable — and keeps you top of mind.

6. Offer Time-Saving Solutions

Back-to-school season is CHAOTIC. Position your business as a shortcut to sanity:

• Retail: Offer pre-packed kits, grab-and-go deals, or curbside pickup

• Service-based businesses: Launch limited-time “back-to-school hours” or special booking windows

• Food & Beverage: Promote family-style take-home meals, lunch prep options, or "kids eat free" nights

  
  

7. Run a Social Media Giveaway

Encourage engagement and build buzz with a local giveaway:

• A “Back-to-School” prize pack - you could partner with other businesses for this one too

• A gift card for a teacher - have people tag their favorite teacher to enter them to win

• A "Parent Survival Kit" with wine, coffee, etc

• First Day Photo content for a giftcard or giveaway

Ask participants to comment or tag a local teacher, parent, or friend and follow your page — it's a win-win for community visibility.

Be sure to invite everyone engaged to like your page! Need to know how to do this? Message me!

Don’t Just Sell, Serve

Back-to-school season is more than a sales window. It’s a moment to show up for your community. Be a problem solver, a cheerleader, and a neighbor. Community pride runs deep and small businesses that connect on a human level will always stand out!