Despite inflationary pressures, back-to-school shopping remains important for American consumers. Families with elementary through high school-aged children intend to spend an average of $874.68 while back-to-school shopping this year, according to a report from the National Retail Federation. Total back-to-school spending is expected to exceed $38 billion, the second-highest total recorded.
Back-to-school shopping also includes the grocery store. From prepping lunches to portioning out snacks, today's shoppers are busier than ever, with the demand for on-the-go options steadily increasing. In fact, the snack bag market in the United States continues to grow, with a compounded annual growth rate at 4.6% for the next decade.
Pepper in National Sandwich Month, which runs throughout August and includes an omnichannel campaign from IGA, Coca-Cola, Gold Peak, and Ziploc to drive sandwich sales (learn more about the campaign in next week's The IGA Minute), and the following merchandising tips from Red Oval Partner SC Johnson, maker of Ziploc® bags, and independent grocers can jump on this seasonal opportunity to drive center store and deli sales.
"Ziploc is the #1 trusted bag for home storage bags," says Anna Wahlin, SC Johnson's U.S. sales account manager. From snack bags to storage solutions, Ziploc has the options that customers need.
Why do customers keep choosing Ziploc?
"We have developed innovation to make life easy for kids and parents during the hectic back-to-school season," says Wahlin.
A primary source of customer frustration is bag seals. To solve this, Ziploc has created a new "Easy Guide" closure.
The "Easy Guide" texture resolves key consumer pain points and has received an average 4.8 star rating. The three times seal system provides confidence that sandwiches are secure. Plus, it's easy to use and perfect for kids — a necessity for school lunches.
Encourage customers to secure their sandwiches during National Sandwich Month, back-to-school season, and beyond by using Ziploc bags.
Ziploc's Easy Guide texture is secure and easy to use.
Effective displays are key to making sure impulse buys can happen. Survey research indicates that more than 60% of customers make spontaneous purchases during back-to-school shopping. Take advantage of this trend by effectively positioning displays inside your store.
"Great secondary locations are by the check stand, within the school supply aisle, or by the peanut butter, jelly, and bread!” emphasizes Wahlin.
Additionally, if you have floor space available, Ziploc has a display for you.
Ziploc's new shipper delivers high impact, in-store visuals. Each display contains 48 sale-able units of the 90ct sandwich bag. Placing this display in key locations can help remind busy shoppers to stock up on bags while they purchase school necessities.
Place an order for the shipper with your wholesaler using the above information.
Within your planogram, Wahlin recommends merchandizing by brand block left to right and then by bag size top to bottom, with snack and sandwich bags on top, followed by quart and then gallon bags.
Alternatively, if you cannot add a floor display, adding secondary locations near the check lane or on an end cap will also help drive impulse buys.
Whether you are a small-format or large-format independent grocery store, having Ziploc's top sellers in sandwich and snack bags are key to capturing back-to-school shoppers.
Ziploc's recommended UPCs are as follows:
By including a variety of sizes, shoppers will have what they need for storage, snacking, and more!
Place your orders today! The normal lead time for displays is 28 days from SC Johnson to your wholesaler. To get displays in time for back-to-school, "order ASAP!" says Wahlin.