The Key Back-To-School Grocery Staple For 2023 Is...

Back-to-school spending is expected to reach a new high this year of $41.5 billion, up from $36.9 billion last year, according to a National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics survey. Families of elementary through high school students are expected to spend an average of $890.07 on back-to-school items this year, approximately $25 more than last year’s record of $864.35 and a new high. 

With that back-to-school shopping, families are preparing for school lunches and the in-between school and activities snacking, which means they're thinking about back-to-school even at the grocery store. Independents can cater to these shoppers by placing a key segment in prominent locations: durable bags.

Durable bags are the fastest growing segment in home storage, and Red Oval partner SC Johnson's Ziploc Endurables, the company's reusable silicone bag line, are perfect for back-to-school storage. We spoke with SC Johnson Sales Account Manager Anna Bartz about tying the bags into back-to-school marketing at the grocery store.

Why are reusable silicone bags good for back to school?

We know back-to-school time can be stressful for consumers valuing convenience. Ziploc Endurables allow consumers to prepare meals, freeze, cook, and clean up all in the same bag!

More than just food storage, Endurables are a convenient, durable bag for on-the-go snacks and lunches, storage, meal prep, and storing leftovers.

How can grocers market these products to shoppers under the back-to-school theme?

1. Put displays in high traffic areas with back-to-school call-outs.

This a great way to market these products for consumers, as 57% of shoppers learn about durable bags while they're in the store. We recommend using the Ziploc Endurables shipper (pictured below) to easily place these products in high foot traffic areas. Many retailers can order it through their wholesalers. 

The Ziploc Endurables shipper makes for easy in-aisle display.

Create back-to-school signage that reminds shoppers that Endurables are great for back-to-school lunches and snacks and place it near the shipper and in the food storage section/aisle.

2. Place base goods on shelf with current food storage sets

This is a key strategy because 91% of shoppers expect to find durable bags in the food storage set along with plastic bags and short life containers, like Ziploc freezer and sandwich bags.

What is the best assortment for small, single independent grocery stores to optimize sales?

For these stores, we recommend the two items below,: the large pouch half gallon and the medium container.

What is the best assortment for a larger store or a multi-store group of independents?

For this group, we recommend offering a range of sizes, which can include the below products. 

To order Ziploc Endurables, please contact your Licensed Distribution Center.