#BackToSchool UAE 2022: What’s on offer?

August 11, 2022 | By RetailME Bureau

Summer is never quite complete without back-to-school shopping, is it? Despite inflation, a looming economic crisis, and changing consumer behaviour, parents continue to be resilient buyers when it comes to shopping for their kids after the summer holidays. Essentials like school uniforms and supplies like books, stationary etc. are key expenditures this month, and if survey results are to be believed, customers with children aren’t cutting back.

For many families, economic sentiment is deteriorating and 54% expect the economy to weaken in the next six months. Many find themselves struggling financially. According to a recent survey by Deloitte, 33% report their household financial situation has worsened since last year (vs. 22% in 2021), and 57% are concerned about inflation’s impact on the cost of school products. However, parents are still making it happen. Thirty-seven percent of parents plan to spend more than last year, which will result in an 8% annual increase, amounting to $661 per child versus $612 in 2021.

According to an NRF report, 56 percent of back-to-class shoppers had started browsing and buying as of early July, up from last year’s 51 percent and considerably higher than 44 percent in 2019. Whether it be to stretch out their budget, plan for possible product delays or take advantage of deals and promotions, consumers are getting a head start on their shopping.

“Convenience and competitive prices are the main two factors that control consumer habits when choosing where to shop. For the last two years, virtual classes have affected back-to-school season enormously, with stationary sales dropping by almost 50 percent in 2020 before it recovered slightly in 2021. Interestingly, the demand for stationary was compensated by electronics as parents prepared for home schooling with printers, toners, laptops, tablets and more. This year, we expect stationary sales to reach pre-pandemic levels as students return to the classroom and we are proud to be supporting families across the UAE,” said Christophe Orcet, Head of Commercial and Operations of Carrefour UAE at Majid Al Futtaim Retail.

With Dubai Summer Surprises offering big basket deals, discounts and an array of enticing offers until September 4^th, customers in the UAE can capitalise on what the regional retailers are planning this back-to-school season.

Re-decorate the kids’ room with Crate and Barrel

International home décor company, Crate and Barrel is giving Back to School shoppers the chance to enter a raffle to win a brand-new room for the kids. From 8 August to 4 September, customers have the chance to win AED 50,000 which includes AED 30,000 in furniture and AED 20,000 in design services. Simply fill in an online form to enter the raffle and the winner will be announced on 20 September.

Get Back to School essentials at Jumbo

From 5 August to 4 September, Jumbo Electronics is helping everyone get ready for the new school year with AED 600 extra on exchanging an old laptop with a new Intel laptop, and 15 per cent off on select laptops for students and teachers. Any laptop, tablet or desktop worth AED 1000 and above makes the shopper eligible for a raffle coupon with a chance to win a laptop everyday and AED 25,000 in school fees. Shoppers can also get special offers on other brands like Fade Fit, Zomato, Spotii, and many more at the electronics giant.

Win Back to School prizes at Sharaf DG

Back to School shoppers will have the chance to win up to AED 2 million worth of prizes with Sharaf DG. They can take advantage of a range of offers from 5 August to 11 September across all Sharaf DG stores and have the opportunity to win with purchase or take home an exciting gift. Purchase a MacBook and enjoy 0 per cent interest for 18 or 24 months with Emirates NBD cards, and minimum purchases will earn buyers 5x air miles and a free 1-year Microsoft 365 personal subscription.

EROS announces it biggest Exchange Offer

EROS announced that its annual Back to School festival is back with an exchange program along with promotions /discounts across all their stores in the UAE and online. UAE residents/ students and educators can save at least AED 600 under the laptop exchange program, along with exchange programs on other lifestyle products, such as mobiles, tablets, headphones, wearables, and smartwatches amongst others. On average, a UAE parent / student spends at least AED 3,500 on tech products or supplies for schools/ colleges/ universities per child annually. UAE parents will spend as much as 10-15% more money this year on premium tech products, as schools / colleges have a renewed focus on coding, online classes, etc. to ensure their child has a better academic experience.

Shop for Back to School ‘All In One Go’ at Carrefour

With back-to-school season almost here, Carrefour has introduced its ‘All In One Go’ campaign. Running until the end of August, Carrefour will be providing exceptional discounts of up to 50 per cent off on school supplies alongside exciting competitions, prizes, and rewards. Customers can find all the back-to-school essentials such as stationary, electronics, back packs, and clothing in-store and online at discounted prices up to 50 per cent off. Carrefour also provides all the necessary fresh food, snacks, and beverages to make little lunch boxes easy, interesting, and nutritious – offering everything under one roof, ‘All In One Go.’

GMG’s Sun & Sand Sports brings back #MakeSportsFun

Running until September 15, GMG’s Sun & Sand Sports has kickstarted it’s Back to School campaign with the message that sport is not just about winning – it’s about having fun. The #MakeSportsFun concept encourages children and young adults to change the meaning of victory and empowering them to define what victory means to each one of them.

Get quirky essentials from Typo

Australian-born retailer, Typo is known for its quirky stationery and gifts. Typo offers something for everyone across a range of categories including travel and tech accessories, bags, lighting, and décor items and novelty cards and gifts with collections resonating with distinct personalities through color, art and design that allows its customers to define their personal space.

Geant’s Back To School Campaign

Promising great value and variety, customers will enjoy the convenience of a dedicated Back to School section at Geant’s supermarkets and hypermarkets replete with a wide range of products including bags, bottles, lunch bags, stationery not to mention special offers including more than 60 percent off on essentials.