The Checkout Shopper-Behavior Study Explores This Year's Back-To-School Season

DENVER, Aug. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The most recent issue of The Checkout, an ongoing shopper-behavior study conducted by The Integer Group® and M/A/R/C® Research, explores the back-to-school shopping period, one of the most competitive times of year for retailers hoping to earn shopper dollars. The study takes an in-depth look at the nuances of the routine and priorities for shoppers this season as well as investigates new considerations for brands and retailers.

Male vs. Female Back-to-School Shoppers

The majority of shopping is done two to three weeks before school starts, when inventory is high, more choices are available and deals are prevalent. While female shoppers do most of their shopping at this time, 33 percent indicate delaying shopping until the week of or even after school starts, compared to just 20 percent of men. Women have a heightened focus on price, which is most likely the reason they delay shopping. While they know deals will hit stores early, years of practice tell them that the best deals tend to kick in later in the season. Conversely, men prioritize efficiency, seeking to complete back-to-school shopping more quickly and when all items are in stock at expected discounted prices.

Back-to-School Values and Priorities Beyond Low Prices and Good Deals

Price is the top priority for back-to-school shoppers. However, finding the best deal is no longer the most interesting or best part of shopping. While 76 percent of shoppers prioritize finding low-cost items, the number of shoppers who prioritize having fun during back-to-school shopping is growing (30 percent of shoppers, up from 25 percent two years ago). And while women are on the hunt for the best price, they are also more likely than men to desire fun experiences and exploration while shopping, which leads to a variety of shopping experiences and environments, primarily mass, discount, online and clothing stores. Retailers and brands should recognize that seeking low prices and shopping for deals are ingrained, baseline behaviors for shoppers, and these shoppers are now also seeking enhanced shopping experiences.

Student Influence on Back-to-School Shopping

When it comes to item types, such as brand names and the newest versions of back-to-school products, "kidfluence" is an important factor in the decision-making process, with kid preference and request reaching a peak of influence in middle school. Combined with the fact that students participate in 49 percent of back-to-school shopping trips, students influence both the items that ultimately make it into the cart and the shopping experience.

On the shopper side, shoppers with preschool- and elementary-age students have a greater emotional and personal investment in getting the back-to-school shopping experience "right." They represent a huge opportunity for brands and retailers to establish relationships and shopping patterns for years to come by helping shoppers feel prepared and facilitating enjoyable shopping experiences. Shoppers who have young students along on the trip are also more than twice as likely to think about how back-to-school products will reflect on them as parents than shoppers who shop with students in high school. They care more about proving to themselves and others that they know what they're doing and that their student is well prepared for the school year.

For more insights and the full report, download The Checkout. For more information, join the conversation on shopping culture and brand strategy at www.shopperculture.com.

About The Integer Group®
The Integer Group® (www.integer.com) is one of the world's largest promotional, retail, and shopper marketing agencies, and a key member of Omnicom Group Inc. Integer® lives at the Intersection of Branding and Selling®, driving transaction and creating seamless brand experiences for shoppers. Integer works with a broad set of clients across several categories including retail, beverage, consumer packaged goods, telecommunications, home and shelter, automotive aftermarket, and power sports. Integer has approximately 1,200 employees across the globe, including locations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. Join the conversation on shopping culture and brand strategy at www.shopperculture.com.

About Omnicom
Omnicom Group Inc. (NYSE: OMC) (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations, and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries.

About M/A/R/C ® Research
M/A/R/C ® Research (www.MARCresearch.com) is a brand development firm dedicated to helping clients create, evaluate, and strengthen their brands. Our teams design and execute qualitative and quantitative, traditional, and online solutions while adhering to a client-service ethic built on being easy to work with and delivering what is promised. Our core competency is measuring attitudes and behaviors to accurately explain and predict market share, revenue, and bottom-line impact of a client's actions. We help our clients address consumer, channel, and B2B marketing issues to launch better products and services, attract and retain valuable customers, and build stronger brands. Our proven, marketing-issue-focused solutions support clients' brand-building efforts.

SOURCE The Integer Group

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