08/30/2023

Associations Offer Back-to-school Support

Some are providing original research, reused content and promotions

Classes are back in session, or soon will be, and associations have been busy helping members, parents, teachers and students prepare for them. From fundraisers to data to tips, here are some of the resources and initiatives associations have been offering:

Data-driven insights. For 20 years, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has been delivering annual reports on back-to-school shopping trends. This year, NRF reports that spending for the new school year will reach a record high of $41.5 billion, with back-to-college shopping hitting a record $91 billion. Electronics account for the largest share of the back-to-school jump in sales—in fact, sales of clothing and shoes are trending slightly down. But more buyers are using their debit cards instead of credit cards, NRF reports, suggesting that more spending doesn’t necessarily mean more debt.

Partnering to promote. This year, the Food Industry Association (FIA) has partnered with the youth nonprofit Junior Achievement (JA) and a foundation operated by the grocery retailer SpartanNash to run fundraisers at its participating stores. The goal of the fundraiser is to promote the food industry in particular, while also supporting JA's programs around financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Through Sept. 3, customers at select SpartanNash stores will be prompted to make donations at the checkout lane.

Please select this link to read the complete article from Associations Now.