Back-to-school season promises bumper sales for retailers

By Éilis Cronin in Industry News 16th August 2021

Retailers are set to enjoy a bumper back-to-school trading period with sales forecast to surge by around 7% over the coming weeks, according to new figures from Mastercard.

This anticipated growth builds on positive retail momentum with total sales rising by 4.2% year-on-year last month – driven by pent-up demand and the lifting of Covid restrictions giving consumers greater freedom to shop.

According to Mastercard’s SpendingPulse, which measures in-store and online retail sales across all forms of payment, sales are expected to grow 6.7% in the four weeks to 19 September compared with the same period last year.

Kelly Devine, divisional president for Mastercard UK & Ireland, said: “Back-to-school has always been a key shopping time for retailers.

“This year, the broader reopening of the high street brings an exciting wave of optimism as children prepare for what is hopefully an uninterrupted school year.

“This back-to-school season will be defined by choice as online sales remain robust and brick and mortar browsing regains momentum as shoppers seek to make up for lost time.”

Fashion is forecast to be the big winner in the back-to-school season.

Clothing sales are expected to increase by 18.7% compared with the same time last year as people flock to the shops to buy new school uniforms and office clothing.