Back to school: 6 tips & trends to pick up as a retailer
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Trendy back to school, yes please! And you must admit, a cool school bag and trendy clothes make that first day of school even more fun. So in this article, we list six handy tips and trends to get your shop ready for this important moment for parents.
A sturdy satchel or school backpack
We start at the beginning, because of course children need a good - and stylish - school bag or backpack.
This school year, botanical and floral prints are doing well again - especially among secondary school students: think palm trees, embroidered flowers or bright tropical colours. And plain ones continue to score too, especially if they feature a fun detail. An iconic leather strap, a key ring or a cool smiley face provide a fun upgrade for any backpack!
At the beginning of primary school, parents prefer a real school bag in sturdy fabric or leather. Once again, the range of school bags is huge: animal prints, fairy tale characters, dinosaurs or rainbows? You name it, it exists. And trend colours mint, pink and shades of grey dominate this year too.
Toddlers do not yet take much to school. A small backpack or book bag is therefore usually sufficient. Parents of small children often go for a recognisable school backpack - which their child can easily put on and take off themselves: a nice colour, a backpack in the shape of animals or a cool all-over print.
Well-sealed drinking bottle and lunch box
Most schools encourage pupils to bring a reusable drinking bottle, which they can refill at the tap or a tap point on the playground. A smart choice, both for the environment and for parents, as no more lugging around bricks, plastic bottles or cans.
Drinking bottles come in many sizes, adapted to the age and activities of children. So parents of toddlers or pre-schoolers should choose a small 300 or 400 ml drinking bottle. A full bottle will not be too heavy and children can still drink from it easily. Older children should take a 600 ml to 1.2 litre bottle. Of course, it all depends on whether they can refill their bottle during the school day and whether sports activities, for example, are planned. In that case - or when it is very hot - a large drinking bottle comes in handy.
Those staying for lunch at school should bring a sturdy lunch box. There is a lot of choice in this too: with compartments, leak-proof, large or small. What do children like to take to school? For cold pasta or rice salads, there are special boxes that keep the contents nice and fresh for hours.
Schoolproof clothes
September 1 is often synonymous with new clothes. Admit it, what parent does not like to draw a picture of their spick and span child at the start of the new school year?
As at the start of every new school year, the range of school-proof clothes for toddlers, pre-schoolers and young primary school children is very large. Parents best choose breathable clothes that fit well and are easy to put on and take off. This is especially important for toddlers - accidents still happen regularly. But also for school sports or swimming lessons, it is useful for children to be able to change quickly. Advise parents to choose comfortable clothing and provide simple spare clothes.
This year there is no one specific trend colour, all colours of the rainbow are equally hip! For girls, the dreamy trend continues: floaty skirts, soft colours and shiny details in gold or glitter. Sequins and metallic also remain cool, as do cuddly fabrics and eye-catching prints. Boys and cool girls choose space references or reversible jumpers and jackets.
Schoolproof shoes
An outfit is only complete with the right shoes. Remember that kindergarten shoes have to put up with a lot during the school day. They climb, crawl, cycle, walk, trip and fall all over the place. So a sturdy shoe is no superfluous luxury. Parents should be advised to wear shoes that they can easily put on or take off themselves: slippers, a Velcro fastener or a zip. Older children can naturally tie their own laces and look cool and hip in sturdy boots or colourful trainers.
Safe on the road with bicycle helmet and fluorescent
Nothing is as important as safety, especially when children go to school by bike or on foot. A cool fluorescent helmet makes them stand out. In recent years, many book bag brands have also incorporated reflective details in their bags and this trend continues in children's clothes.
For cyclists, a good helmet is essential. We recommend well-fitting ones that children can put on and take off themselves!
Bedroom or study on point
No school without homework or studying. This is why it is important for parents of older children to provide a clearly defined area for schoolwork in their bedroom: a desk or a sitting area with space to write and fun school supplies. Primary school children often still do their homework under supervision in the living room or at the kitchen table, so there is extra space left in their room for playing, reading or chilling out. And a few pretty deco items will give that kids' room another upgrade.
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