Sensormatic Solutions, part of Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) and a leading global provider of retail solutions, has released its 2024 U.S. Back-to-School Consumer Sentiment Survey. The survey underscores that the majority of customers remain committed to in-store shopping for their upcoming school-related purchases. Specifically, 74% of consumers intend to conduct their back-to-school shopping in physical stores, maintaining a consistent preference year-over-year.
Moreover, the survey highlights an increasing adoption of “buy online, pick up in-store” (BOPIS) options, with 43% of shoppers planning to use this service, up from 34% in 2023, and 25% opting for curbside pickup, compared to 19% last year.
Early planning is evident among this year’s back-to-school shoppers, with 18% planning to start shopping as early as June, a notable rise from 11% in the previous year. Despite this, August remains projected as the busiest month for back-to-school shopping in the U.S., based on traffic insights from Sensormatic Solutions.
Grant Gustafson, head of retail consulting and analytics at Sensormatic Solutions, emphasizes the importance for retailers to align their operations and staffing to meet evolving consumer expectations. Understanding customer behavior and historical performance data can guide retailers in optimizing their strategies for a successful back-to-school season.
Key considerations for back-to-school shoppers identified in the survey include:
- Security: 44% prioritize feeling safe and comfortable in-store environments when choosing where to shop.
- Price: 75% of respondents consider price a critical factor for in-store purchases, with 34% planning to spend significantly less this year compared to previous years.
- Sustainability: 83% of respondents factor sustainability into their purchasing decisions, with preferences for reusable shopping bags (45%), sustainable packaging (41%), and eco-friendly materials (38%).
Tony D’Onofrio, president at Sensormatic Solutions, underscores the importance of leveraging data-driven technologies during peak shopping periods. Technologies such as inventory intelligence, computer vision analytics, and shopper traffic insights enable retailers to optimize operations and enhance the customer experience.
For further insights into consumer sentiments and expectations for the upcoming back-to-school season, the complete results of the 2024 U.S. Back-to-School Consumer Sentiment Survey can be accessed. To learn more about Sensormatic Solutions, visit sensormatic.com.
About Johnson Controls:
Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI) is a global leader in transforming environments where people live, work, learn, and play. With nearly 140 years of innovation, Johnson Controls provides smart, healthy, and sustainable building solutions through its comprehensive digital offering, OpenBlue. The company’s global team of 100,000 experts in over 150 countries delivers cutting-edge building technology, software, and service solutions across various industries.
