13 must-stock items for back-to-school 2022: Alibaba.com’s top picks

Back-to-school is right around the corner, and students will soon be on a mission to gather all of the items on their school supply lists.

Now is the time for retailers to build up their inventory so that they’re prepared for the back-to-school rush.

Without further ado, let’s review our top picks for must-stock items for back-to-school 2022.

1. Backpacks

Backpacks are a back-to-school essential, so this is an item that you need to have on your shelves.

Since every student has different preferences and needs, it is a good idea to offer a variety of styles and colors of backpacks. This makes it easy and convenient for parents of multiple students since it helps them find an option that suits all of their kids in one store.

2. Lunch boxes

Stock up on lunch boxes so that your customers have what they need to pack their students’ school lunches.

Reusable containers, ice packs, and small thermos containers are also quite important for those who are getting ready to go back to school.

3. Pencils

Although a lot of schools are switching to digital methods for test-taking and other types of school work, pencils are still essential in some situations. Stock up on different colors and styles of pencils, such as the standard #2 pencils and mechanical pencils.

Plus, if you’re selling #2 pencils, it is also a good idea to sell sharpeners and erasers.

4. Pens

Like pencils, pens still have their place in many classrooms despite the push toward digitalization in education.

Some back-to-school lists specifically require gel pens, ballpoint pens, or another variety. Stock up on a variety of pens so your customers can clear their shopping lists.

5. Art supplies

Elementary schools typically require students to have their own art supplies for in-class projects. These include construction paper, crayons, colored pencils, and markers. Glue sticks and popsicle sticks are some other popular requirements.

Since some schools and teachers invest in art supplies for their classrooms, you can stock up on larger packs of these items, as well.

6. Folders

Folders are another back-to-school basic that retailers should stock up on ahead of the start of the school year. They are used for students of all levels, ranging from grade school to college.

There are a few types of folders that you can add to your inventory, including manila folders and colored folders with pockets.

7. Notebooks

Even when technology is permitted in the classroom, many students still do better with physical notebooks for jotting down notes during class.

Depending on your target audience, you might stock up on college-ruled notebooks, wide-ruled notebooks, or composition books. Having several types of notebooks in stock will give your buyers the ability to choose what works best for them.

8. School clothes

Many schools have uniforms, so school clothes and shoes that align with dress codes are must-stocks for any retailers that sell clothes.

This could include solid-colored collared shirts and black, khaki, or navy blue shorts and pants. As for shoes, this could include any type of shoes in similar solid colors.

9. Planners

Planners are a great tool for students of any level because they help kids develop organizational skills and time management. Stock up on calendars and planners that are student-centric for this back-to-school season.

10. Rulers

Stock up on rulers for the upcoming school year. As you search for rules, look specifically for metric or imperial rules so that the tool is appropriate for students in your region.

Compasses and protractors are must-stock items for retailers that sell to high school and college students.

11. Safety scissors

Many teachers require students to have safety scissors on their back-to-school lists. Since cutting activities are popular for fine motor skills and sensory development, retailers who serve the parents of preschoolers and elementary students should definitely stock up on safety scissors.

12. Index cards

Index cards are useful tools for students of all levels. They can be used as flashcards for memorization, learning, studying, and more.

It is a good idea to hold an inventory of different sizes and colors of index cards to accommodate customers with different needs.

13. Loose leaf

Loose leaf is required on many back-to-school lists, especially in middle school and high school.

Just like notebooks, there is wide-ruled and college-ruled loose leaf. Some manufacturers offer colored loose leaf, as well. Stock up on a variety of loose leaf products to meet the needs of a variety of students.

Source on Alibaba.com

One of the easiest ways to source high-quality school supplies is on an e-commerce B2B marketplace like Alibaba.com.

Alibaba.com is a platform that connects B2B buyers and suppliers from around the world. There are over a million products listed on the platform, so it’s easy for retailers to find the products that they need to stock in their shops.

Head over to the Alibaba.com marketplace to stock up on all of the products your customers need for the new school year.