It’s the time of year that kids hate and advertisers love: back to school. But for brands, especially retail brands, that means dollar signs in the form of back-to-school specials and promotions and all of the attendant social media chatter.
As a result, even brands that don’t sell school supplies or clothing are trying to get in on the #backtoschool buzz. Check out these five companies that have forced themselves, some more awkwardly than others, into the conversation.
Who’s ready to go back to school? (Shoes: @SOPHIAWEBSTER_) https://t.co/CGCNJhlPaP pic.twitter.com/QgnfEuOhNY
— Saks Fifth Avenue (@saks) September 3, 2013
Because every 4th-grade girl needs t-strap high heels and over-sized crayons for her back-to-school swag.
Back to school supplies – Back to football supplies. #BeesFanZone pic.twitter.com/v9RBfmKgjP
— Applebee’s (@Applebees) September 3, 2013
Offsides!
Whether you’re going #backtoschool or want to look sharp on the job, RT for a chance to win a designer tie. #FreeTieTuesday
— Men’s Wearhouse (@menswearhouse) September 3, 2013
RT if you wear ties to AP English, #thatoneweirdkid
Dear mom & dad, #backtoschool is much better w/ Wingstop! #FlavorFollowsU pic.twitter.com/Yl2RpAtmp2
— Wingstop Restaurants (@wingstop) September 3, 2013
Because spicy habanero wings are an essential part of every balanced back-to-school meal.
Happy First Day of School! We hope your class schedule is as fun as ours… pic.twitter.com/eJr4b0TQTW
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) August 26, 2013
Oh man, we were never good at pretzel geometry.
Image via Flickr.
More in Marketing
The official judgmental map of Cannes Lions 2026
This map won’t tell you where to go during Cannes Lions. It will tell you where you actually are.
The definitive Digiday guide to what’s in and out at Cannes 2026
Here’s what’s in and out for the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity.
As AI reshapes search, TikTok turns discovery into a performance pitch
The platform argues rising search activity is evidence that discovery is increasingly driving performance outcomes advertisers expect.