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
YouTube’s upmarket TV push still runs on mid-funnel DNA
YouTube is balancing wanting to be premium TV, the short-form powerhouse and a creator economy engine all at once.
Digiday ranks the best and worst Super Bowl 2026 ads
Now that the dust has settled, it’s time to reflect on the best and worst commercials from Super Bowl 2026.
In the age of AI content, The Super Bowl felt old-fashioned
The Super Bowl is one of the last places where brands are reminded that cultural likeness is easy but shared experience is earned.