Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast artwork

After the First Bell: Capturing the Next Wave of Back-to-School Spending | Reimagining Retail

Behind the Numbers: an EMARKETER Podcast · with Arielle Feger and Rachel Wolff · August 5, 2026 · 25 min

Summary

This episode breaks down how ecommerce brands can capture spending beyond the initial back-to-school rush. It explores strategies for unconventional brands to tap into the season, optimize existing tactics, and leverage data to understand evolving consumer behavior and purchasing patterns. Learn how to adapt your marketing and sales to the entire back-to-school period for sustained growth.

Key takeaways

Themes

retail & omnichannelbrand & contentanalytics & attributionpaid acquisition

Topics covered

post-first-day spending trendsunconventional back-to-school marketingoptimizing seasonal sales tacticsdata-driven retail decisionsseasonal marketing strategiesaffiliate and partnership marketing

Episode description

On today’s podcast, we discuss how to make the most of the back-to-school season, including where post–first-day spending is happening, how less obvious back-to-school brands can capitalize on the season, and whether to double down, scale back, or simply adjust classic back-to-school tactics. Tune in for a discussion featuring Vice President of Content and host Suzy Davidkhanian, along with Analysts Arielle Feger and Rachel Wolff. Subscribe to EMARKETER's newsletters. Go to https://www.emarketer.com/newsletters Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/emarketer/ For sponsorship opportunities contact us: advertising@emarketer.com For more information visit: https://www.emarketer.com/advertise/ Have questions or just want to say hi? Drop us a line at podcast@emarketer.com For a transcript of this episode click here: https://www.emarketer.com/content/podcast-after-first-bell-capturing-next-wave-of-back-to-school-spending-reimagining-retailINSERT/ © 2026 EMARKETER Awin is the all-in-one platform for smarter partner marketing. With award-winning technology, expert support and a global network of 1 million partners, Awin helps brands discover, manage and scale high-performing partnerships that drive measurable growth. Learn more.

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Frequently asked about this episode

What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Identify product categories with increased demand post-initial rush to extend your back-to-school sales window.
What does this episode say about brand & content?
Develop tailored messaging and offerings for non-traditional back-to-school products to leverage seasonal momentum.
What does this episode say about analytics & attribution?
Utilize data and analytics to track and respond to shifts in consumer spending patterns throughout the back-to-school season.
What does this episode say about paid acquisition?
Evaluate existing back-to-school campaigns and be prepared to adjust, intensify, or scale back based on real-time market conditions.
What does this episode say about retail & omnichannel?
Explore partnership marketing opportunities, like affiliate programs, to expand reach and drive sales during key retail periods.

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