Walmart prepares for back-to-school – across channels

Walmart is providing an omnichannel range of shopping options and services aimed at teachers, parents and students.

The discount giant’s back-to-school offerings include a designated online teacher section of its e-commerce site featuring classroom items, including new décor and staples like erasable markers and washable glue sticks. Teachers can also use an online events registry to create classroom wish lists to share their needs with others. Students can visit a section of the site dedicated to their teachers’ customized school supply lists.

In addition, Walmart is partnering with educational content providers including ABC Mouse, PBS Kids, Disney, Crayola, and Sylvan Learning to offer workbooks and online materials to help kids continue their education from home. Parents can find workbooks in stores nationwide, and a dedicated section of the retailer’s site will feature video content and learning resources from partners, additional workbooks and learning products, as well as bonus lessons and activities for kids.

Back-to-school shoppers will have access to all of the retailer’s contactless pickup, delivery any payment services, including same-day pickup, express delivery and in-store mobile payment with Walmart Pay on the Walmart app.

Walmart is also increasing its sustainable sourcing requirements for products that contain paper and pulp (excluding wood pencils) in time for the back-to-school shopping season. All paper and pulp products sold in the retailer’s stationery departments across its U.S. stores will be required to be made from either recycled material, certified virgin fiber, or a mix of recycled and certified virgin fiber.

“Whether you’re heading back to class or continuing to learn from home, Walmart is here for you,” said Scott Bayles, VP DMM school and office supplies, Walmart. “Going back to school might be different this year, but together, we’ll ace it.”