Back to School Already?

These days, companies begin advertising their promotional campaigns months in advance. Winter holiday specials are promoted as early as September, summer sales begin in March, and I've seen Halloween costumes for sale by August. Unfortunately for children and teens across the country, the strategy behind many "Back to School" promotions is no exception. It seems that as soon as students finish up their last final exams, corporations are already planning their "Back to School" sales.

For example, according to an article by a staff reporter for the International Business Times, Apple Inc. has already begun planning its 2011 "Back to School" promotion. "Apple Inc. will not offer free iPods as part of its annual 'Back to School' promotion," the article stated, "instead it will offer a $100 gift card." What's sure to disappoint young people more than Apple's less-than-exciting promotion is the fact that, as reported in the article, as of June 16, the campaign has already begun. That's right; before summer even officially started, Apple's "Back to School" campaign was already in action.

Because of the competitive retail market, we can't really blame Apple for its preemptive advertising. We can, however, suggest some ways to jazz up its "Back to School" promotional campaign. One way Apple can guarantee its campaign is a success is to distribute custom backpacks with every purchase of a Macbook or iPad. These highly appropriate promotional products are sure to draw in crowds, especially considering how in-style the Apple logo has become. 

Other giveaways, such as promotional calendars (which kids will undoubtedly use to eagerly count down the days until school starts again, right?), promotional polo shirts, and custom embroidered fleeces would also help to amp up Apple's latest promotional campaign.

Then again, what business do we have telling Apple how to promote its products? After all, it's recently been named been named one of the world's most reputable brands.

Still, we think free iPods would've been cool.