Back-to-school shopping dominated Shopify in July

Back-to-school was written all over Shopify’s sales data for July. Customers stocked up on bento boxes, lunch boxes, and jeans and cardigans for their kids, according to Shopify’s July sales data shared first with Retail Brew.

People shelled out money for bento boxes (up 225%) and lunch bags (up 203%) for the new school year. Orders for kids’ jeans popped at 382%, while demand for cardigans for children also spiked 205% in July. Orders for track jackets (up 55%), and pen and pencil sets (up 48%) also jumped.

When it comes to college kids, setting up the perfect dorm room vibe is essential to make a good first impression. Not surprisingly, orders for posters soared 202%. Things like laptop sleeves (up 102%), wall chargers (up 75%), mattress encasements (up 49%), and earbud headphone carrying cases (up 47%) were all high up on the back-to-college checklist. Orders for flat sheets (up 46%), tablet computer accessories (up 43%), and laptop stands (up 26%), all rose.

Meanwhile, as weird weather and record heat sent people indoors, consumers focused on getting their supplements in and working out. Orders for meal replacement drinks and powders spiked at a whopping 1,527%. Demand for personal blenders was up 166%. Orders for Vitamin C (up 127%), mini exercise bikes (up 125%), and prebiotics and fiber (up 61%) also jumped.

Hot out, cool in: Staying home also meant keeping it cool and comfortable. Orders for shade sails surged 468%. People also bought portable evaporative coolers (up 58%), tower fans (up 54%), portable air conditioners (up 42%), and desk and pedestal fans (up 39%).

Summer vacations were also top of mind for Shopify shoppers. People spent on upgrading their cars with vehicle dashboard accessories (up 163%), car shampoo (up 96%), bumper stickers (up 71%), car organizers (up 69%), and car chargers (up 68%) for the ultimate road trip.

Early bird: Some parents also spent on protective gear for football season. Orders for shoulder pads (up 100%), helmets (up 75%), helmet visors (up 75%), and face masks (up 52%) jumped in July.