The start of the school year is typically an exciting time when parents and students stock up on school supplies. However, this autumn with the spread of COVID-19, the learning environment for students in the US has taken on a different tone.
PPE items such as masks and hand sanitiser are top of mind. While back to school looks different for everyone, brands are leveraging the season and trying to stay relevant with new offerings adapted to the new normal. Orchidia Fragrances is helping their clients anticipate consumer buying behaviours as parents prepare their children for the school year. The fragrance manufacturer has identified these top trends in back to school scented products for children:
- Fun & Easy Hygiene. Hand sanitiser has become a necessity for many households. Stratistics MRC reports the global hand sanitiser market is expected to reach $3,043.56 million by 2027 growing at a CAGR of 11.9% from 2018-2027. Now that more children are using hand sanitiser, formulas employ kid-friendly scents and textures such as glitter. Garry Johnson, Director of Perfumery said: “We are receiving lots of requests for fragrances that appeal to ages 5 to 12 like bubblegum.” Accessories such as holders in funky shapes and colours clip onto backpacks for easy access.
- Safe Sanitizing. Some consumers are concerned that sanitisers and disinfectants can be harmful to children when misused. In response, brands targeting parents are promoting user-friendly, free-from claims and self-defined clean standards. To remain up to date, manufacturers of hand sanitiser for children should monitor the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s list of hand sanitiser warnings designed to help consumers navigate their purchases.
- Bring Your Own School Supplies. Even in classrooms, students are encouraged to bring their own supplies to reduce the spread of germs. New kids’ stationery launches engage the senses with trending fruity fragrances like watermelon and blueberry. Uniquely smelly scents— think Socks, Dirt, and Moldy Sponge, bring a fun surprise to markers, crayons, and toys.
