CannaAid & Peak; something new for everyone.

Back-to-School Buzz: How This Year’s Spending Is Off the Charts

It’s time to hit the books and study up on this year’s record-breaking back-to-college spending! With students expected to drop a whopping $94 billion (according to the latest National Retail Federation survey), this is a class you won’t want to miss.

Gadgets Galore: Tech on Campus

College students are gearing up for the year with high-tech leading to record spending of $15.2 billion on laptops, tablets, and more. And what pairs better with a brand-new tablet than some stylish vape pens or modern accessories? Showcase your tech-savvy smoking gear to catch the attention of gadget lovers.

Big-Ticket Time: Dorm Life Deluxe

32% of those spending more this year are eyeing big-ticket items. Think dorm furnishings, tapestries, and more. Do you offer high-end smoking accessories or luxury items? Create a dorm essentials section that caters to college students’ tastes and their desire to personalize their new space.

The Smart Shopper: Savvy Spending and Stellar Deals

Even with the big spending, Phil Rist, Executive Vice President of Prosper Strategy, aptly says, “Consumers are all about stretching their dollars and finding value.” Run special promotions on starter kits for those new to the vape world, or offer bundle deals on essentials like lighters, papers, and cleaning tools. It’s all about maximizing those college budgets.

Digital Dominance: Online Is Where It’s At!

With online being a top destination for back-to-college shoppers, now’s the time to buff up your digital presence. Consider hosting virtual tours of your shop’s college-friendly products, or running social media giveaways targeted at college students.

Early Bird Extravaganza: Shopping Starts Now

55% of college-bound consumers have already started shopping, and they’ve still got at least half left to do. Launch those college-themed promotions now to capture and keep the momentum going right up to the first day of class.

Snack Attack: Not Just About the Gadgets

With spending on necessities like food accounting for part of this year’s increase, don’t overlook the munchies! Consider creating snack sections that could accompany late-night study sessions. Try Hot Chili Squid flavor potato chips and wash them down with Rocket Fizz Grass flavor soda (sorry, cannabis lovers, but the grass taste for this beverage is inspired by your front lawn).

Make the Grade

Back-to-college shopping isn’t just for department stores and electronics retailers. The modern smoke shop has an exciting opportunity to engage with college students and their families, offering unique and tailored products that make campus life a little more fun. Class dismissed, and happy selling!

Recent Articles

This article is the second in a two-part series examining the impact of international policy on domestic cannabis legalization. This installment shifts focus to recent global milestones, such as Canada’s federal legalization and Mexico’s ongoing reforms, and considers how these changes could shape America’s fragmented cannabis policies.
We all deal with Uncle Sam, but smoke shop owners face unique challenges compared to everyone else. Here at HeadQuest, we’ve compiled our favorite tips and tricks to get you through your least favorite time of year.
For nearly two decades, Aficionados owner Tony Williamson has offered Augusta, Georgia, more than a retail experience. His smoke shop, located in the heart of downtown, has evolved into a hub for those who don’t fit in elsewhere.
Fred Scorsch, a seasoned glassblower in Tempe, Arizona, and a 36-year veteran of the head shop industry now finds himself navigating the unpredictable world of American glass artistry, facing challenges that are upending the lives of homegrown artisans in a globalized economy.
Joey DeStefano’s journey from a young entrepreneur & musician to Chief Commercial Officer at Puff Brands is an inspiring tale of innovation, passion, and perseverance.
While Trump carried all seven swing states and the popular vote, the red wave that swept him into office also delivered a stinging rebuke to drug reform advocates. Legalization efforts in both Dakotas as well as Florida failed, and Massachusetts rejected a measure to make psychedelics great again.
As an enrolled member of the Nez Perce Tribe of the Columbia River Plateau and a descendant of Chief Looking Glass, Mary Jane Oatman is on a mission to bring Indigenous communities back into the conversation around cannabis, hemp, and plant-based healing.
The federal government and e-cigarettes can’t seem to get along. Like two cats fighting, it’s mostly terrible noises and ridiculous posturing with extended pauses between any actual bouts of scratches and bites. Yet something about a recent dustup seems to signal the feud has reached a new intensity.