by Ian Cooper

Summer just started.

But in a few weeks, it’ll be time to head back to school.

What’s interesting is that consumers are already spending on back to school products over fears of tariffs. According to CBS News:

“The back-to-school season may seem at least a month away on the calendar, but for a majority of American families, it’s already begun. Two-thirds of back-to-school shoppers have already started buying clothing and supplies ahead of the new school year — a 55% increase on the level of early purchases last year.”

For investors, this marks a good time to look into companies that should benefit.

Walmart (WMT)

Walmart continues to show why it’s a solid investment.

Up about 40% in the last year, and about 145% over the last five years, it’s weathered one inflationary storm after another.

Granted, it hasn’t been immune for changes in consumer spending, with many pulling back on discretionary spending. However, back to school shopping isn’t discretionary and should help boost shares of WMT heading into the 2025-26 season.

It’s had quite a strong impact on WMT in recent years, too. WMT soared from an August low of about $70 to a high of $104.76. It ran from an August low of $52 to $55.21. And it ran from an August low of about $42 to just over $49.

We’re looking for a similar bounce this year, too.

Target (TGT)

Target has had its share of issues lately.

But it also has a history of turning higher around back to school season.

In fact, it’s already starting to pivot higher now. It also has a strong history of running during back to school months. From an August 2024 low of about $141, TGT ran to a high of $157.52. From an August 2023 low of about $127, it did pull back initially before exploding to a high of about $170.62. From its August 2022 low of about $150, TGT hit a high of $162.

You can also trade an ETF on the back to school theme with the:

ProShares Online Retail ETF (ONLN)

Online shopping is one of the most-favored forms of shopping at the moment, which is beneficial for the ETF. With an expense ratio of 0.58%, the ONLN ETF also pays out a quarterly dividend. Most recently, it paid just over seven cents on July 1. Before that, it paid just over five cents per share on April 1, 2025. Its next one should be out by September.

The ONLN ETF also holds 19 stocks, which include Amazon.com, eBay, Coupang, Wayfair, and Etsy to name a few of the top ones.