Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (WMT), Target Corporation (TGT): Back to School Brings Success for Retailers

Electronics for campus

Laptops aren’t just for college classrooms anymore. As high schools receive an injection of technology, Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) is beefing up its mobile offerings to appeal to younger consumers. To reach out to younger shoppers, Best Buy has already put in place its “Back to School Techfitter,” allowing students to choose their identity and see products that match.

Same-store-sales were down 1.3% in its most-recent quarter as the company shifted attention toward its Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) Mobile locations. But back-to-schoolers will likely be primarily visiting traditional Best Buy locations, where they’ll be able to shop for laptops, printers, tablets, and accessories.

It should be noted, however, that Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY)’s stock is up 115% this year, giving the retailer a sunny outlook for the remainder of 2013. It also means the market is viewing it as being more than just a showroom for Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN). As college students outfit dorm rooms with TVs, DVD players, and other electronics, Best Buy could see an even more profitable quarter.

Foolish final thoughts

Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY) has asked investors to have patience, since 2013 is its “transition year.” American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE:AEO) and Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT), meanwhile, are both hoping for an improvement that can be brought only with an influx of parents and their children, stocking up for the first day of school. If recent trends hold, both should enjoy a very profitable back to school season.

The article Back to School Brings Success for Retailers originally appeared on Fool.com and is written by Stephanie Faris.

Stephanie Faris has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Stephanie is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network — entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.

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