Retail calendarBack to school. Start in December.
Public schools reopen in January, and parents shop in the weeks before and the first weeks after.
Back to school is a January rush for uniforms, shoes, stationery and devices, then smaller peaks before each new term. It arrives when money is tight after December, so value, bundles and ways to pay matter more than in any other season.
The Department of Basic Education publishes the school calendar each year. Check it for exact term dates, and private schools’ own calendars too.
- Main season
- December to the end of January 2027
- January payday
- Monday, 25 January 2027
- Smaller peaks
- Before terms two, three and four
- Term dates
- Department of Basic Education calendar
The timelineFour waves.
- 01
Early December: lists and pre-orders
Publish school lists, bundles by grade and pre-orders before the festive spend takes over.
- 02
After New Year: the rush
The first weeks of January carry the season. Keep stock deep on the basics and delivery promises honest.
- 03
January payday: the second wave
Parents who waited for Mon, 25 January buy the rest: shoes, bags and devices.
- 04
Each new term
Smaller peaks before terms two to four: replacement uniforms, shoes and stationery top-ups.
What to have readyThe back-to-school store.
- 01Bundles by grade or school list, priced as one.
- 02Size guides for uniforms and shoes, so fewer come back.
- 03Pay-later or lay-by options, if you offer them, shown before checkout.
- 04Delivery and collection times clear for the week schools open.
- 05A reminder list: parents who sign up get a message before each term.
QuestionsAsked often.
Something else? Contact us
Public schools usually reopen in January. The Department of Basic Education publishes the exact dates each year, and private schools set their own.
In early December, with lists, bundles and pre-orders, then most of the budget in the first weeks of January and around the January payday.
Uniforms, school shoes, stationery, bags, lunch boxes, and laptops, tablets and data for older learners.
Keep goingTools and guides.
- Retail calendarEvery South African retail date for the next twelve months, with paydays and public holidays.
- Payday datesThe 25th of every month for the next year, moved for weekends and holidays.
- Ad calculatorAd spend, our fees and your break-even, before you spend.
- Free CRO audit125 checkpoints and a speed test: what stops your store selling.
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