Staples has announced the launch of Classroom Rewards, a program that enables parents to contribute 5 percent of their back-to-school purchases to a teacher or school of their choice. This is a clear move toward social responsibility marketing that is extremely relevant in today’s loyalty environment. As Loyalty360 research has shown, brands that demonstrate authentic interest in a social causes see lots of benefits.
According to The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 94 percent of teachers reported spending their own money on classroom supplies without reimbursement. During this upcoming back-to-school season, Staples will help offset this expense through a joint effort with parents. Until September 15, 2019, parents can give 5 percent of in-store and online purchases back to a teacher or school of their choosing through Classroom Rewards.
“We know that every year teachers spend nearly 500 dollars of their own money on classroom supplies, and we are excited to help give back a portion of that expense,” says Mike Motz, Staples US Retail CEO. “This upcoming Back to School season, in addition to the assortment and value customers expect at Staples, we are now bringing together teachers, parents, and students, through a program where everyone is rewarded. Every time parents check out at Staples, they can feel confident that not only their child has the tools for a successful school year, but so does the teacher.”
How Does Classroom Rewards Work?
- Teachers or schools enroll at Staples.com/classroomrewards and earn $5 just for enrolling.
- Once enrolled, parents visit the Classroom Rewards website, select their child’s teacher’s name or school, and enter their receipt numbers and purchase amounts.
- Staples then gives 5 percent of that purchase back in Staples Rewards to the teacher or school, up to 250 dollars.
In addition to Classroom Rewards, Staples will host Community Shopping Events, an opportunity for parents, teachers, and students to come together to shop, save, and kick-off the school year together in a local Staples store. Each store will host its own Community Shopping Night during the season with dates to be announced next month.