7/14/25
Back-to-school season kicks off one of the busiest shopping windows of the year, second only to the holidays. For PC retailers, it's a chance to drive revenue, reset performance targets, and engage a wave of customers eager to invest in new technology.
While foot traffic, signage, and discounts help bring shoppers through your doors, the real differentiator in a competitive retail environment is the confidence and knowledge of your PC sales associates.
In a time when parents, students, and educators are asking increasingly detailed questions about AI PCs, battery life, system speed, and productivity tools, the difference between an average sale and a high-value customer experience comes down to how well your associates are prepared. That’s why associate training must be a core sales strategy.
The 2025 back-to-school shopping season is already breaking records. According to the National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school are projected to spend over $41.4 billion this year. This number includes everything from pencils and paper to smartphones, headphones, and high-performance laptops.
What stands out in this year’s trends is the heightened demand for personal technology. Laptops and PCs are no longer optional; they're essential tools for learning, especially with the rise of virtual classrooms, digital collaboration tools, and AI-powered apps. In fact, a recent survey by The Trade Desk found that 35% of back-to-school shoppers plan to buy a new computer, a notable increase over 2024.
So, how do you ensure your store gets its share of this growing market? You start by training your team to understand what makes today’s PCs different and why Intel® processor technologies are at the center of that transformation.
Walk into any retail tech section in July or August, and you’ll hear these types of questions :
These aren’t just casual questions; they're buying signals. When a knowledgeable associate can answer confidently, the sale nearly closes itself. But if that same customer gets a vague or unsure response, the opportunity disappears—sometimes right into another store.
That’s where the Intel® Retail Edge Program delivers its biggest value. It transforms average salespeople into confident experts who understand not only the technical specs of Intel® products, but also how to match those specs to real customer needs.
Training modules break down complex topics into easy-to-understand lessons, covering everything from how AI PCs work to how to recommend the right laptop for specific types of students—gamers, creators, business majors, or remote learners. The Program also offers customer engagement tips, sales techniques, and sales tools like the Intel® Retail Experience Tool (Intel® RXT) that associates can use right on the floor.
Whether your associate is brand new or a seasoned pro, the Intel® Retail Edge Program keeps them sharp, updated, and ready to lead the conversation.
Retail floors are busy, and no one has time to sit through hours of classroom-style training. That’s why the Intel® Retail Edge Program is designed for flexibility and mobile access. Associates can complete trainings in three to five minutes from their phone, tablet, or computer—whether they’re on a break or at home relaxing.
With more than 20 million training modules completed by over 500,000 retail associates since the Program’s inception, it’s clear that this learning community works. Associates are engaging in content that sticks. The training is regularly updated, and associates are always learning about the latest devices, AI enhancements, and platform innovations.
The Program includes training on partner devices from top OEMs like Dell, ASUS, HP, and Lenovo, so your team is equipped to speak confidently about entire product ecosystems.
Managers who actively encourage participation in Intel® Retail Edge Program consistently report measurable improvements in-store. These include:
Higher attach rates for peripherals like monitors, keyboards, and warranties
More upsells to premium devices;
Reduced returns and higher customer satisfaction scores
A boost in team morale and internal recognition for top performers
Another reason associates love the Intel® Retail Edge Program is that it doesn’t feel like training; it feels like a game.
Seasonal promotions like Score with Intel® Core™: It’s Ultra Personal transform the learning experience into a fun, competitive event. Associates earn points, badges, and rewards for completing trainings and participating in quizzes. Top performers win prizes, gain bragging rights, and get recognized by peers and managers alike.
These promotions are strategically timed to align with sales peaks like back-to-school and holiday. They motivate your team to learn more, engage more, and ultimately, sell more.
One critical insight from this year’s reports is that shoppers are starting earlier than ever. According to USA Today, many families begin their back-to-school shopping in early July to take advantage of state sales tax holidays and seasonal promotions. That means the window to get your team up to speed is now.
Waiting until late August to begin training is too late. You’ll miss early high-intent customers who are ready to spend but need guidance. A well-trained associate can help them choose the right PC and feel confident walking out of your store.
The back-to-school season is here. Students are ready, and shoppers are spending. The only question is: Is your team prepared to lead the conversation? With the Intel® Retail Edge Program, your associates gain the tools, knowledge, and confidence to help customers choose the right technology at the right time.
Find out how the Program can help prepare your sales team for important seasonal sales cycles and beyond.
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