The big debate around schools has been whether or not they should be open to in-person learning, and that debate continues to rage as some geographies are in a good position to do so while others, due to issues like a high community COVID-19 infection rate, older buildings with subpar ventilation systems and good old fashioned overcrowding are struggling to find a way to conduct classes. 

Regardless of whether the student is learning remotely or from a physical school, supplies are needed. Paper, pens, craft supplies, computers and other devices are necessary, and suppliers of said goods are reaping the rewards of this, even in the face of a tanking economy and a lack of clarity of how the whole of the school year will play out. 

A report by consumer data analytics company Placer.ai argues that while sales and foot traffic are down year-over-year for most major school supply retainers such as Office Max, Best Buy, Target and Walmart, things could be a lot worse and recent weeks show an influx of store visits.