Buenos Aires – Argentina’s Banco Nación has launched a nationwide “Vuelta al Cole 2025” (Back to School 2025) campaign offering discounts of up to 30% and installment payment options on school supplies, clothing, and technology purchases throughout February. The initiative aims to alleviate the financial strain on families preparing for the new school year.
Discounts and Financing Options
The Banco Nación program provides a tiered discount structure, with varying benefits depending on the date of purchase and the customer’s relationship with the bank. Discounts range from 10% to 30%, with financing options extending up to 18 interest-free installments. The campaign is accessible through the bank’s “MODO BNA+” app when using Visa and Mastercard credit cards.
Specifically, customers can access a 20% discount on school supplies, art materials, and stationery between and . A 20% discount is also available on children’s, sports, school, and athletic apparel and footwear from to . Customers who receive their salaries through Banco Nación are eligible for an additional 10% discount on clothing and footwear purchases during this period, potentially reaching a total discount of 30%.
A separate “Tienda BNA+” promotion, running from to , offers discounts on select branded products with the possibility of financing purchases in up to 18 interest-free installments, up to a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 per customer. Customers receiving their salaries through Banco Nación receive an additional 10% discount on these purchases.
Broader Retail Participation
Beyond Banco Nación’s direct offerings, a survey of current promotions indicates widespread discounts ranging from 10% to 30% across various retailers, including bookstores, toy stores, and clothing retailers. Financing options of up to 9 interest-free installments are also being offered by several stores.
Several banks are participating in the broader retail discounts. Banco Ciudad is offering up to 30% rebates in toy and sports stores. Banco Nación is focusing on interest-free installment financing in bookstores. Naranja X (Plan Z) is providing 3 zero-interest installments in select stores like Crocs. Banco Galicia and Supervielle are offering discounts at various retailers, including Grimoldi (20% savings) and Crocs (30% discount).
Retailer-Specific Promotions
Specific retailers are also offering targeted promotions. Gulliver is offering savings of up to 30% with Banco Ciudad and Banco Municipal, and 20% with Galicia, and Supervielle. Educando provides a 30% discount with Banco Ciudad and 3 interest-free installments with Mercado Pago QR code payments. Dexter and Stock Center are leading financing options with up to 9 interest-free installments through Banco Municipal, alongside a 30% discount with Banco Ciudad. Crocs offers a 30% discount with Banco Municipal and 6 interest-free installments online with BBVA and Galicia. Open Sports presents a 30% discount with Banco Provincia and Banco Municipal.
Other retailers participating include Cúspide (10% discounts with Clash and 3 interest-free installments with Banco Nación), Yenny / El Ateneo (10% benefits and 3 installments with Banco Nación cards), and SBS Librerías (10% savings). Cebra is offering strong discounts of 30% with Banco Ciudad and 20% with Galicia, Supervielle, and Banco Provincia.
Context and Implications
The “Vuelta al Cole” campaign reflects the ongoing economic challenges facing Argentinian families. Inflation remains a significant concern, and these promotions are designed to ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping. The aggressive discount scheme and financing options suggest retailers are anticipating a challenging sales environment and are actively seeking to stimulate demand.
The emphasis on digital payment methods, particularly through the “MODO BNA+” app, aligns with broader trends in the Argentinian financial sector towards increased digitalization. Banco Nación’s strategy of incentivizing app usage through exclusive discounts and financing options is likely aimed at increasing customer engagement and reducing reliance on traditional banking channels.
The tiered discount structure, with additional benefits for Banco Nación salary earners, is a common tactic used by banks to promote customer loyalty and attract new account holders. The campaign’s success will likely depend on the extent to which retailers participate and the effectiveness of Banco Nación’s marketing efforts in reaching target consumers.
