Retailers and suppliers in the education sector are facing a mounting cash flow crisis, as the back-to-school shopping rush drives demand for school supplies, uniforms, textbooks, and equipment to unprecedented levels.

With parents and guardians crowding stores and schools placing bulk orders ahead of the new academic term, many businesses are struggling to keep pace.

Retailers report emptying shelves and urgent restocking needs, while suppliers handling large deliveries battle with tight liquidity.

For both groups, the strain on working capital is proving a serious threat to operations during this crucial period.

Equity Bank has stepped in with financing solutions designed to bridge these gaps.

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The institution stated, “Equity has solutions designed to make your business operations easier and more efficient during the back-to-school season.”

Merchants accepting payments through the One Equity Till Number are particularly well-positioned.

According to Equity, “If you have the One Equity Till Number, it is even better. You allow your customers to pay you from any payment solution as One Equity Till Number accepts payments from all mobile wallets and bank platforms. You also get an opportunity to borrow against your cash flow. The more transactions you process, the higher your loan limit becomes. This means you can access additional working capital to restock your inventory just when you need it most, without the stress of cash flow delays. One Equity Till also provides easy reconciliation, and best of all, there are zero commission fees.”

Suppliers catering to schools have also been offered relief through LPO Financing, allowing them to meet large orders without liquidity constraints.

The bank explained, “For suppliers providing schools with textbooks, meals, uniforms, or other essentials, Equity offers LPO Financing. This allows you to fulfil large bulk orders even when cash flow is tight. With flexible repayment terms and payments processed seamlessly through the One Equity Till Number, you can stay on top of your orders and focus on delivering quality products on time, without worrying about liquidity constraints. Plus, the easy reconciliation process makes managing payments a breeze.”

With the back-to-school period in full force, the pressure on merchants and suppliers is not expected to ease soon.

However, with tailored financial support available, many are now better placed to meet demand, secure stock, and deliver on orders without disruption.