A team of Bank of America analysts went to a New Jersey mall for a back-to-school tour. These were their 6 biggest takeaways.

Back-to-school season is a big opportunity for retailers looking to boost sales and engage with shoppers ahead of the holiday season.

The landscape has changed somewhat as online retailers such as Amazon have become increasingly popular choices for school supplies, clothing, and shoes. But traditional big-box retailers like Kohl’s, Target, and Walmart remain top choices for back-to-school purchases.

To assess the changing retail landscape and see how more traditional shopping malls are faring, analysts at Bank of America Merrill Lynch hosted a back-to-school mall tour at the Garden State Plaza in Paramus, New Jersey on Friday. They wrote in a Monday note that for specialty retail and department stores, “differentiation and value are key.” (READ MORE)