The Retail Council of Canada says back-to-school shopping is more than a $4.5 billion market, with six million students in grades K-12. The organization said this week that average household spending for back-to-school shopping ranges from $600-$750 per child when electronics are included. “More than 9 in 10 parents say back to school feels more expensive to them this year,” said Santo Ligotti from the Retail Council of Canada. “And 53 per cent told us that it feels a lot more expensive. That’s up 47 per cent from last year.” Most are already planning While it may seem a bit early for families to start thinking about going back to school, studies show 61 per cent of parents have already begun planning and shopping. Ligotti said most parents remain pragmatic about back-to-school shopping, not panicking but getting prepared. “I think promotions have become an expectation,” he said. So 85 per cent always or often look for discounts. Deals are no longer the bonus or at the edge of the journey. They are part of how parents decide where to shop.” Price remains the biggest challenge according to parents surveyed by the council. Looking for deals Families in Sudbury told CTV News they give their younger children hand-me-downs and look for sales when shopping for new items. Many parents we spoke to said the added costs of uniforms and winter gear drive up their back-to-school spending. Most of the shopping is still happening in person, the Retail Council of Canada said, but AI is helping families save time. “AI has a potential, I think, to help reduce much of the work and stress involved in back-to-school planning,” Ligotti said. “A parent could provide a school list, budget, child’s age, and preferred stores and receive, you know, a recommended shopping list, product comparisons, current pricing and information on where items are available.” While only 23 per cent of parents said they are using AI to help with back-to-school shopping, Ligotti said it’s something more parents should consider. “It will be helping a busy parent make faster, more confident and more affordable decisions,” he said.
