Canadian parents start back‑to‑school shopping early amid inflation

A survey by Caddle and the Canadian Council of Retail (CCCD) found that 61 % of Canadian parents had already begun or planned to begin purchasing school supplies before the new school year, with many starting as early as May‑June. 91 % of respondents said school items have become more expensive, prompting 85 % to actively hunt for bargains and 47 % to cite finding good prices as their main difficulty. Francis Mailly, vice‑president of public affairs for Quebec at the CCCD, noted the trend reflects parents’ desire to secure lower prices before inflation erodes purchasing power.

The back‑to‑school period generates roughly CAD 4.5 billion in retail sales, with average spending per child estimated between $600 and $750, including electronics. Many parents plan multiple shopping trips to maximize savings.