Rising school supply costs force Spanish families to stagger spending

Rising costs for school supplies and textbooks are forcing families in Spain to change their shopping habits. According to estimates from the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU), the average expenditure per child has reached approximately 500 euros, driven largely by the increased cost of paper.

In regions like Galicia, bookstores report that families are increasingly staggering their purchases throughout the summer to manage budgets. For example, some families purchase books in July, clothing in August, and stationery in September. The cost of textbooks has risen significantly; a complete set for a 5th-grade primary student can cost around 300 euros, while secondary and high school students may face costs between 400 and 450 euros.

Local businesses, such as Librería La Guía in Vigo and Librería Clunia in A Coruña, note that while some proactive families prepare in June or July, many are waiting for specific school lists that are often not released until September. Additionally, the second-hand market remains a significant competitor for traditional bookstores as families seek to mitigate these rising expenses.