Ottawa Parents Rush to Shops as School Year Approaches

As the first day of school approaches for students in Ottawa, parents flocked to stores over the weekend for last-minute preparations. With classes set to begin on September 5, 2023, at both the Ottawa Catholic School Board and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board, many families are making final purchases to ensure their children are ready for the new academic year.

Victoria Glocking, who was shopping with her 12-year-old daughter, found herself needing to buy new shoes. “All of a sudden she has the same sized shoes as me,” Glocking said with a laugh. “So, we needed a new pair!” For her, the focus has shifted from strict budgeting to ensuring her daughter likes what she wears. “We get what they like. We’ve realized that is more important than what we care about because then they won’t wear it,” she added.

The financial strain on families is significant as inflation continues to impact household budgets. According to a recent survey by Rakuten.ca, nearly three in four parents who planned to budget for back-to-school shopping admitted to exceeding their intended spending. Clothing emerged as the category where parents felt they spent the most, highlighting the ongoing challenges of rising prices.

Decisions on Spending and Inflation’s Impact

Krista Kilrae shared her family’s tradition of allowing her children to choose their own items within a set budget. “It teaches them that if one kid wants the $50 jeans and another gets four T-shirts for that price, they can make that decision for themselves,” she explained. “And they actually don’t need any new clothes. This is a want and not a necessity.”

The rise in prices can be attributed to various factors, including inflationary pressures and tariffs imposed by the United States. John Graham, Director of Government Relations with the Retail Council of Canada (RCC), indicated that many school supplies are experiencing significant price increases due to market instability. Parents can expect to pay more for essential items such as pencil cases, pens, calculators, and clothing.

A recent RCC study estimates that the total cost of school supplies could range between $650 and $750 per student this year. This figure reflects the strain that inflation is placing on families as they prepare for the school year.

Shopping Strategies and Rising Costs

For many parents, shopping has become a strategic exercise in finding deals. Eberchi Ahams, another parent, emphasized the importance of discounts while shopping for school supplies. She noted, “Today is all about looking for deals – so I’m getting much needed crayons and pencils on sale.” Despite her efforts, she remarked on the noticeable increase in costs this year, particularly for winter clothing. “Snow boots, snow pants, fall boots as well. The prices have gone up considerably higher than what we bought last year. I think 3 to 4 percent higher than what I got last year from the same brands,” Ahams said.

For families in Ottawa, the back-to-school shopping experience is not just about purchasing supplies and clothing but navigating a complex landscape shaped by economic factors. As students prepare to return to class, the choices made by parents reflect both personal preferences and the broader economic reality. With the school year set to begin, many in the community are hoping for a successful and productive academic term ahead.