TORONTO — Ontario families preparing for the new school year are finding some relief from rising back-to-school costs, with major retailers offering deep discounts on everything from notebooks and backpacks to clothing, lunch gear and technology.
The savings come at an important time for parents, with a recent Retail Council of Canada study estimating that families could spend between $600 and $750 per child on back-to-school expenses this year.
Staples Canada is among the retailers offering some of the lowest-priced school supplies, with selected items starting at just 22 cents. The retailer is also promoting backpacks starting at $7 and says parents can assemble a backpack filled with core school supplies for less than $25.
Technology remains one of the biggest back-to-school spending categories. According to a Staples Canada survey, 73 per cent of parents believe technology helps children develop creativity, while 71 per cent say it gives young people new ways to express themselves.
About 43 per cent of surveyed parents said they plan to purchase some form of back-to-school technology, including laptops, smartphones and accessories.
Staples is offering discounts of up to $500 on selected laptops and desktop computers, along with savings of up to 30 per cent on backpacks, bags and lunch accessories. Some smartphone promotions are also available, including financing offers on newer devices.
Parents looking to upgrade electronics may also be able to reduce costs through the Staples Trade-In program, which allows customers to exchange eligible used electronics for e-gift cards that can be applied toward future purchases.
The retailer is also continuing its annual School Supply Drive, now in its 21st year.
The campaign runs until Sept. 27 and supports United Way Centraide and the Kiwanis Foundation of Canada. Staples says all donations collected remain within the communities where they are raised.
Nearly $20 million has been raised through the program since it began, according to the company.
Amazon is also targeting budget-conscious families through its Amazon Haul storefront, which features products priced at $20 or less.
The discount section includes school supplies, clothing, lunch accessories and classroom products for teachers.
Some items priced below $5 include planners, geometry sets, pencil cases and notebooks.
Products under $10 include bento-style lunch boxes, thermal food containers, insulated lunch bags, pens and file organizers.
Parents shopping for inexpensive clothing can also find athletic shirts, shorts and moisture-wicking tops for under $10, while joggers, dresses, shoes and matching clothing sets are among the items listed below $15.
Walmart is also offering a large selection of back-to-school essentials priced below $20, with some products starting around $1.
Its discounted assortment includes backpacks, lunch bags, reusable water bottles, headphones, wireless earbuds and children’s clothing.
The retailer is also advertising markdowns on laptops, desktop computers and tablets for families needing technology for homework, school projects or online learning.
With school-related costs continuing to put pressure on household budgets, retailers and consumer experts are encouraging parents to begin with a list of genuine necessities rather than purchasing everything at once.
Comparing prices, reusing supplies from the previous school year and waiting for discounts on non-essential products can significantly reduce overall costs.
Families can also save by taking advantage of trade-in programs, clearance sections and low-cost retailer collections instead of automatically purchasing premium brands.
The wide range of discounts this season means parents have options at almost every price point, from 22-cent school supplies to complete backpacks under $25 and clothing choices below $10.
With some families facing back-to-school bills approaching $750 per child, even relatively small savings on notebooks, clothing, technology and lunch supplies can add up quickly.
For Ontario parents trying to manage the cost of a new school year, shopping carefully, comparing deals and focusing first on essentials could make a significant difference to the family budget.