Back to school 2025 : inflation disrupts canadians’ spending habits

As the new school year approaches, families are juggling school lists, future purchases and household budgets.

In 2025, this dilemma has reached a new level. According to a survey by Leger, most parents notice that school supplies prices have gone up this year. Inflation continues to weigh down purchasing decisions, and many families need to review their priorities.

In this context, LEO turned its attention to the impact of inflation on household consumption.

Your answers to the question of the day gave us valuable insight into how inflation is shaping your consumption habits. Here’s what our research revealed.

A majority of Canadians are waiting for the right moment

In 2025, a household’s average spending on school supplies was around $600 to $750 per child.

This rise in prices, tied to inflation, puts additional pressure on already tight family budgets.

As of August 20, 2025, 59% of respondents had not yet made their purchases for the new school year.

This high percentage may be due to Canadians waiting for a last-minute sale, or to phase out their purchases instead of buying everything all at once.

Adapted Strategies in Response to Inflation

Among those who have already bought their school supplies, some were forced to adopt new strategies.

• 10,5% reduced the quality or quantity of their school supplies
• 10,4% had to modify their purchasing habits by shopping elsewhere or actively searching for sales.
• 4,4% had to put off purchases for another time

Facing continued financial strain, many families are quietly adjusting how they manage day-to-day life.

A little stability, despite everything

Some Canadian households have managed to absorb the price increases without too many compromises.

• Nearly 16% say they have not changed their purchasing habits despite inflation.

This is a sign of stability for some households, but they remain in the minority in the current context.

Your opinion matters

For many, the start of the 2025 school year is synonymous with adaptation. Amid these decisions, one thing is clear: the desire to make the right choices at the right time.

Thank you for participating in such large numbers. Through your responses, your commitment, and your willingness to make your voice heard, you are helping to shed light on various social issues.

By interacting via our online platform, you can find useful rewards to make your life easier at this time of year.

Do you still have questions?

Do you have other questions that couldn’t be answered here? Feel free to check out our FAQ section or communicate directly with our team.  

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For any other questions, our team is here to help!

Image credits : Shutterstock.com

Have you noticed an increase in back-to-school spending this season?

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