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Winnipeg families are heading to bargain stores in search of affordable school supplies as the back-to-school season drives up household spending across Canada. With inflation climbing to three percent in July, parents say the financial pressure is unavoidable.
According to a 2026 Retail Council of Canada report, back-to-school shopping generates more than $4.5 billion annually across the country. Individual households can expect to spend between $600 and $750 per child on supplies, clothing and other essentials for the new academic year.
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Parents Feel the Pinch at Checkout
For many Winnipeg families, discount and second-hand retailers have become a practical solution. Graham Voth, a parent speaking to reporters at Value Village, acknowledged the frustration many shoppers share. “I’m so tired of hearing about the rising costs, I mean, it sucks, but we all have to deal with it,” he said.
The sentiment reflects a broader reality facing Canadian households this season. Rising prices have left many parents with little choice but to seek out deals wherever they can find them, from thrift stores to discount chains.
Community Organization Steps Up for Northern Kids
The increased financial strain has also boosted demand for community support programs. Tru-North Supply, an organization that produces affordable back-to-school backpack kits for children in northern communities, has seen a notable rise in interest this year.
Danica Lazatin, the organization’s sales and marketing co-ordinator, confirmed that Tru-North Supply has already filled 400 backpacks this season. The kits are designed to give children in remote and underserved areas access to essential school supplies they might otherwise go without.
School Year Set to Begin in September
Students in Winnipeg are scheduled to return to classrooms on September 9. As that date approaches, families continue to weigh their budgets carefully, balancing the need to prepare their children for the school year against the reality of higher costs across nearly every spending category.
The combination of persistent inflation and rising per-child back-to-school expenses suggests that budget-conscious shopping will remain a priority for Winnipeg households well into the new academic season.
