French Families Experience Relief as School Supply Costs Drop
In a promising development for French families, the cost of essential school supplies has decreased slightly this year, according to the latest annual barometer from Familles de France. The association's 40th study indicates that the average cost of going back to school for a sixth-grade student will see a reduction of 1.27% in 2024, bringing the total to approximately 223.46 euros. This decline is attributed to the ongoing slowdown in inflation, which has provided some financial relief to parents preparing for the academic year.
Key Factors Influencing School Supply Prices
The significant drop in prices is primarily driven by a notable decrease in stationery supplies, which have seen an average price reduction of 12.63%. However, non-stationery supplies, such as pens and binders, have witnessed a price increase of 3.77%, while sporting goods have slightly decreased by 0.6%. The barometer, compiled from data collected by volunteers on 47 different school articles, highlights the varying prices across different retail channels.
Price Variations Across Retail Channels
The study reveals that hypermarkets offer the most affordable school supplies, with an average cost of 209.37 euros. In contrast, supermarkets charge an average of 216.82 euros, while specialized stores have the highest prices at 255.15 euros. Notably, online sales have shown a significant increase, with prices rising by 21.84% since 2022, averaging 250.76 euros. This information underscores the importance of shopping around to find the best deals for school supplies.
- The Familles de France association emphasizes that while the current prices are lower than last year, they still remain substantially higher than pre-health crisis levels. This trend indicates that families may still face challenges in managing their back-to-school budgets despite the slight decrease. Parents are encouraged to utilize various shopping strategies, including comparing prices across different stores and considering bulk purchases, to maximize savings.
