As summer draws to a close, Czech parents are gearing up for the impending school year, but this year’s preparations are proving to be more financially demanding. Reports from various retailers, both physical and online, indicate that prices for school supplies have surged by up to 10% compared to the previous year.

Parents are likely to encounter higher costs for essential items such as backpacks, notebooks, and pens. The average price for a basic backpack for a first-grader is hovering around 3,000 koruna. Retailers like Globus have noted a 5-10% uptick in the cost of school supplies, while Tesco reports a significant 10% increase.

Data from the price comparison platform Zboží.cz reflects these inflationary trends, revealing a 13.3% surge in notebook costs, a 14.5% rise in children’s sports shoe prices, and a 10% increase in shoe bags and lunch boxes. It’s important to note that prices may vary among different retailers, with backpacks ranging from 471 to 1,916 koruna, pens costing between 125 to 475 koruna, and lunch boxes priced from 99 to 613 koruna, according to Petra Dvořáková, a spokesperson for Zboží.cz.

While grappling with the escalating expenses, some parents are determined to economize by opting for more affordable school supplies or repurposing items from the previous year. A survey by financial services company Provident Financial unveiled that over 27% of parents are actively seeking ways to save on school supplies this year.

The surge in school supply costs not only poses financial challenges for parents but also has broader implications for socially disadvantaged families. Nevertheless, economist Lukáš Kovanda suggests that the Czech government could offer financial support to low-income families to alleviate the burden of school-related expenditures. He advises parents to connect with their local employment offices to explore potential financial aid options that could help offset the expenses associated with school supplies and extracurricular activities.

Article by Prague Forum