Back to School Supplies 2025. Slight price increases and fewer promotions. This is how school expenses have changed.

Inflation in July 2025 TVN24

The final moments to get backpacks ready for the upcoming school year are upon us. Experts predict that the expenses for school supplies are only marginally higher compared to the previous year. It’s important to note that parents and guardians, irrespective of their earnings or financial circumstances, qualify for a one-time grant of 300 PLN for the acquisition of textbooks, notebooks, and supplies as part of the Good Start program. If you wish to access the funds in September, prompt action is necessary.

As per the authors of the report, the modest price increase can be attributed to a strategic pricing approach by retail chains and manufacturers who are keen to avoid deterring customers with steep price hikes during this busy back-to-school season.

„School supplies are a highly seasonal market and thus are heavily promoted and competitive. Significant price hikes might drive customers away to competitors or lead to delays in purchasing decisions,” emphasized Julita Pryzmont from Hiper-Com Poland.

The report indicates that the prices of school supplies have risen by an average of 2.9% year-on-year, which is slightly lower than the overall inflation rate of 3.1%, as reported by the Central Statistical Office. This increase is also less than the rise in retail and food prices, which have surged by 5.7% and 4.9% respectively, according to data from UCE Research and WSB Merito Universities.

Experts noted that last year’s price surge for school supplies was considerably higher, surpassing 7.5% year-on-year.

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Lower margins for retail chains

„This year, retail chains have notably reduced margins on these products to further entice consumers to shop in their stores. They aim to motivate customers to also purchase other items that yield higher margins. This tactic is particularly relevant for discount and hypermarket stores,” pointed out Robert Biegaj from Shopfully.

Among all categories of school supplies, the most significant year-on-year price increases were observed in correction fluids, which rose by an average of 12.5%, crayons by 9.9%, pencils and pencil leads by 7.6%, school and office accessories, including covers for notebooks and notepads by 7.6%, and ballpoint pens with caps by 6.1%.

Conversely, prices for automatic pens dropped by 5.3%, and prices for fineliners, sharpeners, highlighters, sticky notes, and office pads decreased by 3.2% each, while markers fell by 1.8%.

Fewer promotions in stores

The report indicates that during July and mid-August, retail chains conducted 17.6% fewer promotions compared to the previous year.

– In July and August, the chains lowered their margins and regular prices as well – remarked Robert Biegaj.

Supermarkets experienced the most significant reduction in school supply promotions, cutting them by 36 percent, while convenience stores reduced them by 35.4 percent. Hypermarkets decreased their promotional campaigns by 16.1 percent, and cash & carry stores by 4.5 percent. Discount stores saw a slight increase in their promotional activities by 1.7 percent.

Research conducted by UCE Research and Shopfully also reveals that 70% of parents make such purchases at discount stores.

„In my view, supermarkets, convenience stores, and hypermarkets have realized that school supplies no longer serve as a strong incentive for shopping as they once did. Conversely, Cash & Carry and discount stores continue to draw customers with competitive pricing, hence their increased promotional efforts,” noted Julita Pryzmont.

The report titled „School’s Coming: Poles Shopping,” authored by UCE Research, Hiper-Com Poland, and Shopfully, analyzed 18 categories and 58 of the most commonly selected school supplies by consumers. A total of nearly 60,000 retail prices from over 17,800 stores across 35 retail chains were compared. The study encompassed all discount stores, hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and cash & carry chains available in the market.

300 PLN for school supplies

It is essential to remember that parents and guardians, irrespective of their income and financial status, are eligible for a one-time 300 PLN grant for the purchase of textbooks, notebooks, and supplies as part of the Good Start benefit.>

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