September sees back-to-school and university items spike in price

Seasonal pricing, combined with high inflation, means school and university shopping will cost notably more this year

New research from the impartial price and product comparison service, PriceSpy, demonstrates that those waiting until the new term starts to buy school and university items may end up paying over the odds.

Inflation hits school and university shopping

Inflation is already having an impact on many common school and university products, with some items up to 21% more expensive than last year.

Revealing that many of these products jumped in price between August and September last year, as retailers raised prices in line with demand, PriceSpy urges people to do their shopping before the new term begins to avoid paying even more.

Despite inflation impacting them this year, a few items may also fall in price between August and September if pricing trends follow last year:

Liisa-Matinvesi Bassett, UK country manager at PriceSpy, comments: “The inaugural pre-university shopping trip to buy pots and pans, irons, toasters and so forth is a rite of passage. Albeit, an expensive one.”

“Persistently high inflation this year means that people are going to be paying more for some of these school and university essentials than they did last year. Based on what we know from PriceSpy’s price history, shoppers would be wise to purchase the bulk of their essential back-to-school and university items before September to avoid even higher prices. With retailers running promotions at different times, running a quick price comparison before making key purchases can help save even more money.”

Methodology

* Based on average weighted price on PriceSpy between 1st January 2022 - 9th August 2022 vs 1st January 2023 - 9th August 2023

** Based on average weighted price on PriceSpy between 1st August - 31st August 2022 vs 1st September - 30th September 2022