Cash-Strapped Parents Seek Back-to-School Deals as Years of Inflation Take a Toll

Back to school supplies in a shop in Toronto, on Aug. 18, 2021. The Canadian Press/Cole Burston

When August rolled around, April Hicke realized the $100 she typically gives her 13-year-old son to update his wardrobe in time for school to start was no longer enough.

“Even on the sale racks, a pair of sweatpants at SportChek, they’re still $25 a pair. You used to be able to go and buy a pair of sweatpants for $10,” said the Calgary-based mother of two. “I am shocked at the (price) increase of kids’ clothes.”