Retailers are ramping up for back-to-school shopping but those in B.C. are expected to sell less than their counterparts in the rest of Canada, according to an annual BMO survey released August 20.
B.C. residents are expected to spend an average of $403 on their purchases, according to the poll conducted by Pollara – 5.8% less than the Canadian average of $428.
Purchases get pricier with age. The survey found that Canadians are set to spend an average of $170 per child in kindergarten or elementary school, $226 per child in junior high and high school and $572 per child in post-secondary schools.
“The end of summer is an important time of the year for many businesses that sell back to school supplies,” said Mike Bonner, vice-president, BMO’s commercial lending division.
Regionally, Quebecers plan to spend the most on back-to-school shopping: $501. That is followed by Atlantic Canadians ($450), Prairie province dwellers ($450) and Albertans ($431).
The only province where residents are expected to spend less than British Columbians on back-to-school shopping is Ontario ($390).
More than one-third of parents (35%) plan to set a firm budget – an increase of 6% from last year.
