-3.4% in supermarkets, -6.2% in specialist stores... School supplies prices down year-on-year

School supplies prices fell by 3.4% in supermarkets and by 6.2% in specialist stores in July compared to the previous year, according to a study by Nielsen IQ published on Wednesday, August 13, based on data from manufacturers.

The study comes from the Stationery and Office Manufacturers Association (AIPB), which represents 145 national brands of school and office equipment and supplies. Its findings contrast with figures from the consumer protection association UFC-Que Choisir, which estimated in mid-July that school supply prices had increased by 2% compared to July 2024.

"At the start of this period, we have seen a real drop in prices across all segments and distribution channels," said Nadège Hélary, president of AIPB, quoted in a press release.

According to her, there are no "significant variations" in prices "between the first and last weeks" of the school supplies purchasing campaign, which runs from the end of June to the beginning of September.

"It's around mid-August that the biggest promotional operations are concentrated," she continues.

UFC-Que Choisir pointed out in mid-July that the prices of supplies were "peaking at the start of the school year, at the beginning of September." The AIPB also noted that the French bought more supplies than in July 2024 (+9.1%), bringing the total turnover achieved in supermarkets and specialist stores to 131 million euros (+5.2%).

According to NielsenIQ, "national brands still dominate the market" and represent "three out of four items purchased." In supermarkets, punched pockets (+21.5% in volume sales), sorters (+19.7%) and pencils (+15.9%) "are among the flagship products in back-to-school baskets," notes Samuel Gimenez, consultant for NielsenIQ, quoted in the press release.

In terms of specialist circuits, writing products stand out, with rollerball pens (+58.3%), refills (+37.7%) and ballpoint pens (+30.6%) leading the way in growth.