The most used payment method to purchase school supplies in Argentina is the credit card, followed by virtual wallets and cash. According to the director of the consulting firm, Damián Di Pace, macroeconomic stability is affecting purchasing decisions, as last year purchases were brought forward to December to avoid price increases; however, this year the trend has changed. Di Pace mentioned that only 10% of Argentines bought their school supplies last year, while this time 4 out of 10 will make their purchases in February.
The market shows a large stock of school supplies due to the change in consumer buying cycles, which does not allow for price increases. Di Pace highlighted that specific products for the school sector, such as smocks and footwear, have year-on-year increases lower than the average, even with promotions. The school basket for the 2025 school year has increased by up to 44% compared to the previous year, according to a survey by Focus Market. Most purchases are expected to be made in February.
The report revealed that a basic school basket for primary education, which includes a backpack and 20 school supplies, costs $56,265, representing a 44% increase. Adding a smock and a pencil case brings the total expense to $100,890, which is 39% more than in 2024. Incorporating a backpack with wheels and LED light along with a two-tier pencil case raises the expense to $232,714, 26% more than the previous year.
On the other hand, a basket of basic school supplies for Secondary, consisting of 28 products, has a total cost of $54,415, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 57%. This year, the majority of Argentines plan to do their shopping in February, contrary to what happened in the previous period. 42% intend to purchase school supplies this month, while 26% did so in January, 20% a week before the start of classes, and only 12% last December.
