With inland schools opening this week and coastal schools about to open, South Africa’s retail stores have attracted customers eagerly seeking school supplies.
News24 looked at ‘Back-2-School’ specials and school supply prices at Checkers, Shoprite, Pick n Pay, CNA and Waltons. This catalog was compiled using online and in-store pricing.
The cheapest options for school supplies were Pick n Pay, Checkers, and Shoprite. Current ‘Back-2-School’ savings at Pick n Pay make it the most affordable option, while Checkers and Shoprite’s Xtra Savings customers can take advantage of further discounts on school supplies.
Staedtler Traditional HB Pencils – 3 Pack
Pick n Pay: R19.99 (‘Back-2-School’ Savings)/R43.99 (regular price)
Ladies: R37.99/R16.99 (for Ladies rewards customers)
Shoprite: R37.99/R16.99 (for Shoprite rewards customers)
Macro: R20
Waltons: R44
A4 hardcover 192 pages
Pick n Pay: R19.99 (‘Back-2-School’ Savings)/R21.99 (regular price)
Ladies: R21.99/R12.99 (discount for Ladies rewards customers)
Shoprite: R21.99/R12.99 (Discount for Shoprite Rewards customers)
Macro: R20
Waltons: R43.50
Pritt Glue Stick 43g
Pick n Pay: R41.99 (‘Back-2-School’ Savings)/R59.99 (regular price)
Ladies: R49.99/R34.99 (discount for Ladies rewards customers)
Shoprite: R49.99/R34.99 (Discount for Shoprite Rewards customers)
Macro: R40
Waltons: R64
Pack of 2 BIC Orange ballpoint pens
Pick n Pay: R21 (regular price)
Ladies: R18.99/R15.99 (discount for Ladies rewards customers)
Shoprite: R18.99/R15.99 (Discount for Shoprite Rewards customers)
Macro: R12
Waltons: R15 (R7.50 per single pen)
Monami Retractable Wax Crayons 12 Pack
Choose and pay: R44.99/R99.99 (regular price)
Ladies: R79.99/R44.99 (discount for Ladies rewards customers)
Shoprite: R79.99/R44.99 (Discount for Shoprite Rewards customers)
Macro: R60
Waltons: R81.50
Flip File Display Book A4 20 Packs
Choose and pay: R21.99 (regular price)
Ladies: R26.99/R18.99 (Discount for Checkers rRewards customers)
Shoprite: R26.99/R18.99 (Discount for Shoprite Rewards customers)
Macro: R25
Waltons: R31.50
Typek A4 White Paper 500 Sheets
choose and pay [Rotatrim]: R84.99 (regular price)
Ladies: R82.99/R69.99 (discount for Ladies rewards customers)
Shoprite: R82.99/R69.99 (Discount for Shoprite Rewards customers)
Macro: N/A
Waltons: R102.99
Total baskets
Choose and pay: R254.94
Ladies: R318.93/ R214.93 (discount for rewards customers)
Shoprite: R318.93/R214.93 (discount for rewards customers)
Makro: R177 (without paper)
Waltons: R374.99
Checkers and Shoprite rewards customers can take advantage of the cheapest basket, which is R40 cheaper than Pick n Pay. However, South African consumers would also save money with Pick n Pay ‘Back-2-School’ saver prices, which would see them pay R254.94 for their basket at the checkout point. The current ‘Back-2-School’ promotion at Pick n Pay is valid until January 31st.
Increase in prices of school supplies
Compared to 2018, the price of Staedleter HB Tradition Pencils at South African retailers increased by 21% and the price of Pritt 43g increased by 17%. The price of Typek A4 paper has also increased by 32%.
School fees R600, transportation R750, I spent +/- R2500 on stationery and these are the prices for uniforms????????? then there is abo Valentine, pj party, trips, etc… Yooooh nkare nka loma ngwana pic.twitter.com/fUUHf8vC96
— Mhayise Cebisa (@Zamaswazi227) January 10, 2023
South Africans who have battled inflation and the high cost of living in 2022 have felt the rise in the price of goods and services. However, predictions of a global recession and rising interest rates mean that many consumers, including parents, will be looking to tighten their belts in the coming year.
