Increase in economic concerns among Spanish families due to the back-to-school season.

The arrival of September not only marks the end of summer vacations but also brings with it a growing concern among Spanish families: the cost of "back to school." A recent study conducted by Milanuncios in collaboration with Appnio reveals that nine out of ten families are worried about the expenses involved in returning to the classroom, a situation that has intensified in an uncertain economic context with rising prices. According to the survey, 44% of families anticipate an increase in their back-to-school expenses. Of this group, 26% estimate that their budget will be between 100 and 200 euros, while 22% believe that the figure will rise to between 200 and 300 euros. The most sought-after items during this period are stationery, textbooks, backpacks, and, to a lesser extent, clothing and uniforms, highlighting the diverse needs that students face at the start of the school year. In an effort to mitigate these costs, 55% of respondents are considering purchasing second-hand products, a solution that 67% of them have used on previous occasions. This alternative is not only seen as a cost-effective method but also as a way to contribute to the environment by giving a second life to items that are still useful. In fact, 34% of participants indicate that their decision is motivated by sustainability. The rise of the second-hand market is reflected in Milanuncios' figures, which report a 29% increase in ads for textbooks in July compared to the previous month. Additionally, the average price of these books stands at 27 euros, representing a 7% decrease compared to the previous year. Searches related to books have also experienced significant growth, especially in the case of high school textbooks and mathematics books for undergraduate studies, which have seen increases of 177% and 458%, respectively. The regions where the purchase of second-hand textbooks has gained the most traction include Andalusia, which accounts for 19.2% of searches, followed by Madrid and the Canary Islands. In particular, the Canary Islands recorded an astonishing 393% increase in ads during July, indicating a significant change in parents' consumption habits in this region. On the other hand, data from Privalia, part of Veepee, complements this information by pointing out that 49% of families plan to spend between 100 and 300 euros on school supplies, and 19% estimate that their expenses will reach between 300 and 500 euros. This upward trend in spending is reflected in parents' decisions to purchase materials throughout the summer, taking advantage of promotions and sales, suggesting a more strategic planning approach regarding back-to-school expenses. When it comes to criteria for choosing school products, quality and price are paramount for parents. 81% value quality, while 58% consider discounts and 51% look for the best deals. Additionally, more than half of the respondents say they take their children's preferences into account when making these purchases. The reuse of materials has also become a common practice, with six out of ten families planning to use products from relatives or friends. This approach is complemented by an increase in the use of material reuse services offered by many schools, which has grown by 33% compared to 2023. The preferred purchasing channel for acquiring back-to-school items remains digital commerce, with 61% of families opting for this medium. Although this figure has slightly decreased compared to the previous year, the overall trend towards online shopping continues to solidify. Mobile devices stand out as the preferred device, used by 67% of parents, reinforcing the importance of e-commerce today. In conclusion, this year's back-to-school season presents an economic challenge for many Spanish families. As prices for school supplies continue to rise, interest in second-hand options and product reuse intensifies. This not only reflects a need for savings but also a shift in mindset towards more sustainable and conscious consumption. Families, faced with a complicated economic landscape, are adapting their purchasing strategies to ensure that their children have everything they need for a new and successful school year.