As the new school year approaches, Winnipeg parents are facing significant financial challenges. With inflation reaching three per cent in July 2026, families are feeling the pinch as they prepare for Back-to-School Shopping. This annual ritual, which generates over $4.5 billion in Canada, sees households spending between $600 and $750 per child, according to a Retail Council of Canada report.
The first day of classes is set for Sept. 9 and parents are already strategizing to make their budgets go further. One such parent, Graham Voth shared his frustrations while shopping at Value Village“I’m so tired of hearing about the rising costs, I mean, it sucks, but we all have to deal with it.”
Bargain hunting becomes a necessity
Bargain stores in Winnipeg are seeing a surge in shoppers looking for deals on school supplies. Parents are increasingly turning to second-hand stores and discount retailers to stretch their dollars. This trend is not only limited to Winnipeg but is being observed across Canada as families adapt to the economic pressures.
Organizations like Tru-North Supply are stepping up to support families in need. Danica Lazatin the sales and marketing co-ordinator, reported that they have filled 400 backpacks this season, providing affordable kits for kids in northern communities. This initiative highlights the growing need for community support during these challenging times.
The role of AI in back-to-school shopping
The landscape of back-to-school shopping is also being transformed by artificial intelligence. Recent research by Accenture found that 51% of Canadians expect AI to influence more than half of their spending in the next year. This trend is already evident in the back-to-school season, with 44% of Canadian parents using or expressing interest in AI-powered tools to build shopping lists, compare prices, and determine where to shop.
Suzana Colic Managing Director of Retail Strategy & Consulting at Accenture, emphasized the practical benefits of AI for families. “Parents are using it to compare prices, build lists, check availability, and narrow options before they enter a store,” she said. This shift moves the point of influence earlier in the shopping journey, requiring retailers to make their value propositions clear and visible.
Colic also noted that retailers need to ensure accurate pricing, real-time inventory, and clear product details to build trust with consumers. “Consumers want help cutting through complexity,” she explained. “Families are weighing price, availability, quality, convenience, and personal preference all at once.”
Trust and autonomy in AI shopping
The research revealed that 60% of Canadians are open to an AI agent completing commerce tasks, such as negotiating deals and resolving complaints. However, only 21% would allow an AI agent to make the final purchasing decision within defined parameters. This cautious approach highlights the need for retailers to earn consumer trust through transparency and reliability.
Colic stressed the importance of making the shopping experience simple for both people and AI. “The winners will make it simple for AI to evaluate their products and simple for shoppers to feel confident in the recommendation,” she said. She also noted that AI will make weak value propositions harder to hide, emphasizing the need for competitive pricing and meaningful loyalty programs.
The future of retail in the AI era
As AI continues to shape the retail landscape, the role of physical stores remains crucial. Colic pointed out that while AI can handle comparison shopping, consumers still value personal and emotional experiences. “The store’s role is to create confidence and connection where technology alone cannot,” she said.
The biggest opportunity for retailers, according to Colic, is to help families make better decisions with less effort. Back-to-school shopping is a high-pressure time, and AI can assist shoppers in deciding where to spend, where to save, what to buy now, and what can wait. Retailers that make this process easier will have a competitive advantage.
Through bargain hunting, community support, and the strategic use of AI, parents are finding ways to navigate the financial challenges and ensure their children are well-prepared for the new school year.
