New school year nears: Parents buy clothes and supplies
Even though there is still a month until the school year begins, parents are not wasting any time and have started their preparations. They are making lists of supplies, new clothes, and everything their children will need to get off to a good start. Depending on their budgets, some parents prefer the comfort and variety of shopping centers, while others opt for traditional markets, believing that prices are more affordable there.
In the shopping centers of the capital, preparations for school began in mid-July, say the sellers.
"A suit costs 1500-1600, depending on how many pieces the parent needs. Actually, the prices are not that high compared to previous years".
"Orthopedic backpacks are in high demand, so they are up to a thousand lei, we also have backpacks of 650 lei and 900 lei".
"Usually, after August 15th, everyone runs. We want parents to take care of their shopping in advance. A uniform would cost from a thousand, a thousand and a half, now it depends on the potential of the buyer".
Parents have different views on the prices for school supplies and clothes.
"We currently have four schoolchildren. The expenses are very high, they are around ten thousand for the necessary".
"They are not yet exaggerated if we compare them with last year, but I think that in a week there will be higher prices. If we take into account the fact that I buy for three children, you realize that with 5000 lei I have nothing to do".
"Seven, eight thousand. That is generally everything, clothes, shoes, notebooks, pens, everything".
*"Around a thousand lei, that's just for clothes. For school supplies, probably another 500-600, something like that."
Some parents told us that they bought everything they needed from abroad.
*"For school, I buy from Germany, because the prices are much cheaper than in Moldova. School supplies and clothing 150 euros per child."
However, at the market, there are still no queues forming at the stalls with clothes and school supplies.
"Today is our first day of opening and we have had very few buyers. The prices are currently the same as last year, they have not changed at all".
*"We strive to bring something for everyone, because not every Moldovan can afford to spend 600-650-700 on a pair of children's pants. We bring something cheaper but also more expensive."
Estimates based on the prices of school supplies and clothes show that last year, parents allocated an average budget of between three and five thousand lei to prepare a student for school.
Reporter: EVELINA CURCA
