Back-to-school shopping can be a stressful time for parents and students alike. And according to a recent Vision Critical survey, more than half of British Columbian shoppers prefer to leave their kids at home when hunting for binders and art supplies. But is that really the case in Richmond? Jared Worfolk, business support manager at Staples on No.
3 Road, said, as a parent, he understands some people's preference to fly solo on trips to the store.
"It probably has to do with, I guess, the time limitations," said Worfolk, who's often asked to perform personal shopping duties by busy mothers and fathers.
"They prefer doing it during their breaks at work. I myself am a parent and I don't like bringing my kid.
"It takes time when you have children in the store with you."
Kwantlen library assistant and mother of two Ginger Lu has a slightly different perspective on keeping company during supply runs.
"I quite like the experience - it's never stressful and I have several reasons to bring them with me," said Lu.
"The first is, if I bring them, they buy what they want and they're happy with what they get, they don't say, 'Hey I don't like this colour.'" She also said it provides an opportunity to bond with her kids and educate them about budgeting and making good decisions, rather than grabbing the newest and shiniest thing on the shelf.
"First Staples Back-to-School Annual Study" is a survey commissioned by the stationary giant to gather more information on the season and put on paper the pattern of Canadians in different locations and explain various behaviours, said Staples public relations specialist Valerie Outmezguine.
"It's an emotional time for everyone, especially parents that have to go out and shop who have more than one child," she said. "We wanted to learn more about their shopping experiences and opinions."
Photo Submitted Kids Can Be Fun, / Shopping for school supplies with the kids can be fun, but it's not for everyone.;
