As the 2025 back to school season gets underway, South African parents and students are hunting for the best deals on stationery essentials. To help you stretch your budget, we compared prices of frequently needed stationery items at two popular retailers: CNA and Waltons. Here is how the two stack up.
2025 Back to School Price Comparison: CNA vs Walton
Writing Instruments
- BIC Orange Ballpoint Pens (2-pack):
- CNA: R25.00
- Waltons: R16.00
Paper Products
- A4 Hardcover Notebook (192 pages):
- CNA: R50.00
- Waltons: R31.99
- A4 White Paper (500 sheets, Typek):
- CNA: R90.00
- Waltons: R102.99
Adhesives and Correction Supplies
- Pritt Glue Stick (43g):
- CNA: R46.00
- Waltons: R44.49
Coloring Supplies
- Monami Retractable Wax Crayons (12-pack):
- CNA: R99.00
- Waltons: R81.50
Organizational Tools
- 30cm Shatterproof Ruler:
- CNA: R15.00
- Waltons: R13.50
- Small Pair of Scissors:
- CNA: R13.00
- Waltons: R12.50
Additional Essentials
- 100-page Exam Pad:
- CNA: R16.99
- Waltons: R25.50
Total Basket Comparison
To give you a clearer picture of the overall costs, we calculated the total price of a typical back-to-school stationery basket at each retailer:
- CNA Total Basket Price: R355.99
- Waltons Total Basket Price: R328.97
Analysis: Who Wins the 2025 Back-to-School Price Battle?
- CNA: While CNA offers some competitive prices on select items, its overall basket cost is slightly higher than Waltons. It remains a good option for those looking for variety and convenience.
- Waltons: Waltons emerges as the more budget-friendly choice, particularly for families buying multiple items. Their lower total basket price makes them a strong contender for value-conscious shoppers.
Tips for Smart 2025 Back-to-School Shopping
- Compare Prices Beforehand: Check the latest promotions and prices at both CNA and Waltons to maximize savings.
- Plan Early: Shop well ahead of the start of the school year to avoid stock shortages and price increases.
- Look for Promotions: Many retailers offer 2025 back-to-school discounts, so keep an eye out for sales.
- Quality Counts: Ensure that the items meet your quality requirements, as durability often saves money in the long run.
By comparing prices and planning your purchases strategically, you can make the most of your 2025 back to school shopping budget. Both CNA and Waltons offer a variety of stationery essentials but knowing where to find the best deals will make all the difference for your wallet.
Also read: Back to School 2025: Stationery Price Comparison – Pick n Pay vs. Checkers vs. Shoprite
