Parents across North America are moving their back-to-school shopping forward by several weeks as tariffs feed through to higher prices on classroom staples. Retailers report heavier foot traffic and online orders in late July and early August—traditionally a quiet period—while some chains have widened promotional periods to capture early demand. Price data circulating among lawmakers shows index cards up 42.6 percent from a year ago, with notebooks and binders rising 17 percent and 13 percent respectively since Washington’s 145 percent levy on Chinese imports took effect on April 9. Analysts say the increases are steep enough to influence consumer behaviour, particularly for lower-income families that typically wait for late-August sales. Industry specialists warn the tariff shock could soon extend beyond stationery to electronics, clothing and footwear as wholesalers pass along higher costs or "harmonize" Canadian prices with more expensive U.S. stock. Retail consultant Bruce Winder expects footwear to be among the first categories to show fresh mark-ups, advising consumers to buy sooner rather than later.