Bang Lamphu: School uniform vendors in Bang Lamphu are facing a significant decline in sales, reporting a 50% drop as economic challenges hit hard. The vendors, who are also struggling to sell scout uniforms, attribute the downturn to the broader economic issues affecting families, leading them to buy fewer uniforms, reuse old ones, and even alter existing garments to pass from one sibling to another.
According to Thai News Agency, reporters visited Bang Lamphu to assess the shopping atmosphere at the onset of the new school term. They found that the usual bustling activity was notably absent this year, contrasting with previous years when the area would become lively as early as May. Although May 1st, National Labor Day, typically sees parents shopping for school supplies, this year saw minimal activity. It is projected that sales will be halved compared to the previous year. Despite a slight influx of Chinese customers, the numbers dwindled following an earthquake and reports of a Chinese actor’s kidnapping in Thailand.
Additionally, many parents are opting to have old school shirts embroidered with new names or school details to save costs. In some cases, vendors replaced worn shirts with new ones at no additional charge, though some customers failed to collect their altered garments.
The situation is particularly dire for vendors of Boy Scout and Girl Guide uniforms, which remain unsold since the beginning of the year. Consumers are hesitant, awaiting confirmation on whether schools will continue to require these uniforms. Vendors urge schools to provide advance notice if plans to discontinue the uniforms arise, allowing them to manage inventory more effectively.
Parents are also adapting to the economic strain. Mr. Pramat Kongkham, whose son is in first grade, mentioned buying fewer uniforms this year due to rising expenses. Despite purchasing essential uniforms directly from the school, he limited additional purchases to control costs.
Similarly, Mrs. Sirorat Chaonsi bought fewer uniforms for her daughter, entering Grade 5, citing economic concerns. She managed to purchase two sets of school uniforms and shoes for nearly 1,200 baht, while older uniforms remain usable. Mrs. Chaonsi expressed that discontinuing scout uniforms would eventually ease financial burdens for parents.