Bang Lamphu: Surveying the shopping atmosphere near the start of the new semester in the Bang Lamphu area, school uniform vendors lament that this year’s sales have plummeted by 50%.
According to Thai News Agency, reporters visited Bang Lamphu to assess the shopping atmosphere as the new school term begins. Most vendors admitted that this year’s shopping environment was unusually quiet, contrasting with the typical hustle and bustle that starts in early May. On May 1, which coincided with the National Labor Day, the usual influx of parents shopping with their children was noticeably absent. It is projected that this year’s sales will be 50% lower than the previous year. While some Chinese customers are still purchasing school uniforms, their numbers have significantly decreased, influenced by recent events such as the earthquake and reports of a Chinese actor’s kidnapping in Thailand.
The survey also revealed that parents are opting to bring old school shirts for name embroidery, such as transferring an older sibling’s name to a younger sibling’s shirt or updating the school’s name. Some shirts were too worn out, prompting shops to replace them with new ones at no additional cost. There were instances where customers did not return to pick up their embroidered items.
Boy Scout and Girl Guide uniforms, stocked since the beginning of the year, remain unsold as families await confirmation on whether schools will permit their use. Vendors suggest a cancellation notice period of at least three years to allow manufacturers and shops to adjust and gradually deplete their stock.
Mr. Pramat, a parent, shared that his son, now in Grade 1, requires a new school uniform annually due to rapid growth. This year, he purchased multiple uniforms, including a PE uniform, morality uniform, and scout uniform, as the school still permits their use. However, he admitted to buying fewer sets this year due to rising costs and the need to economize.
Mrs. Sirorat, another parent, brought her daughter, who is entering Grade 5, to purchase two sets of school uniforms and school shoes, spending nearly 1,200 baht. She mentioned that other sets remain usable, but she is uncertain if additional purchases will be necessary during the semester.