Loh helping her grandson Jia Heng try out school uniforms and shoes at a store. — KT GOH/The Star
WITH less than a month to go before the start of the 2025/2026 academic year for schools, uniform sales have already picked up in Penang.
Among those making an early purchase was seven-year-old Tan Jia Heng, who was looking forward to starting Year One at SJKC Chong Cheng in Sungai Ara.
His grandmother, Loh Yu Lian, accompanied him to shop for new uniforms and shoes at a store on Jalan Magazine in George Town.
“We are shopping early this year to avoid the hustle and bustle during Chinese New Year, which is close to the start of the new school term.
“Three sets of school uniforms and a pair of shoes should suffice,” said Loh.
Several shops selling school uniforms and supplies have reported parents starting their shopping earlier than usual this year.
Uni1One School Uniform store manager Siti Nor Shafikaq Norazhar said some families had taken the initiative to buy early to avoid last-minute crowds, especially for those with children just starting school.
“If they come early, there will be ample time and space to browse and make comparisons before buying,” she said at the store on Jalan Datuk Keramat.
Siti said although they faced stiff competition from hypermarkets and online traders, her store specialising in school uniforms and stationery continued to receive a steady stream of customers.
“We offer additional services such as alterations and stitching.
“Those who purchase new uniforms here can receive such services for free.
“It’s like a one-stop centre and customers enjoy the convenience,” she said.
At Mydin Emporium on Jalan Penang, store manager Muhamad Emirol Ashraf said promoters had moved schooling items to the front of the supermarket in anticipation of the “back to school” rush.
“As the new academic year starts soon after Chinese New Year and before Hari Raya Aidilfitri, we believe some families are planning to start buying schooling supplies for their children earlier,” he said.
The new academic year starts on Feb 17 in all states, with Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu beginning a day earlier.