School stationery is hot, uniforms are not

No rush for uniforms: Staff Syafiah Bajunid adjusting the shirt on a mannequin at a school uniform and supplies outlet along Jalan Datuk Keramat, Penang. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: With schools reopening in stages from Monday, there are more people buying stationery supplies but a check on shops show that the sale of school uniforms has yet to see a surge.

At a stationery shop in Lebuh Melayu, managing director Chuah Han Pin said business had picked up, mainly for gel and ballpoint pens, exercise books and A4 paper.

“Those studying in secondary schools need pens the most. We have people coming for pens and exercise books but not as many as usual because parents now have the option not to send their kids to school during the pandemic.

“We do expect sales to pick up next month. That is when they will start using their supplies and need to replenish them,” he said yesterday.

Chuah, who has been running the shop for over 33 years, said he was expecting an increase in business by 10% to 20% should all schools reopen.

At another school supplies shop, a worker Lim Ching Ching said there were no customers rushing to buy school uniforms for their children.

“We had two customers today and they only bought singlets for their young children.

“Neither parents nor students have come to get any uniform since the announcement that schools will be reopening in stages.

“I believe that this time, parents are wary that things may change and want to wait until they are sure of the reopening.

“We expected some sales but no one has come to get anything,” she said, adding that usually, Form Five and Six students would not buy new uniforms as they were expected to leave school soon.

“Maybe once all the schools have reopened, we will see people come to buy new uniforms,” she said.

A check at a Popular Bookstore outlet showed that its shelves were freshly stocked with text and revision books.

The Education Ministry recently announced the reopening of schools in stages from tomorrow, according to the phases of states under the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

However, class sizes will be limited and students will rotate between physical classroom lessons and online learning.

The ministry has allowed students to attend classes without wearing their school uniforms as long as they dress appropriately.