Schoolwear Show review
We received excellent feedback on our new product ranges, including our 50/50 cotton/acrylic knitwear, as well as a strong response to our recent acquisition of Alister Reid Ties, an established manufacturer of school, club and association ties.”
Affordability and flexibility remain priorities Alongside the changing legislative landscape, pricing and product choice remained important topics for exhibitors. Sunny Loyal, CEO of Charles Kirk, said: “While registration and visitor numbers were down compared with previous years, the Charles Kirk stand felt busier than ever.
“We had plenty of positive conversations with both existing customers and new contacts, making it a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, explore new opportunities and understand what customers are looking for in the current market.”
The Uniform Cap, new products and pricing were among the main subjects discussed, with customers looking for ways to balance quality, value and flexibility in a challenging market. Knitwear, sweatshirts and blazers attracted particular interest. Charles Kirk highlighted the advantages of combining UK and offshore manufacturing, allowing it to offer competitive pricing for forward orders alongside quicker turnaround times for repeat orders and top-ups through its UK manufacturing capability. This flexibility is particularly relevant in a market where retailers must manage costs while remaining responsive to changing customer requirements.
Sunny said: “Ultimately, maintaining strong relationships, identifying new opportunities and working collaboratively with customers remains key to navigating the current climate, making the show well worth attending.”
The Tie & Scarf Company also reported a positive event, with Barrow Chatow highlighting the importance of maintaining close relationships with customers. Visitors discussed pricing for 2027, with some placing orders and several prospective customers bringing new samples.
He said: “Clip-on and Velcro ties were among the products attracting attention, which many schools are now adopting. Also, our stock range of school ties now has a range of almost 60 colour combinations.”
For suppliers, such developments demonstrate the importance of maintaining established product categories while responding to changing school requirements.
Building relationships beyond the show Beyond clothing itself, exhibitors identified opportunities for retailers to broaden their schoolwear offering. Kathryn Shuttleworth, CEO of The Parently Group, said: “It was fantastic at this year’s Schoolwear Show to see retailers really embracing the opportunity to become a destination for quality school shoes and other key accessories.”
She highlighted how these products can complement existing schoolwear ranges, enabling retailers to offer families more of what they need in one place while strengthening customer relationships. The event also provided an opportunity for businesses to reconnect after the peak back-to-school trading period, share experiences and consider their plans for the year ahead. Mark Woolgar, managing director of The Schoolwear Show, said: “It gives our industry a place to come together after the busy back-to-school period, share experiences and look ahead. There’s real value in getting retailers and suppliers in the same room, away from the day-to-day demands of running their businesses.”
“Affordability, quality and long-term value are important issues for schoolwear, and the show provides an opportunity to discuss how we respond to those challenges together. “Thank you to everyone who exhibited, visited and helped make the show happen.”
Class dismissed
Regardless of affected visitor numbers and government regulations, exhibitors identified benefits from attending. The new uniform legislation means businesses must plan future ranges and work with schools and retailers, with affordability, comfort and flexibility all mixed in according to feedback.
The Schoolwear Show provided a forum for those discussions, bringing together businesses with established customer relationships and new prospects exploring opportunities in the sector.
As the market adjusts to the legislative changes, the conversations taking place at events such as this will remain important in helping suppliers and retailers understand how schoolwear can continue to meet the needs of schools, pupils and parents.
Cranmore Business Park
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
Crowds at The Schoolwear Show November 2026 | 47 |
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