search.noResults

search.searching

dataCollection.invalidEmail
note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
Focus on Schoolwear Opportunities and challenges


As with every market, opporutunities and challeneges present themselves. Here Daniel Turner, managing director of William Turner & Son and Kathryn Shuttleworth, managing director of David Luke, outline how to tackle the ever-growing and evolving schoolwear market.


Q What challenges currently face the schoolwear market and how can these be overcome?


DT: The start of every new year brings opportunities and challenges for the industry to face and embrace. In 2019 there are some positive trends, including rising school populations and increasing formality in uniform bringing new business opportunities and reasons to expand product ranges. However, the struggles of the high street retailer are well documented – less footfall, business rate increase, the Amazon effect and minimum wage increases are causing those in the industry to be more reserved in their outlook. Plus, Brexit could affect prices if exchange rates are affected significantly. A positive post Brexit outcome could be if the government are able to remove VAT from school uniform. Hereʼs hoping.


There is great pressure on school budgets, and as parents are expected to pay more for school trips and extra- curricular activities, Heads are rightly conscious that uniform costs must be affordable for all, which can though lead to compromises on quality. There are also cases of unauthorised suppliers supplying schools without permission – this can strain relationships between schools and reputable suppliers, and lead to a non-uniform uniform as unauthorised suppliers often use inferior quality garments. There are political issues to navigate as well, for example the Welsh Government are consulting on restricting the use of logos in school uniform, which would have a huge impact.


KS: One of the main challenges facing the


schoolwear market is consolidation and blurred lines between elements of the supply chain. While many markets go through this from time to time, it is unlikely to last in the schoolwear market since the very intense


peak and the need for 100% availability means costs


| 70 | March 2019


disproportionately increase the more of the chain or the more of the market a single company tries to control. So, overcoming this challenge will be all about coping with disruption by planning ahead for your own business and working with companies that respect the elements of the chain.


Q Do you think wearing a school uniform helps to combat bullying?


DT: A smart school specific uniform can help to alleviate bullying, but it isnʼt a panacea – kids will be kids. Uniform is a great leveller – all kids regardless of shape, size, colour, social class all wearing exactly the same. The alternative of no uniform would mean more brands in school and more cliques.


If you’re thinking of entering the schoolwear market – go for it!


KS: Absolutely! The additional pressure that would be on young people without a uniform to level the social differences doesnʼt bear thinking about.


Q Do you have any schoolwear market?


hints or tips for those that are looking to target the


DT: For businesses thinking of entering the schoolwear sector, I say, go for it! Do your research, itʼs a competitive market. You must be multi-channel, have a strong social media and e-commerce operation, plus direct to parent deliveries. Use reputable suppliers with ethical and environmentally friendly sources of supply. Support UK manufacture. Be mindful of your demographic and build relationships with schools. Keep it simple and keep it local. Join the Schoolwear Association. And above all put


outstanding service at the heart of your offer.


KS: I have three top tips: 1) Be prepared to invest heavily in stock, 2) Manage strong relationships and contracts with schools, and 3) Work with suppliers who respect your relationship with your schools.


www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96