THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Connemara and Chalai markets in the city are witnessing a heavy rush with people making a beeline for shops selling school accessories. Though several private schools supply uniforms to their students, the rush at these markets have not abated.
Textile retailers and tailoring units count both individuals and schools as their customers. “Earlier, only a few schools in the city used to provide uniforms. Though their numbers have gone up now, there has been no dip in the number of individual customers,” said a shop owner in Chalai market.
Some schools have tied-up with shops and provide discounts to students on the basis of coupons distributed by them.
“We supply uniform material in bulk to the retailers and schools as per their requirements. We often give 20% discount to general customers,25% for tailors and 30% for bulk orders,” says Madhu, owner of Good Morning stores at Palayam market.
Most of the shop owners said they purchase materials directly from Mumbai. Kabeer, who has been running a tailoring shop for more than 40 years in Connenmara market, said, “We get bulk orders from St Mary’s School, Pattom and Christ Nagar School. The stitching charges range from Rs 200 to Rs 400. We give discount according the number of orders.”
Shop owners said uniform sales are encouraging this year. “Readymade wears are in demand especially among the middle and low income groups as they come cheap,” said a staff of Novelty shop at East Fort.