Low Cost Uniform

In today's difficult economic situation it is even more important than ever the quality of school uniforms is set as high as possible and the costs kept to a minimum.

The governments own advice on this is clear :
"Schools can help limit the expense of uniforms by choosing a colour scheme rather than a full uniform or by ensuring that the uniform chosen is widely available in high street shops rather than a sole supplier."
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Schoolslearninganddevelopment/SchoolLife/DG_4016078

At School Colours the proposition has always been clear: Leave the basics such as trousers and white shirts to multiple retailers, but supply a high quality "key" garment such as a tailored jacket with bespoke lining through the school. This strategy combines the low cost of multiple retailers and supermarkets with the low cost of a high quality blazer by buying this direct from a supplier but through the school. What does not make sense to us is to send parents to a local retailer for a product that is prescribed without the element of competition (e.g. a badged school blazer).

One has to ask why independent local retailers do not exist in the company clothing market, but do exist in the schoolwear market ?

1 in 10 Schools are now academies

It has been reported that 1 in 10 state schools have decided to become academies outside of the LEA control. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-12121889 . The Education Secretary Michael Gove said the change amounted to the "fastest rate of education reform in English history".

School leaders are starting to look at many aspects of their school in this new era and taking control of their school uniform is no exception. Many headteachers have contacted School Colours to discuss how they can both reduce the cost to the parents and improve on the styles and qualities. For example an individually designed blazer made in a high quality durable fabric, when sold via the school can cost as low as £21, when compared to a small local uniform retailer the saving and jump in quality are making the decision easy for these heads. Other factors such as the sky-rocketing cost of clothing in retail shops is certainly making it more attractive to offer uniform at lower costs through the school.

Textile Industry Volatility

Major changes are affecting the textiles market that will have implications in 2011. This will affect next years back-to-school school uniform prices, particularly shirts, but polyester blazers and ties will also be affected.

• Cotton prices have risen by around 127% over the last 18 months and show no sign of easing. The reasons are
• Massive floods in Pakistan
• A worldwide shortage due to recent poor seasons
• Reduced level of raw cotton stocks

• Polyester prices have risen by 30% in the last 12 months as many manufacturers move away from cotton.

• China has decided to ban all cotton imports to protect their own industries and India have banned cotton yarn exports in order to retain their limited stocks for internal use.

• Major labour shortages in China’s manufacturing industry have led to huge increases in wage rates in order to retain staff.

• Many overseas factories are closing down due to a large reduction in orders, leaving supply more difficult to source and more expensive.

• The Chinese currency is artificially high, leading to higher export prices.

• Freight costs have surged dramatically due to a reduction in ships and containers as well as a rise in crude oil prices.

Retailers have also announced recently significant increases in their cost base making the price of clothes rise significantly http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE70418P20110105

Eco Uniforms for 2012 Olympics

As School Colours gets ready to supply more ECO Friendly School Uniforms in 2011 it is very encouraging to see that the uniforms that will be used in the 2012 olympics will be made from sustainable fabrics, including recycled materials. Stella McCartney has been chosen to design the UK uniforms http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/07/stella-mccartney-design-olympics.php and is renown for her eco-friendly clothing. This major event next year will put eco-friendly clothing and particularly uniforms in the spotlight and School Colours is expecting great interest in its ECOSMART school uniform range.



Addidas have also indicated that their London 2012 range will be made from recycled materials http://www.adidas-group.com/en/SER2009/suppliers/3_4.html