Back to school rush

AS ‘back to school’ fever sweeps across the country, Durban parents could be seen shopping up a storm this week as they purchased school uniforms in preparation for the first term of 2017 which starts on Wednesday. Gem Schoolwear in Overport once again proved to be a popular one-stop shop for most parents who needed to kit out children with school uniforms.

Manager, Muhammed Patel, said Gem had a good month over December with a lot of parents shopping before going on holiday.

“I think people came through earlier because the school term starts earlier in January this year. It is usually busier at this time of the year than in December,” he said.

Owner, Ahmed Pandor, said Gem was proud that all garments sold at the shop were proudly made in South Africa, and expressed his pleasure that parents were supporting local production.

“We’ve had a good year so far, and the past two days have been very busy with the mad rush before the end of the holidays. But we have enough stock to provide for buyers,” he said.

Parents kitting out children for school will have to dig deep in pockets for school items. Boys’ school shorts start at R60, trousers from R125, short sleeved boys’ shirts and girls’ blousers from R60, boys’ grey socks cost R20, costumes cost R90, boys’ and girls’ shoes start from R215, jerseys range from R145 and blazers from R320.

Girls’ skirts start at R100, swimming costumes are R120, girls’ white socks cost R19, and white polycotton dresses from R90.