Back-to-school: Indications are that this business is returning to normal

Idris Pandor, director, The Gem Group of Companies
Durban, KZN, SA - Sales are up by approximately 15% to 20% over last year, although I have heard of a higher increase in the market place.
      Issues with procurement? Proper planning, like ordering/purchasing 6 to 9 months in advance, makes a HUGE difference. Obviously it's a drain on one's finance, but you have the stock on your shelf when you need it.
Another point to note: If one conducts business with reputable manufacturers, who have the finance to carry raw material and stock and provide their own power (generators), then everyone is winning.
      The days of 'JIT' Just In Time are long gone!!! We never relied on JIT and God willing will not do so.
      Money in stock is worth more than the returns in the BANK!
      Our wholesale growth is strong and on the increase...as usual the only pitfall is that one has to be alert for bad debts/companies closing down. Controls have to be tight.
      Our online sales are growing quite well. Although clothing is a fit and feel item, we hope in approximately 5 years time there should be a quite a change. We are still at the bottom of the curve...lots of scope to grow.


Abdul Hajat, member, Fana's Outfitters cc
Bethlehem, Free State, SA - Sales have increased compared to last year, I suppose it's because schools opened earlier this year.
      The increase in prices has definitely affected sales, and customers are buying fewer units.
        There have been problems with deliveries of specialised items. If orders were not placed by May, it was very likely you would not get stock.
      The chains are affecting our back-to-school business: They give accounts, and with the current economic crisis, the consumer uses those credit facilities.


Iqbal Hajat, director, Footwear Centre Ltd
Blantyre, Malawi - With regards to the school trade, we have noticed an increase of around 10% in sales, which I believe is due to our competitors having lack of size availability and higher prices.
      We have been getting very good supplies from our manufacturers in KwaZulu Natal.  We did have a few delays due to flooding in that area last year.
      We are still finding that parents are going for the higher priced leather product in many cases.


Chris van den Berg, member, Burgers Brothers cc
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA - Trade has been much better than last year.
      Absolutely there have been issues with procurement:  Load shedding is hindering production.
      I haven't really noticed any difference in what parents are prepared to pay.