Back-to-school 2025: Sales good, some issues with supply
Idris Pandor, Gem Schoolwear
Durban, KZN, SA – Retail sales have picked up considerably since Monday and the trend will continue till the 14th. Each year with the volume of customers coming into the store we employ over 100 parttime staff in both our retail stores to assist with the sales. These PT staff get hands-on experience in the retail sector that gives them confidence when they seek jobs elsewhere. We are proud to skill school leavers for over 30 years.
Our retail stores are open 7 days a week in December and January to make shopping easier and our doors are open till the last shopper has made their purchase.
Online sales have been extremely good, and we are satisfied with our growth.
On the wholesale division, since we opened on the 2nd of January, orders have been pouring in and we have been despatching them as fast as we can.
Gem Schoolwear is a one stop shop for most of the needs of retailers – our warehouse is like a "bank" of school wear stock.
Jannie Vermeulen, Ekspa and Adno’s
Benoni, Gauteng, SA – Still extremely busy.
One thing that is noticeable is that the size of individual orders is down. Our sales staff are incentivised to get customers to add items, but this year there are far fewer orders reaching the target.
Chris van den Berg, Burgers Brothers
Johannesburg, Gauteng, SA – It’s much the same as last year in terms of demand, which is to say it’s quite good.
There are problems with supply – fabric for uniforms, and apparently leather for school shoes, which are being put down to holdups in harbours. Green Cross has gone so far as to take stock from its own shops to give to its retail customers.
Deshan Chetty, Ace Outfitters
Kimberley, N. Cape, SA – School wear isn’t a very big part of my business, but it’s going fairly well. The only problem I’m having is sourcing specific colour trousers for one school. The previous supplier has stopped supplying them. Still waiting for some of my school shoes.
