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Attracting school-going shoppers

— Photo: S. Mahinsha

The essential school kit: Brisk sale of schoolbags, books and other accessories at a showroom in Thiruvananthapuram.

Thiruvananthapuram: With summer vacations drawing to a close, the market for schoolbags, umbrellas, notebooks, lunchboxes, uniforms and other school accessories is witnessing frenetic activity.

To cater to the onrush, most shops in Thiruvananthapuram are well stocked with schoolbags bearing pictures of popular cartoon characters and action heroes.

Umbrella manufacturers have come out with new models in various colours and styles.

Temporary stalls selling school accessories have sprung up at commercial centres. Traders are offering freebies and discounts to attract customers.

“Most schoolchildren today prefer the sling bags used by college students,” says Mansoor, a shopkeeper.

Traders say that branded schoolbags have caught the fancy of children.

“Gone are the days when children and their parents would walk into a store and pick a schoolbag after some argument over the quality, colour and style. Nowadays, they ask for a specific brand and leave the store if it is not available,” says Vinayachandran, a shopkeeper.

Major brands do not come cheap. But customers do not seem to mind.

“Perhaps it is an indication of the rising affluence of the middle class”, says Mr. Vinayachandran.

Branded varieties of lunchboxes, hot-packs, instrument boxes and water bottles are also vying for the attention of children and parents.

Traders complain that bulk purchase of uniforms, books and school accessories by school managements directly from wholesale outlets has driven down the business at the retail end.

The general price rise has not spared the market for school items either.

“Most of the items have witnessed an increase in price compared to last year’s. This has had an impact on sales,” says Stephen, a trader at Palayam.

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Attracting school-going shoppers

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