Ahead of the back-to-school season, major retailers maintain their school uniform prices, offering financial relief to families.
- John Lewis continues its price freeze on school uniforms for the fourth consecutive summer.
- Matalan sustains its school uniform prices with strategic early shopping options for customers.
- Clarks retains 2023 footwear prices and introduces a new discount bundle.
- Marks & Spencer keeps its school uniform prices stable for the fourth year.
Ahead of the upcoming school year, major retail players are stepping up to offer financial relief amid a fluctuating economic climate. Matalan, John Lewis Partnership, and Clarks have all announced plans to maintain their current school uniform prices, a move welcomed by families preparing for the back-to-school rush without facing increased costs.
John Lewis Partnership confirmed its commitment to a price freeze on school uniforms, marking the fourth summer in a row that prices have remained stable. This decision covers essential items, including a pack of three shirts starting from £7 and two pairs of boys’ trousers for £11. Cydney Ball, John Lewis’s school uniform buyer, stated, “Our customers trust us as the one-stop shop for all things back to school. We’ve worked hard to keep our prices flat since 2021, ensuring parents can find better value without compromising on quality.” The Anyday range, starting at £2.33 per polo shirt, remains a budget-friendly option for parents looking to stock up on school essentials.
Value retailer Matalan has kept its school uniforms prices unchanged since 2023. The retailer’s pricing strategy includes a range from £4 for a two-pack of polo shirts or trousers, up to £44 for junior school shoes. Matalan notes a trend among consumers to begin school shopping earlier, spreading the cost over several months, which helps manage household budgets throughout the year.
Clarks is holding its school footwear prices steady at 2023 levels, with additional savings through a ‘buy together save together’ promotion. The offer provides a £10 discount when purchasing children’s trainers paired with black school shoes. This initiative mirrors previous pricing stability moves by Marks & Spencer, which has consistently kept its uniform prices unchanged since 2021.
Marks & Spencer, aligning with the trend, reaffirmed its intent to hold uniform prices for the fourth consecutive year. Their ongoing strategy supports consumer efforts in mitigating back-to-school expenses during challenging economic times. Meanwhile, Primark has opted to reduce prices on hundreds of summer childrenswear items, continuing a trend initiated last year to ease financial burdens on families.
These approaches underscore a collective move by retailers to support consumers during the back-to-school season by stabilizing or lowering prices amidst economic challenges.
