A Schoolwear Association survey of the schoolwear industry’s response to Covid-19 reveals that more than 80% of businesses are already looking ahead to the impact social distancing will have on their operations.

The Schoolwear Association survey, which explored the current status of businesses including retailers, suppliers and wholesalers, showed a range of opinions on how the industry can operate when lockdown restrictions are lifted.

 

 

With the majority looking ahead to reopening under social distancing rules, responses on the impact this will have were extensive. Much of the feedback focuses on the difficulties of serving customers in the same numbers and at the same speed as before Covid-19.

For example, one respondent notes, “It will take a lot longer to serve customers”. Another points out that “It will severely limit the number of people that we can accommodate in our shop and will, therefore, limit our potential income”.

For smaller stores, this may be more of a challenge. “As a small shop, we will find it very hard to do social distancing. We might have to do appointments only”.

Some are already warning about the difficulties in managing last-minute Back to School shoppers.

“How we will handle the big surge at the end of August whilst social distancing is a big concern,” says one respondent. With this in mind, many retailers plan on communicating with schools and customers to encourage earlier or online purchases.

With the majority (65%) of businesses closed and just 5% completely open, most respondents predict a very large decrease in sales between April and June 2020 compared to the same period last year. In fact, 57% expect to see a drop of more than 20%.

 

 

Looking ahead to summer and the Back to School period, opinions are mixed. However, many are optimistic that demand will still be there. Around 52% of those surveyed said they expect sales to be the same or to increase between July and September in comparison to the same period last year. Just 10% predict a drop in sales of more than 20%.

 

Expectations for next year are also cautiously optimistic.

Sixty-five per cent of respondents say they expect sales to be the same or increase compared to the previous year. The majority (27%) predict a small rise in sales of 10% or less.

 

 

It is encouraging to see businesses making the most of government support to help them through these challenging times. The vast majority of respondents have furloughed staff; 85% have furloughed at least three-quarters of their workforce; 80% have or are planning to use Small Business Grants; and 69% have or are planning to use the business rates relief scheme.

The support of schools is important to get through this crisis.

Seventy-four per cent of those who responded said that they were in contact with their schools. Plus, nearly a quarter are having frequent conversations through the lockdown period. Again, almost all respondents expect schools to be either quite (45%) or very (45%) supportive of their business.

As the recent message from the Association’s co-chairs Matthew Easter and Mark Stevenson explained, trusting in longstanding business relationships and pulling together as an industry is vital to weathering this challenging period.

For further information on The Schoolwear Association, including how to become a member, please click here.