Children are having fun
trying on their new school uniforms, and thanks to the increase in
minimum wage, parents are having more fun buying them, too.
Warunya Thongrod
January’s increase in the minimum wage has taken some of the
sting out parents’ annual back-to-school shopping for uniforms and
supplies.
Shoppers at area department stores and malls say the combination of the
increase to 300 baht daily, a cut in employee insurance payments and the
availability of government-backed small-business loans have given them
more spending flexibility. Even though uniform prices have risen as much
as 10 percent this year, store clerks say people are complaining about
prices less.
It’s time once again for
children to try on their new school uniforms, and although prices have
risen, the new minimum wage is making it easier for many parents to pay
for them.
“Even though uniforms are more expensive than last
year, my financial status is much more flexible and there is enough left
over to buy other supplies,” said Naparat Thimphan, a parent shopping at
South Pattaya’s Big C supermarket.
Big C employee Sucheera Kaewmongkol said the store has been busy since
Songkran, due in part to the supermarket’s non-stop promotions,
including 30 percent discounts and a “Buy three, get one free” shirt
sale.
“The government’s increase in wages is making it easier for people to
pay, so they’re not complaining like last year,” said Suphatra
Wongthaiwan, owner of the Thaweechai shop.
She said uniform prices are up 5-10 percent, but her store has been busy
with parents shopping for clothes and other school supplies.