Uniform producer keeps prices steady as costs rise

A school uniform manufacturer is keeping prices stable for the academic year, but has warned of potential increases in the future due to rising production costs.

In response, the Commerce Ministry is promoting the “Thai Chuay Thai” campaign, in collaboration with wholesalers and retailers to offer goods at affordable prices.

Arnon Chitmeesilp, managing director of Nomjitt Manufacturing Co, a Thai uniform producer, said uniforms are produced throughout the year and are generally sold in the following academic year.

Uniforms available for sale ahead of the upcoming semester in May reflect production prior to the Middle East conflict.

However, the company is now absorbing increased logistics costs for the latest batch, he said.

For the 2026 academic year, the company is maintaining uniform prices.

Uniform sales this year are expected to be flat compared with last year, reflecting weakened spending power.

Mr Arnon said he anticipates that students entering a new grade level with different uniform requirements, or those with changing body sizes, may require 2-4 sets of uniforms.

For students attending schools with the same uniforms, parents may purchase just one additional set.

For the 2027 academic year’s uniform prices, the company will assess long-term raw material costs to determine whether a price adjustment will be necessary.

The prices of raw materials used in uniform production, including fabric, buttons, yarn and logistics, have risen by an average of 5–10%. Suppliers have informed the company that they cannot predict when price fluctuations will stabilise.

Regarding the ongoing debate over allowing students to wear casual outfits to school, with some schools permitting casual wear on selected days, he said the company has noticed a slight impact from this trend. However, the longer-term impact will need to be evaluated.

EASING COST PRESSURES

The Department of Internal Trade has introduced the “Thai Chuay Thai: Back to School 2026” initiative to reduce back-to-school expenses for the upcoming semester.

Discounted products are available at participating modern trade outlets, retailers, Blue Flag shops, and online platforms from April 30 to May 31.

The department is also collaborating with the Education Ministry to extend the discount campaign to 1,000 selected schools across the country.

Meanwhile, the Thai Wholesale and Retail Trade Association has organised the “Local, Low Cost” campaign, bringing together local wholesalers and retailers to negotiate promotional campaigns with suppliers, enabling them to offer discounted prices on selected consumer goods every quarter.

The upcoming campaign periods are set for May 1–10, Aug 1–10, and Nov 1–10, 2026.

Roughly 99 local wholesalers and retailers, representing 800 branches nationwide, will participate.