After Eid, time to shop for school supplies

Thousands of students across Oman will be heading back to schools from August 25, when the new academic year in public and private schools starts.

For several parents, back-to-school buying might be a stressful time simply because of the quantity of cash they devote, and, for kids it implies new stationery things and uniforms. Shops and supermarkets promoting school supplies and uniforms are currently seeing improved footfall.

“With Eid shopping over now, many of us are worried about school expenses which we have to meet to make sure children go back to school happy. It is not easy managing funds especially when most people have just got done with Eid shopping. But it is our responsibility as parents and we can’t avoid it. I need at least RO100 for each child every year,” stated Nasor Khamis, a father of 5.

For Bader al Harthy, a father of 4 girls, school things alone expense about RO150 per youngster whilst Eid buying might have expense about RO100 per youngster. “I am glad that some shopping centres have announced good offers. For Eid, I spend around RO100 per child. Now, I need to budget another RO150 per child for school. It is up to parents to know how to manage their finances,” he stated.

The Public Authority for Consumer Protection (PACP) has asked shoppers to verify gives just before purchasing. “We do have constant checks and follow up on the prices of stationery products and other items used in schools. Consumers who find discrepancies can register their complaints,” a PACP official stated.

Some say costs of school things have been escalating year-on-year. “I spent around RO150 on each of my three school-going children last year and this year the budget has gone up to RO200. At this time of the year we mostly buy new school bags, shoes, uniforms and stationery. I feel shops take advantage of the situation,” stated Abdullah al Tauqi, father of 3 kids.

Information Source: Muscat Daily