750 'student markets' to provide stationery at cheaper rates in Kozhikode   

Consumerfed's student market will have items like bags, books, umbrellas and kits. As per the estimate, a family consisting of two children can buy products up to INR 3200 at this market
Stationery and school supply stores in the district have started witnessing an inflow of parents in Kerala | Representative picture
Stationery and school supply stores in the district have started witnessing an inflow of parents in Kerala | Representative picture

End of summer holidays is usually a busy season for parents and students with the last-minute rush to buy notebooks, uniforms, bags and other necessary items for school. However, unlike in the previous years, parents need not wait till May-end to go shopping.

The Kerala State Cooperative Consumers’ Federation Ltd (Consumerfed) is organising a month-long 'Student market' in the city for the sales of school supplies at cheap rates.

As many as 750 student markets will be held across the state, of which 50 will be set up in Kozhikode. Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan will inaugurate the state-level launch of the programme in the district on April 27.

“Items such as bags, books, umbrellas and kits will be available at lower rates," said Consumerfed Kozhikode regional manager Rajesh V K. “As per our estimates, a family consisting of two children can buy products up to INR 3200 at the market, which will amount to INR 4400 in retail stores,” he said. The Student market will be held in the district until June 10.

Meanwhile, stationery and school supply stores in the district have started witnessing an inflow of parents eager to buy school products soon after the declaration of exam results. A daily footfall of 200-300 parents and students can be found in major retail stores in the city. “Preference is for notebooks, textbooks, instruments boxes and other stationery items. However, bags and school kits are also in demand," said Edumart purchasing manager Fahad K P.

While fancy umbrellas with attractive features are yet to hit the market this year, lightweight bags in vibrant and bold hues suitable for children below the age of five and those in sombre colours apt for high-school students have already reached the stores.

According to store owners, plastic water bottles are also increasingly getting replaced by steel and copper bottles. “Both children and parents have started giving up plastic lunch, snack boxes and bottles," said a staff at WITCO stores. “ While earlier customers were less worried about the product brand and more conscious about its price, the trends have changed in the past few years. A brand consciousness is setting in among children and parents are willing to spend for the same, “ he added.

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