The contentious issue of whether students should use school uniform made headlines recently when parents vowed to continue their fight for all schools across Australia to offer pants or shorts as an option for female students.
In the meantime, many parents across Australia are concerned about the high cost of school uniforms, especially as living costs continue to increase.
However, some organisations are helping parents cut the costs and complexities associated with this important back-to-school priority. One of them is LW Reid (LWR), renowned for its extensive school uniform range, spanning from the classroom to the sports fields.
Below, The Educator speaks to LWR’s Hope Jameson, who explains how the company is helping parents and students in the year ahead.
TE: It’s a competitive space. What do you consider to be some of the stand out features of LW Reid’s products?
HJ: Without doubt it is the excellence of our products and unwavering customer service that differentiates LWR from its competitors and has built bonds of loyalty and respect with our client base. You can’t be in the same business since 1922 without delivering what the customers want. LWR has been designing, creating, producing and delivering high quality, long lasting school wear in a timely fashion for decades. Where else can you place an order for multiple types, styles and colours of school garments online or by telephone for dispatch that same day?
TE: The website says LW Reid is evolving every year. Is there anything new and exciting the company will roll out in 2019?
HJ: With 97 years of experience, across three generations of Australians, LWR takes the time to develop and get things right. In 2019 we will be launching our new range of sublimated apparel that will allow schools to be as creative as they like in crafting uniforms. From a myriad of existing design models to creating a brand-new design from scratch, schools can also include full personalisation down to individual student names for a very moderate cost. The fabrics are colorful, durable and comfortable. Perfect for commemorative events or day to day school wear.
TE: There has been ongoing discussion about school uniforms in the context of gender diversity. How is the company responding to this?
HJ: This is possibly the most contentious issue that will develop in the school and social arenas in coming years. The format and context of uniforms has always been a school and community decision and whether the government enacts policy or legislation to vary this is yet to be seen. Regardless of the outcomes, we will respond to the needs of our customers as always. Our extensive range of both male and female school attire encompasses six categories comprising numerous individual garment types and styles. We have over 1.3 million items in stock ready for immediate delivery. We also make garments to order based on your own designs as well as bespoke uniforms. There is no limit to the creativity that can be applied in these areas, so male or female, large or small, we can cater to all uniform requirements.