This week, uniform stores across the United Arab Emirates (UAE) experienced long queues and extended waiting times as parents began actively purchasing supplies for the new academic year.
At the Threads uniform store in Burjuman, parents arrived as early as 11:30 AM on Monday, with priority given to those who had pre-booked online slots. Shameema Ahmed, a Dubai resident who came to buy uniforms for three children, reported having to wait over an hour despite having a 11:00 AM reservation when the store opened.
She noted: 'I hoped to avoid the rush, but I think many people felt the same way as me.' During her visit, she overheard complaints from other parents: one was dissatisfied with the wait, while another complained about the lack of required sizes. She added that the feeling of the school season rush seemed to arrive earlier this year.
According to the unified school calendar, all UAE students return to school on Monday, August 31st, after an almost two-month summer break. At the Bimbino store in Sharjah, a consultant advised parents to visit during the first week of September. He stated that the rush began on the morning of August 24th and is still in full swing, so they are now asking parents to come on September 1st or 2nd when activity might subside, unless it is urgent.
Lateesh Radhakishan, Managing Director of Threads, emphasized that the back-to-school period is the busiest time of the year, which is why preparations start well in advance. He explained that the company collaborates closely with its school partners to forecast demand, plan inventory needs, and ensure the availability of the correct uniforms, sizes, and accessories both in retail and online channels. Furthermore, teams and restocking processes are reinforced during peak periods to make the experience as convenient as possible for parents.
According to Lateesh, the rush usually begins in mid-July and continues throughout August, with a noticeable increase in activity in the final weeks before classes resume. He noted that some families prefer visiting a physical store, especially for the initial uniform purchase, while others opt for the convenience of online ordering. 'Our goal is to give parents a choice and make the process as simple as possible, regardless of the chosen method of purchase,' he stated.
A heavy influx of visitors was also recorded at the LCT Uniform store in Karama, which was packed with parents on the evening of August 25th. The store was prepared for the demand, with uniform stock piled up to the ceiling.
Meanwhile, several retailers, such as Marks and Spencer and Centerpoint, have also introduced school uniform collections this year. A Centerpoint representative told Khaleej Times that they have added state school uniforms and standard blue trousers to their assortment.
Lateesh also stressed that saving money is important for families, especially during the back-to-school preparation period when managing multiple expenses is necessary. 'For us, value lies in the balance between competitive prices, quality, comfort, and durability, especially considering how often school uniforms are worn throughout the academic year.'
To assist families with accessibility issues, Threads encourages reusing old uniforms. Through a new app, parents can book a convenient time to drop off used Threads uniforms for inspection and donation. Upon acceptance, they receive a 25 AED voucher usable in the store, supporting reuse and providing additional benefit to families.
Lateesh added that inventory levels are carefully monitored and proactively replenished across different channels. 'We use historical demand, school requirements, and sales trends to forecast inventory needs, paying close attention to popular sizes and fast-moving items.'
His advice to families was simple: do not postpone uniform purchases until the last days before school starts. 'By buying earlier, parents have more choice in terms of sizes and can avoid the most stressful period,' he concluded. 'We recommend checking your school's latest uniform requirements, confirming your child's current size, and exploring the various purchasing options available.'