As the countdown to the start of the new school year begins, several parents are opting for a gradual shopping approach to avoid the inevitable crowds and depleted stock expected when government assistance is released.
While the $200 back-to-school assistance is expected to be released on January 16 and the new school term one to start on January 26, Saweni residents Kartika Prabhashni Chand and her husband Ajeet Shankar chose to complete their shopping last week.
The couple decided to purchase all items at a single location to avoid unnecessary window shopping and the heavy traffic congestion that usually stretches from Saweni into Lautoka City.
”We have two girls and we’ve bought their books, bag, shoes, calculator, and all the stationeries,” Ms Chand said.
“It’s important for parents to plan because if we’ll do the shopping next week, it will be very busy. We’ve just done the shopping at one place; we were able to get all the things.”
Ms Chand further advised parents against waiting until the final days.
“The town will be very busy and since it’s very hot, it’s better to do your shopping in advance.”
Spotted shopping at Meenoos’ Lautoka shop with his two children were Sikeli Nasau of Yanuya, Malolo.
Mr Nasau chose to secure school bags and other necessities early to beat the post-assistance surge.
”I managed to buy the children’s school necessities, because whenever the $200 back to school assistance comes out, the shops are usually packed, this is why I’ve brought them to town today (Saturday),” he said.
“By shopping now, I have noticed that the bags were also really affordable as well.”
