Limited face-to-face learning (PTMT) in Tulungagung will begin soon. The guardians did all sorts of preparations. Including buying school uniforms. As a result, the need to buy uniforms also increased. This has an impact on the increase in clothing prices.

There are rows of uniform shops on Jalan Basuki Rahmat filled with parents and high school teenagers (SMA). They buy necessities for PTMT. From uniforms, belts, to socks.

One of the sellers of the Lancar Jaya uniform shop, Rudi, admitted that the number of school uniform buyers has continued to rise since last Wednesday (1/9). This is because the PTMT plan in schools will be implemented. Not a few visitors who buy more than two sets of uniforms. “On normal days, only 2-3 pairs of uniforms are sold. Now (yesterday) we can sell 30-35 sets," he said.

He added that the average price for uniforms increased by Rp. 2 thousand this time. It's a separate type of clothing. Namely tops and bottoms such as trousers and skirts. Because the needs of buyers are increasing. He also prepared double the stock than usual. "The average increase is Rp. 2 thousand. Because, the price (uniform tops, pants, and skirts) varies. Previously the cheapest was Rp. 32 thousand to Rp. 98 thousand. Now (yesterday) prices start from Rp. 35 thousand to Rp. 100 thousand," he explained.

To satisfy the needs of buyers, Rudi stocked goods not only from one factory. Namely from a number of textile shops from three areas in Tulungagung. Then deposited to a uniform tailor belonging to his colleague. “Often stocking goods from a textile shop on Jalan Teuku Umar. If it's empty, move to Ngunut District. If it's empty, look for it in other areas," he continued.

Meanwhile, it was confirmed elsewhere, one of the Setia Kawan uniform shops located on Jalan Basuki Rahmat, a number of uniform tops that had been covered with plastic were lined up on the windowsill. As many as 210 pieces of elementary school (SD), junior high school (SMP), and high school uniforms are ready to be sold.

The shop owner, Ani, said she prepared the uniforms by sewing herself. That is, it takes 35 meters of fabric in one container (pcs), he can make 28 pieces of short-sleeved tops and 18 pieces of long-sleeved shirts. “As for 1 pcs, you can make 26 long skirts. It's different if you sew a short skirt, it can be up to 30 pieces," he said.

He added that during the past week his shop was able to sell 35 pairs of uniforms a day. This is profitable for him. Because during the corona pandemic, he could only sell two pairs in one day. "Since last Wednesday (1/9) more sewing," he said.

On the other hand, one of the uniform buyers at Ani's shop, Indah said she bought three long skirts for elementary school students. He admitted to buying uniforms for his daughter who was in second grade. Because the uniforms he bought since 2020 no longer fit. “It takes three for all kinds of school uniforms. Both the red and white uniform, identity, and Scouts," he explained.

When asked about the price set by the store, Indah admitted that she did not mind. Because the need for uniforms is clearly rising in the midst of PTMT preparations. He also prepared the best quality for his daughter. “It has been two years that we have been online continuously (distance learning, ed). Of course, it must be prepared from now on for offline schools again," he concluded