Bank Loans Offered To Woo Back-To-School Shoppers
By Azlan Othman

Bandar Seri Begawan - Back-to-school promotions are gaining momentum with several department stores and bookstores offering attractive discounts and packages.

One outlet is even offering a bank loan for the convenience of parents, and interestingly the offer is gaining popularity with phone inquiries received almost on a daily basis.

Books, stationery and school supply outlet, Samima Sdn Bhd, in Rimba said last year it was full on the first day of school. A staff member, Yusuf Jamal, said some parents went there to enquire about bank loans to buy school uniforms and books for their children.

"For such procedure, we get the quotation for them before they bring it to the bank for approval. We receive the bank loan inquiry on a daily basis with some parents applying for the second year running. It's for the convenience of the parents" "Gifts will also be given while stocks last. For a purchase of above $60, a calendar will be given while for a purchase of above $200, there's a complimentary diary. On average, each parent spends between $50 and $100 per child including on school uniform," Yusuf said.

He added that last year the shop was crowded from the first to the third day of the reopening of schools. The shop even had to extend its operating hours. He revealed that the budget ranges between $20.05 for primary one for eight workbooks and $24.50 for primary six for 10 workbooks.

While the budget for up to three workbook ranges from $17.80 for Form i to $18.70 for Form 3 for four workbooks. However, the price varies for some schools. Meanwhile, a Qalif Bookstore sales assistant in Jin Muara said business normally doubles during this time. Business hits its peak period a day before schools reopen or on the first day of school when secondary school students receive the list of books to be bought.

For students from private schools, they need to buy workbooks and textbooks, while for government school students, they only have to buy workbooks. She said on average, the expenses for a parent of two to three children are about $70. Another outlet specialising in electronic goods with branches throughout the country is also holding back-to-school cum year-end sale with discounts up to 50-60 per cent on computers besides handphone, toys and games.

A department store in bustling Gadong area offers up to 50 per cent price reduction on selected items.

Meanwhile, the year-end SME sale carnival will be officiated this Tuesday (Dec 19) at the Indoor Stadium in Berakas. It will run from Dec 20-29 between loam and 10pm.  -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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