Simmonds Schoolwear in Kent reports huge increase in uniform sales ahead of schools opening on March 8

One of Kent's oldest and biggest school uniform suppliers says it has experienced a 'phenomenal' increase in inquiries and sales since the government confirmed schools will return next month.

Simmonds, first founded in 1837, supplies close to 100 schools across Kent and the south east.

Managing director Simon Smith said Boris Johnson's confirmation that both primaries and secondaries would reopen to all pupils from March 8 had prompted a rush from families to replace outgrown clothing.

Mr Smith, who described the government's announcement as 'very exciting', said there had been extremely noticeable increases in demand for new uniform and kit since the televised announcement on Monday gave families the certainty they'd been waiting for.

He said: "It has certainly been very busy. We suddenly came back to life.

"We are selling lots of uniform online."

As a non-essential store Simmonds' shops are currently closed to visitors. All orders instead can be placed online through its website and its customer service team is also available to help.

During the first lockdown the uniform store launched You Tube videos to help families shop remotely with tutorials and guides from staff for parents and carers who were suddenly tasked with measuring their children for new items such as blazers.

Despite the sudden surge in demand for new uniform Mr Smith said the company had prepared well for a potential return to school and Simmonds currently had 'good stock levels' - albeit parents should order as soon as possible if they know they require something.

The Simmonds website is offering free delivery and a next day dispatch where possible on orders.

Confirmation that all children can return to classrooms in less than a fortnight has reportedly seen growing demand for school uniform supplies at many of the major supermarkets and department stores too.

In response to the announcement M&S, which has stores across Kent, introduced a 20% discount on numerous items in its school uniform range.

The offer is currently available both online and in selected stores which are open during the pandemic. But parents looking to replace worn-out items may need to be quick.

According to the M&S website, a pack of two grey pairs of slim leg school trousers for boys are already sold out in 13 sizes ranging from age 5-6 to 17-18 whilst its grey crease resistant school skirts were unavailable in seven children's sizes and measurements on Friday morning.

Matalan, which has closed its stores because of the lockdown but is available online, is offering a range of school essentials for £5 or less. But it too has many items out of stock online according to its website.

A five pack of blue polo t-shirts was unavailable in 10 different children's sizes on Thursday afternoon (February 25) and a set of two boys short sleeve school shirts was only available to buy in age 10, with all other sizes ranging from age four to 15 listed with an 'email when in stock' option.

Popular items online at George at Asda were also in short supply with packs of five girls polo t-shirts with a scalloped edge unavailable in 11 different sizes, four days after the government announcement whilst packs of its five white unisex school polo tshirts, from £6, were unavailable in every size apart from age three to four.

Read more family-related news from across Kent at www.mykentfamily.co.uk