Businesses get a-grade sales with no signs of tough times

Ben Blomfield | 13th January 2009

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THE economic crunch appears to have done little to cripple back to school sales, with Bundaberg businesses enjoying a spike in stationery and uniform purchases.

Some of Bundaberg's biggest school suppliers have enjoyed sustained and increased sales growth amid one of the worst economic meltdowns.

And helping parents to splash out on preparing their kids to go back to school is the Rudd government's new Education Tax Refund.

The scheme allows for tax refunds of 50% a year on some purchases up to a total value of $750 for students in primary schools and $1500 for those in secondary schools.

Inn Style Mensland owner Ian McCloskey said his uniform store was cashing in on parents enjoying the federal government's refund package.

“We've spoken to a few people and they've said they're using the money for that (uniforms),” he said.

“Sales have been quite good so far and increased from last year, I think a lot of people have noticed the government grant and taken it to good use.

“We've seen a small increase from this time last year.”

Laptops, home computers, all associated costs including repairs, home internet connection, printers and papers can be claimed under the federal government scheme.

Education software, school textbooks, stationery and any other study guides or tools can also be claimed, with school uniforms expected to be added as the year unfolds.

Officeworks store manager Shaun Coles said the customer demand doubled during the period leading up to the first term of the year starting later this month.

“It surprised us how much of a growth we got from last year,” Mr Coles said.

“This year people have been trying to get in early and our stock levels have been taking a hit.”

Bargara's NewsXpress owner Debbie Chapman said her store experienced expected sales despite the economic squeeze.

“People are price conscious for their back to school shopping, but I haven't noticed a difference from this time last year,” she said.

“It's one of our peak periods in the year ... last week was really strong.”