Release #324-00

 

Contact:	Sunny Mindel/ Lynn Rasic 212/788-2958
	Deborah Wetzel/ Kevin Ortiz (DCA) 212/487-4283

MAYOR GIULIANI AND COMMISSIONER HOFFMAN RELEASE
SCHOOL UNIFORM PRICE SURVEY

Just in time for the new school year, Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jane S. Hoffman today announced the results of the Department of Consumer Affairs' School Uniform Price Survey which shows that uniforms can be a convenient and affordable alternative to brand-name clothing. The announcement was made at Bunnie's Youth Center, the store with Manhattan's lowest priced girl's wardrobe.

"School uniforms foster school unity and pride among students, while instilling self-esteem and eliminating distracting label competition," Mayor Giuliani said. "With more schools requiring their students to wear uniforms, it is important to help parents by providing shopping tips for affordable wardrobes for their children. This year families can enjoy tax-free back-to-school shopping because of the permanent elimination of sales tax on clothing and shoes priced under $110."

"This year's Back-To-School Uniform Survey should help parents get the best possible prices for their kids' uniforms," Commissioner Hoffman said. "School uniforms are cost effective because they are often less expensive than other types of clothes like jeans and sweatshirts. This will serve as an excellent guide to parents at the increasing amount of schools that are adopting uniform policies."

This year's School Uniform Price Survey covers 24 stores in the five boroughs and 3 mail-order companies. The survey calculates the highest and lowest prices of a child's uniform wardrobe. The boys' wardrobe consists of five shirts, two pairs of pants, a cardigan sweater and a tie. The girls' wardrobe consists of five blouses, 2 pleated skirts, a cardigan and a tie. The survey revealed the cost for a boy's wardrobe ranges from approximately $38 to $223; the price of a girl's wardrobe ranges from about $29 to $217. This broad range can be attributed to different fabrics and brand names.

The New York City Board of Education estimates 420,000 public elementary school children wear uniforms. According to the New York Archdiocese, approximately 158,000 parochial school children are required to wear uniforms.

Currently, the New York City Board of Education requires all elementary school students to wear uniforms. That policy became effective in September of 1999. Schools and parents can 'opt-out' of the uniform policy if they notify the Board of Education.

Bunnies Department Store at 2918 Third Avenue in the Bronx had the lowest prices for uniforms in the survey. The Land's End School Uniform Catalog had the highest prices for school uniforms.

This year the 8.25% sales tax on clothing items and shoes priced under $110 was permanently eliminated on March 1, following a four-year campaign by Mayor Giuliani. During the past three years, seven sales tax-free weeks were met with remarkable success and demonstrated that dropping the tax stimulates sales and creates jobs.

Consumers who would like to obtain a copy of the Department of Consumer Affair's School Uniform Price Survey, should write to:

Consumer Affairs
School Uniform Price Survey
42 Broadway, 8th floor
New York, NY 10004

Consumers can also get a copy of the survey by visiting the DCA website at www.nyc.gov./consumers or by calling 212-487-4444.

www.nyc.gov