French Toast Forecasts Bump in School Uniform Sales

School uniform manufacturer French Toast is anticipating greater sell-throughs this back-to-school season in line with the growing number of public schools that are implementing stricter dress codes. The company expects the industry will see a 3- to 5-percent increase in U.S. sales this fall, with the largest gains in the Southeast and Northeast regions.

“We continue to be encouraged by the 7-percent increase in number of schools that are either adopting or seriously considering a dress code for fall 2010,” said Michael Arking, president of FrenchToast.com. Schools continue to explore uniform codes because they reportedly reduce “label competition” among students and result in less disciplinary cases. Arking noted the practice is also attractive to school administrators and parents due to the lower costs of school uniforms versus other kids’ apparel.