The managing director of the company that makes and sells uniforms for Wyndham schools has hit back at claims it is overcharging.
Michael Farrugia said allegations that Rushfords Schoolwear had overcharged the community were “unequivocally incorrect”.
An online petition, which received more than 200 signatures in just five days, asks Rushfords to “start charging reasonable prices for school clothes – at least half the price they are currently charging”.
Mr Farrugia said Rushfords’ parent company, Noone Imagewear, supplied uniforms to 1200 schools nationwide, and there was no difference in the price structure.
“Yes, the initial outlay may be expensive for many, but the return is more in-favour for parents and students in the long run.”
Mr Farrugia said students were fitted and then given sizes that they could grow into, ensuring extended wearability. But Hoppers Crossing resident June Van Boven disagrees, arguing the prices cannot be justified.
Ms Van Boven, who operates a secondhand uniform store, said it was frustrating that some retailers stocked almost identical items for a fraction of the price, but parents weren’t given a choice to purchase them as they did not feature the school’s logo.
“Families can face costs of up to $2500 when they have children starting in year seven,”
Ms Van Boven said.
“There’s a need for cheaper uniforms. If there wasn’t, I wouldn’t have customers coming to me buying stuff every year.”
Mr Farrugia said price increases were always below the consumer price index (CPI), and uniform contracts were awarded by tender.
