Spider-Man, K-pop, and tech pencil boxes: Back-to-school shopping in full swing in Kozhikode
Retailers had already prepared for the season by displaying vibrant printed school bags and umbrellas prominently at their storefronts. Street Meat (S.M.) street is bustling with activity that began mid-May.
'Cartoons and superheroes continue to be popular,' says M. Shakheer, a shopkeeper on Kozhikode city's busiest commercial street.
Another sales assistant chips in, 'Spider-Man, Barbie, and unicorn themes maintain their appeal across items like bottles, bags, and umbrellas. Besides, 3D prints are gaining traction among children,' gesturing towards the glossy bags featuring animated characters.
Many parents, after exploring online options, have returned to in-store shopping to ensure the quality of the products. ' It is preferable to come with the children, despite the commotion, ' says Jamshida, a parent, adding that irregular showers are playing spoilsport to the shopping.
'I am eager to return to school,' exclaimed Afnan, an eight-year-old, his face brightening as he looked at the new Marvel-themed pencil box he had purchased.
Interestingly, technology has also entered the stationery market with rechargeable pencil boxes that include built-in fans, calculators, and LCD screens for drawing. Nevertheless, car-shaped pencil boxes with integrated sharpeners remain the sought-after.. 'Our cartoon-printed lunch boxes are already sold out,' says Azeem, a storekeeper.
However, high school students have drifted away from cartoon motifs, showing a preference for even vintage and Korean-inspired aesthetics. 'It is quite different from when I was their age,' comments Nayana, one of the siblings accompanying a teenager.
'Their tastes are heavily influenced by K-pop culture and Pinterest trends, ' she adds, mentioning their desire for everything in pastel shades to achieve an 'aesthetic' school experience.
With schools scheduled to reopen on June 2, parents and students have a few more days to acquire their back-to-school supplies, while tailors are busy completing school uniforms.
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