Full-Time Mom Revolutionizes School Uniform Industry by Introducing Quality & Comfort

Traditionally, school uniforms have been an 'uncomfortable' subject among students and parents. For students, stiff and scratchy fabrics and outdated styles have made uniforms unappealing to wear. For parents, disorganized stores, inexperienced staff, and high priced, low quality merchandise have made ordering and purchasing uniforms a frustrating process. Full-time mom Jamey Elrod was one of these frustrated parents who was so disappointed with the quality and level of service available in the school uniform industry that she decided to take matters in her own hands and start her own company -- Educational Outfitters.

Chattanooga, Tenn. (PRWEB) August 12, 2005 -- Traditionally, school uniforms have been an 'uncomfortable subject among students and parents. For students, stiff and scratchy fabrics and outdated styles have made uniforms unappealing to wear. For parents, disorganized stores, inexperienced staff, and high priced, low quality merchandise have made ordering and purchasing uniforms a frustrating process. Full-time mom Jamey Elrod was one of these frustrated parents who was so disappointed with the quality and level of service available in the school uniform industry that she decided to take matters in her own hands and start her own company -- Educational Outfitters.

"I wanted to make the school uniform buying experience more convenient and reliable for mothers," says Jamey Elrod, Founder and CEO of Educational Outfitters. "As a mother of two, I know that parents have a limited amount of time during the day to complete their 'to do lists so my stores are designed with the customer in mind. Our goal is for parents to walk in and walk out with all the products they need in a conveniently located and organized retail store."

The first Educational Outfitters store was opened in Chattanooga in 1998, and as a result of the stores success, Jamey and her husband Brian decided to franchise the company becoming the first national school uniform franchise. Now seven years later, Educational Outfitters is the nations premier school apparel retailer with 22 independently owned franchises from Florida to California with plans to open many more.

Customers come first

While the majority of school uniform stores force parents and students to fend for themselves when it comes to locating the sizes and styles they need, Educational Outfitters well-trained staff is eager to help customers with their orders. As an added convenience, stores provide in-house alterations, embroidery, and screen printing. Another distinction is that all Educational Outfitters stores are full of inventory year round, eliminating the need for spring fittings 4 to 6 months before school starts. Instead, parents can visit the store or order apparel anytime online at

www.EducationalOutfitters.com.

Clothing that is functional, fashionable, and affordable

Educational Outfitters understands that parents want affordable, high quality clothing for their children and that kids want clothing they enjoy wearing. The uniform retailer works closely with the best manufacturers in the industry to offer the best feeling & fitting styles -- all at affordable prices. The typical retail price point of a product from Educational Outfitters is $12 to $25.

"Traditional school uniforms are not very comfortable and are far from stylish," says Jamey. "We have worked with a select group of manufacturers to produce apparel that is both fashionable and comfortable -- both of which were foreign to the uniform industry. Mid-rise pants and more tailored oxford shirts are two products that have been well-received. Instead of scratchy polyester, our clothing is made of brushed fabrics and other materials that have a softer, feather touch feel."

See attached Testimonials for what parents have to say about Educational Outfitters uniforms.

What Parents Say

Educational Outfitters' Customers

"Uniforms make getting ready for school so much easier in our household. No arguing, no debate, no problems....Its the best thing a school can do."

-- Shaleigh, parent of a 3rd and 5th grade student

"I personally feel uniforms develop school pride and accountability." --Trish, parent of a 2nd and 5th grade student

"I like the safety factor of uniforms. When Im a parent helping with field trips, it lets me know immediately who are the students Im responsible for, and it also lets me identify strangers talking with our students. Even when students have friends visit them on school property, it makes you aware of everyone and who they are."

-- Shelly, parent of a high school freshman and graduating senior

"Uniforms are incredibly economical. Buying the latest fashions can add up quickly, so purchasing several key uniform pieces and buying as needed throughout the year, has saved our family much needed money. There is no doubt uniforms are more cost effective."

-- Tammy, parent of a 5th, 7th and 10th grade student

"Peer pressure is so heavy in this day and time. Children so often judge others by their clothing. Uniforms eliminate this. It forces children to look past clothing and see people for who they are."

-- Jill, parent of three girls, 4th 6th and 10th graders

www.EducationalOutfitters.com

CONTACT:

Mandy Oakes

Fusion Communications

Phone: 423.504.3036

E-mail: mandy @ fusioncommunicate.com

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