With the 2022 academic year opening just over a fortnight away, parents have welcomed the decision by Samoa’s major school uniform supplier to open a new retail outlet at Sogi.

Samoan tailoring company Eveni Carruthers has opened a modern-designed retail outlet at Sogi, along the Mulinu’u Road between the Lava and Tanoa Tusitala hotels, which is now the sales point for school uniforms.

Eveni Block Coordinator Lisa Vaai said in a statement that they are excited to commission the new Eveni Block at Sogi.

“It will be home to all Eveni school uniforms, sports uniforms and accessories like school bags, stationery, lunch boxes and drink bottles”, said Ms Vaai.

The construction of the modern-looking retail outlet is in response to customer feedback over the years as the country’s top supplier of school uniforms. All of the business’ “back to school” customers have been urged to go to the Eveni Block. 

The new shop at Sogi together with the Eveni branch store at Salelologa, Savai’i will have the full range of school uniforms for all levels of schools from kindergarten to primary school, high schools and colleges as well as tertiary institutions. 

They will also carry all school sports uniforms and have branded sports accessories: Nike, Adidas, Puma and Under Armor available at the Eveni flagship store on Beach Road. 

The Eveni team’s mission is to give parents confidence that their child will start the first day of school with the correct school uniform, stationery and accessories. 

And given the complications of the supply chain logistics at this time, the Eveni team said in a statement that they are happy to have in place the full range and adequate stock levels in time for the start of the first school term.

Punaoleola Muaitau, a mother and parent who works at the National University of Samoa,  said that the shop looks good and while she is yet to visit she thinks it is a great idea as it is far away from the crowded center of Apia with lots of parking.

Another parent, Lauina Pauga, who runs her own business and has two daughters attending school this year, told the Samoa Observer that as a mother it is a good idea because their main shop is too crowded and often too busy.

“Separating the new shop from the main one was an awesome idea as long as the car park is good and the customer service remains as good as the main office,” she said.

Patrick Levy, a radio personality and popular deejay as well as father of four, said it was great now to have everything under one roof.

“Yes we buy our kids' uniforms from there, they have all the sizes and good quality uniforms,” he said.  “Everything is found under one roof, even the badges.”

As for access to the new location, Mr Levy said: “It looks spacious from outside and the ease of access is very obvious so I do like their new location.”

Fred Young, a businessman whose kids will also be attending school, expressed similar sentiments.

“I think it is a great space for parents with school aged kids, it seems that it offers a one stop shop for school uniforms and supplies,” he said. “We will definitely check it out soon before school starts back up.”

Lorraine Williams, the founder and longtime Principal of Vaiala Beach School, said it was a great idea that Eveni opened a retail outlet at Sogi where traffic is not busy. 

“I think it is great to take the initiative to separate the uniform and stationery to the new location at Sogi as it allows for less congestion and parking is more accessible,” she said.

“Vaiala Beach School hats and polo shirts are available exclusively at Eveni stores.”

The owner and principal of Montessori Brilliant School, Yassamin Yazdani, also praised the decision by the business. 

“I just came out of quarantine and saw the new Eveni Block last Wednesday,” she told this newspaper. 

“Surprised but I felt due to popular demand for uniforms it makes sense as lots of parents will need uniforms for their children during the busiest time of the year.

“It is more spacious for parking and the good thing is it is only for uniforms and that is a smart move. 

“Eveni provides uniforms for our teachers and students for the Brilliant Montessori school.”

She also commended the Eveni Carruthers for the smart and timely move.

Opening hours for the Eveni Block are 8.00am – 4.30pm weekdays and 8.00am – 2.00 pm on Saturday with extended hours closer to the start of the school year.