Promotions spark school uniform price war among value retailers

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Value retailers are gearing up for the fiercest price battle yet on back-to-school clothing, as the high street giants kick off their promotions.

Woolworths, which will launch its full back-to-school range next week, said promotions were planned for the coming months. "There is definitely a price war going on," said a spokesman. "It's such a competitive market that we can't reveal plans until the last minute. But we cut our prices drastically last year."

Asda, which started the heavy discounting earlier than last year with its £9.96 school uniform in June, has further offers planned for mid-August. A spokesman said there was "a lot more to come" and warned it would not rest on its laurels. Its cheapest-ever uniform has already delivered record sales, he added, up 100% on the previous year.

Sainsbury's has cut prices across its back-to-school collection by about 8% compared with last year, prior to any promotion.

Sainsbury's Tu buying and design director Adrian Mountford said: "We've delivered record sales so far this year on back-to-school clothing. We already have 100% year-on-year growth."

Tesco unveiled its first back-to-school promotion of the year last week, with a three for two offer on selected items over a two-week period. High street chain Marks & Spencer has also offered the same level of discounting.