School Uniform Demand Helps One Tulsa Business

Karen Renee's Uniform Business used to be fairly "uniform". She had some ups and downs, but during the past 18 years, it really didn't change much. <br/><br/>But now that's all changed, as

Friday, August 11th 2006, 10:27 am

By: News On 6

Karen Renee's Uniform Business used to be fairly "uniform". She had some ups and downs, but during the past 18 years, it really didn't change much.

But now that's all changed, as News on 6 business reporter Steve Berg explains, because of Tulsa Public School's new uniform policy.

"Foster, Edison, Clinton, Cleveland." Karen Renee carries all of the new uniforms that students are now required to wear at Tulsa Middle Schools. All in the school's home colors by the way.

She says it's a process even before they were sure they "would" be required. â€œIt was kind of a risk, but we jumped in anyway, and then on April 17th when they had the vote, we knew we were safe."

She increased the store from 3,600 to 5,700 square feet. And they design as well as sell the uniforms. "So we have, I don't know one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten sewing machines."

The clothing that Renee designs has her logo.

Renee says her business has increased ten-fold since the uniform policy went into effect. "We increased our staff at the beginning of the summer from about six or seven to 23 at our peak."

This isn't the only place that uniforms for Tulsa Schools can be bought, but because she worked closely with the schools on designing the uniforms, she says they do have the best understanding of the uniforms' requirements. And she invites parents to compare her combination of price and quality.

The business she's getting though probably speaks for itself. "Who wouldn't be happy that their ship had finally come in after when we've been waiting at the airport all these years."

Renee's Uniform Closet also has used school uniforms that they've refurbished and sell at a discount.