VIDEO
Line Your Pockets
Pocket tees have exploded back on the retail scene with bold new colors, patterns and sizes. Wearables Editor C.J. Mittica looks at this updated trend in our latest Wearables Trend Alert video.
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Trend Alert: Striped Dress Shirts
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It turns out that stripes aren't just a helpful tool for finding Waldo. They're also an ideal choice for sharp dressers looking for an elegant look, particularly in the form of pinstripes on button-down shirts and wovens. The eye-catching contrast created by the stripe colors provides a streamlined, sophisticated style that's perfect for making a statement in the corporate and uniforms markets. And while bigger and bolder stripes are showing up at the high-end retail level, vertical stripes of any kind on woven shirts remain a go-to look.
In the promotional industry, suppliers are taking advantage of demand for stripes with expanded options for both men and women. This year, Blue Generation (asi/40653) added Oxford dress shirts (BG8214/BG6214) in blue/white, burgundy/white and green/white pinstripes. "The basic button-down collar woven silhouette is standard for the classic Oxford striped shirt," says President Eric Rubin. "The appeal for this shirt spans almost every rung of the corporate ladder, or as we say, ‘from the mailroom to the boardroom.' "
Tri-Mountain (asi/92125) also offers several pinstriped button-down shirts, including the Charlwood (725), the Rosewood/Roseville (W982/WL982) and the Tyson/Taylor (W970/LB970). "The Tyson and Taylor are now available in black with a tonal black stripe," says Danny Tsai, vice president of merchandising. "Pinstripes are a great complement to a solid-color suit, and even go great when paired just with slacks for a relaxed look. The vertical stripe is a timeless pattern that never goes out of style."
When Cutter & Buck (asi/47965) introduced the Epic Easy-Care Bengal shirt (MCW01883) for 2014, it became one of the supplier's best-selling dress shirt styles. To capitalize on the traction, they recently released the Epic Easy-Care Pinstripe (MCW02056) and the Epic Easy-Care Multistripe (MCW02057). "Pinstripes are the ultimate in sophistication," says Ty Cannon, national business development manager. "We're finding they're popular within any professional environment, including banking, sales, even tech companies."
If you're considering pitching pinstripes to a client, Tsai suggests emphasizing the distinctive color combinations that offer a fresh look beyond traditional solid colors. "Vertical stripes also create a flattering slimming effect for the wearer," he adds. "Just make sure the stripe color and pattern work well with the end-user's brand."
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WHAT'S HOT ON WEARABLESMAG.COM
Rocking Sales
Screen-printed tees remain the go-to merch option for bands and music acts.
Silver Bullet
Metallics remain a fashion favorite and a potent promo option.
Letter of the Law
Employers need to take precautions if a disgruntled employee wants to sue.
Be sure to visit www.wearablesmag.com to read these stories and more. |
Q&A: CustomInk
CustomInk, the "design online" custom apparel company, is in the middle of its fourth annual "Be Good to Each Other" campaign to support PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. The company encourages student groups and others to take a stand for kindness and tolerance by designing and wearing custom T-shirts. Wearables magazine recently spoke with Lyn Famiglietti, public relations manager, about CustomInk's dedication to ending bullying.
Q: How big of a problem is bullying?
Lyn Famiglietti: As part of this year's campaign, we conducted a survey of American teens in the top 10 metro areas, and found that 83% of teens say they have been teased or bullied and 72% worry about being bullied by their peers.
Q: What makes custom T-shirts a good medium for raising awareness?
LF: At CustomInk, we believe T-shirts have the power to bring people together. T-shirts also provide an easy and public way to make a statement. Wearing a bullying-prevention T-shirt not only promotes kindness and respect, but also calls attention to a unifying message – showing people who have been bullied that they are not alone.
Q: How successful has this year's campaign been so far?
LF: Last year, the Be Good to Each Other campaign raised nearly $40,000 for PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center. Each year, the campaign gains popularity, and we expect to once again increase our donation to PACER. So far, we've sold more than 4,000 Unity Day and celebrity-designed T-shirts, and hope to sell even more before the campaign ends on Oct. 31.
Q: Who are some of the celebrities involved?
LF: This year, we are excited to be working with 20 celebrities and athletes, including Charlie Villanueva, Justin Tucker, Eric Fehr, Lauren Potter and AnnaSophia Robb. Since each is participating pro bono, we are able to donate 100% of profits to PACER. These celebrities play a vital role in reaching out to teens.
Q: How can people get involved?
LF: The campaign runs through the end of October – National Bullying Prevention Month. There are three ways to get involved: Design your own custom shirt for your school, team or organization; purchase a celebrity-designed T-shirt; purchase an exclusive 2014 UNITY Day T-shirt. Supporters can participate by visiting www.customink.com/stopbullying. We also want to encourage everyone to wear orange on Wednesday the 22nd, for UNITY Day, to show support for those who have been or are currently victims of bullying.
Deadline Extended For Wearables Apparel Design Awards
Does your apparel and decoration stack up with the best in the industry? Find out by entering our annual Wearables Apparel Design Awards. Suppliers, distributors and decorators are encouraged to nominate their best work in a number of different categories. We've just extended the deadline for submissions to Friday, Oct. 31. To receive contest rules, email Editor C.J. Mittica at cmittica@asicentral.com.
Sales Challenge: Keep Suppliers Happy
When it comes to your relationship with suppliers, it's all about give and take. You want to ensure you're getting the best prices, quality and turnaround time possible. Suppliers, in turn, strive to deliver on all counts; after all, enabling your satisfaction and success guarantees their own. But, as a distributor or decorator, there's a lot you can do on your end to ensure your interactions with trusted suppliers go smoothly.
It starts with the purchase order: If it's incomplete or incorrect, suppliers must undertake some type of follow-up, which slows down the order process. "Suppliers can't move forward until they have all the information they need," says Christopher Duffy, senior vice president of marketing at Bag Makers (asi/37940). Delivering perfect purchase orders upfront means faster delivery and a grateful supplier.
Make sure you talk to the right people. Suppliers have people specially designated to perform certain tasks. When you have a question or need to give input, it's important to find the correct supplier employee to minimize confusion on both ends. It will make life easier for both you and your supplier.
Another potential problem is constant price negotiation. Both suppliers and distributors feel the crunch in this price-conscious marketplace, but suppliers say that when distributors haggle on every single order it bogs down the fulfillment process. "Being asked continually to give up yet more margin is an ongoing conversation among suppliers who now believe this doesn't help build a better relationship," Duffy says.
Don't be afraid to ask your supplier rep for advice. Set up meetings so they can show you new products that may appeal to your target audiences. Beforehand, let the supplier know about the markets you serve or are looking to break into, so they can bring along items suited to those buyers. Suppliers may also have input on the types of products that would work best for a client campaign you're putting together.
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Our Favorite Wearables
Hooded Pullover
Warm up sales with the Ladies' Zen Contrast Pullover Hood (8926). The 55-45 cotton-polyester burnout fabric is acid-washed, and features a cut V-neck hood, and contrast-colored sleeves and draw cords. Available in four color combinations from J. America (asi/69977); www.jamericablanks.com.
Selling Tip: A hooded sweatshirt with some added interest, like contrasting sleeves, is the perfect marriage of style and comfort. It's a chic way to stay cozy in the bleachers during fall football games. |
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Are You The Advantages Salesperson Of The Year?
Advantages, the industry's leading magazine dedicated to ad specialty sales professionals, is holding its annual Salesperson of the Year contest to recognize outstanding sales performance. Nominate your top-selling rep so far for 2014 or nominate yourself! The winner and runners-up will be profiled in the January issue of Advantages. The winner will receive $500 and, of course, everyone on the list gets bragging rights for the year.
Please send the editor your top-selling rep's or your own contact information and revenue (which will not be shared; it's strictly for ranking purposes) ASAP. Also, please let us know briefly what qualities you feel contribute to this sales dynamo's achievements. E-mail nominations to Kathy Huston, editor of Advantages at: khuston@asicentral.com.
Ask An Expert |
Q: Can you recommend a source for pink camo baseball hats? Thanks so much.
A: Help those ladies stand out with the Pink Camo Buck (3268) from Dri Duck Traders Inc. (asi/50835); www.driduck.com. This cap comes with an embroidered wildlife buck design on 100% cotton twill. One size fits most.
Next, head to Heritage Sportswear & Virginia T's (asi/60582); www.heritagesportswear.com; for the Enzyme Washed Camo Cap (9031), a bright-colored, six-panel, low-profile hat that's available in five different camo palettes.
Or, go out to Outdoor Cap Co. (asi/75420); www.outdoorcap.com/promoproducts; and find the Realtree APC Camo Front Cap (RTC-350M-PK), the Ladies' Washed Pink Realtree APC Camo Cap (RTC-300-Pink), the Pink Unstructured Digital Camo Cap (DC-660-CamPink), and more.
Selling Tip: The camo trend is still hot, and it comes in all colors, shapes and sizes. In your customer's next order, try throwing in one additional garment or cap in camo and see if it piques interest.
Q: My customer is looking for a dog leash to decorate. The only condition is that it can't be a retractable leash. Ideas?
A: The furry ones will howl for WOWLine (asi/98360); www.wowline.com.The Nylon Dog Leash (S70481X) is a flat leash with lobster-clasp closure, available in blue or red.
You may also consider the nylon Dog Leash (W155) from Footprints USA (asi/55030); www.footprintsusa.com. Available in 11 colors, this leash is machine-washable, features a convenient gate-style snap closure and is decorated with premium Jacquard woven fabric.
Finally, discover the nylon traditional Pet Leash (PLNW) and the innovative Double Pet Leash (DLNW) from Fields Manufacturing (asi/54100); www.fieldsmfg.com. They both come in seven color options.
Selling Tip: When clients ask you about one pet item, suggest more. Ideas include dog clothing, pet beds, plush toys and blankets – all available from trustworthy ASI suppliers.
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| News Briefs |
alphabroder (asi/34063) announces that its integration of Ash City is now officially complete. U.S. customers can now shop the North End Sport Red, North End Sport Blue, North End, Extreme and Core365 by North End brands at www.alphabroder.com.
Bodek and Rhodes (asi/40788) has received the Rising Star Award from American Solutions for Business (asi/120075). Select suppliers receive the award for performing beyond ASB's expectations in both service and sales growth.
Boxercraft (asi/41325) sponsored the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, held Oct. 11 to 12. In addition, the company will offer a limited edition Pom Pom Pullover in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Visit www.boxercraft.com for more details.
Charles River Apparel (asi/44620) was the premier outfitter for several Community Rowing Inc. teams and events at the 50th Head of the Charles Regatta on Oct. 18 and 19 in Boston. For more information, visit www.charlesriverapparel.com and www.communityrowing.org.
Floriani Embroidery Commercial now offers the Dream Weave Fusible, a lightweight fusible material used in conjunction with embroidery stabilizer for sewing out on delicate fabrics, such as silk, satin, lamé and chamois, and specialty fabrics such as Lycra and spandex. For more information, visit www.florianicommercial.com.
Great Dane Graphics has added a new fashion category of stock designs, including heraldry, tattoo art and nautical designs. All files can be used for screen printing, DTG, signage, sublimation, digital transfers and cut vinyl designs. Visit www.greatdanegraphics.com for more information.
ImprintsUSA (asi/14971) now offers quick service for customers in eastern Pennsylvania, south Jersey and northern Delaware. Orders can be filled and delivered in one business day via UPS. For more information, visit www.pennemblem.com.
Inksoft announces the release of the beta version of a new touchscreen kiosk program. Those customers interested in participating in the program should register by Monday, Nov. 3. View the beta program informational video and contact Inksoft at info@inksoft.com or (800) 410-3048.
J. America (asi/62977) has released 12 new styles for Fall 2014 through Fall 2015, all of which are featured in the company's Better Basics, Sport, Vintage and JA Ladies collections. Additionally, new colors, including jewel tones, have been added to best-sellers. For more information, visit www.jamericablanks.com.
Kati Sportcap & Bag (asi/64140) has released its 2015 catalog that features 20 brands and more than 2,000 SKUs. Visit www.katisportcap.com for more information.
Lynka received several awards at the 36th Annual Impressions magazine's Imprinted Sportwear Show in Fort Worth, Texas, including the Grand Champion of Screen Printing award, First Place in Simulated Process Color Screen Printing, and Third Place in Outstanding Design: A Screen Print Artist's Award.
Polyconcept North America (PCNA) has launched the PCNA Market Place within its new web platform at www.pcna.com, which will allow distributors to find an even wider range of items. Its initial launch features seven key items from Chocolate Inn / Taylor & Grant (asi/44900). Additional affiliates and products will be added consistently over time.
Pop! Promos (asi/45657) welcomes Ian Kalna to the position of vice president of West Coast sales. Most recently, he worked as import sales manager at Prime Resources Group (asi/79530). Prior to the acquisition of ROI-Line by Source Abroad Inc. (asi/88242), Kalna was head of west coast sales at Source Abroad.
Roland DGA (asi/18201) has introduced the Texart RT-640, a 64-inch dye-sublimation transfer printer featuring innovative print control technology, powerful ErgoSoft Roland Edition RIP software and a choice of four- or eight-color ink configurations. Visit www.rolanddga.com for more product information.
Ryonet (asi/528500) announced that this year's open house event at the company's Arkansas location will include an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for longest screen print. The current record is 65 feet and 7 inches, but the Ryonet team will attempt to achieve a full 80-foot-long print. To register, visit screenprinting.com.
S&S Activewear (asi/84358) announces that it has strengthened its Electronic Data Interchange with ApparelSync, a proprietary system that connects integrated customers to real-time inventory, pricing, product information and automated ordering and invoicing. ApparelSync is now live, and will be demonstrated at the Americana Open House on Oct. 24 in Santa Fe Springs, CA, at PPAI Las Vegas, Jan. 13 to 15, and at ISS Long Beach, Jan. 16 to 18.
Sawgrass Technologies and STS Refill Technology of Boca Raton, FL, have entered into a long-term license agreement under which STS, as an authorized Sawgrass licensee, will sell digital inks for sublimation imaging.
In addition, Sawgrass will host the following educational webinars before the end of the year:
- Oct. 22: Holiday Sublimation Strategies – The Corporate Market: 4-5 p.m. EST
- Nov. 4: What Lies Beneath – Sublimation Transfer Papers & More: 4-5 p.m. EST
- Nov. 25: Sublimation Production Q&A: 12-1 p.m. EST
- Dec. 3: Sublimation Printer Platforms - Which One Is Right For You?: 4-5 p.m. EST
- Dec. 17: Sublimated Promotional Products – The Corporate Connection: 4-5 p.m. EST
Visit the company's site for more information or to register.
Stahls' ID Direct (asi/88984) will host an open house on Oct. 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., in honor of the new education and demonstration office in San Antonio, TX. The event will include equipment demonstrations, and the Stahls' T-Shirt Shoppe will give visitors an opportunity to create shirts using the latest CAD-CUT materials and Hotronix heat presses. To RSVP, visit www.stahls.com/txopenhouse.
Storm Creek Apparel (asi/89879) welcomes Carman Thorne of Gary Thorne & Associates to its national team of sales representatives.
T-Biz Network International announces that director Scott Fresener has released T-Seps 3.5 SeparationSuite, a major upgrade to his popular T-Seps software. This automated color separation plug-in is designed to work specifically in Adobe Photoshop CC 2014 on Mac and Windows computers, and allows screen printers to do high-end color separations with very little Photoshop experience. For more information, visit www.t-biznetwork.com.
Vantage Apparel (asi/93390) welcomes Jennifer Strauss as sales representative for Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida and Puerto Rico, and has added Mike Newman as sales representative for New England, including parts of New York and Connecticut.
The Wild Side has added eight new Halloween designs to its stock transfer collection. They can be applied to any shirt color made of 100% cotton, 100% polyester and 50/50 blends. Go to www.thewildside.com for more information.
World Emblem (asi/98264) will soon launch its new mobile application. It features an apparel decoration designer that allows traveling account managers to design and order emblem samples directly from phones or tablets. For more information, visit www.worldemblem.com.
Workhorse Products announced it has updated its Odyssey start-up equipment packages. The Odyssey packages are all geared to the entry-level professional, not the hobbyist. There’s a package for every budget starting at $2,000 and going up to $10,000. For more information, visit www.workhorseproducts.com.
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Wearables Terms
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Argyle: Typically a diamond pattern woven into a garment.
Eyelets: Small holes or perforations made in a series to allow for breathability, finished with either stitching or brass grommets.
Rapid Dry: A fabric designed with a unique weave to wick away moisture from the body.
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October 22-24, Las Vegas, NV
SGIA Expo
(888) 385-3589; www.sgia.org/expo
Oct. 24-25, Manhattan, NY
Manhattan Vintage Clothing Show & Sale
(518) 852-2415;http://manhattanvintage.com
Oct. 28-29, Portland, ME
New England Apparel Club Show
(781) 326-9223; www.neacshow.com
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Nov. 3-4, Hyannis, MA
New England Apparel Club Show
(781) 326-9223; www.neacshow.com
Nov. 11-12, Wethersfield, CT
New England Apparel Club Show
(781) 326-9223; www.neacshow.com
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