Impressions - November 2010 - (Page 20)

orrell, r A. M er ennife rit By J ting W ntribu Co ecorated apparel is an entirely different animal today than a decade ago for a variety of reasons. In addition to fashion and function, numerous factors have enhanced — and changed — the way the industry operates. Among the game changers is — no surprise here — the Internet. Access to information has created a better informed, more savvy customer. For example, a decade ago, customer questions would be quite general in nature. Today, they’re asking for specific brands or thread counts when requesting apparel blanks. Thus, decorators have had to rise to the occasion to keep them happy. Another playmaker is technology. Today’s equipment is less hands-on and a little faster during production. Customers want a variety of solutions quickly, and a plethora of decorating techniques for the picking. 20 Impressions >> November 2010 d Industry veterans reflect on the past 10 years and offer insight about the future of the decorated apparel market. Advances in graphic software certainly have influenced the market, as customization is key. Production costs have risen, so successful decorators have adjusted accordingly to keep their businesses afloat. Overall, the industry is still run by creative, forward-thinking businesspeople who have to lead their companies into the future in a progressive and, sometimes, aggressive way. Impressions wanted to get the inside scoop on the technologies and trends that have driven the decorated apparel market during the past decade, and gain a little insight regarding what is to come. We went straight to the sources, consulting some of the industry’s most experienced leaders: Jeff Glenn, owner of Missouri Cotton Exchange, Columbia, Mo.; Jacob Edwards, president and founder of Jakprints Inc., Cleveland; Dave Barzyk, president of Classic Team Sport Inc., Edgewood, Md.; Phil Gandy, president and CEO of Gandy Ink, San Angelo, Texas; and Rich Santo, president and CEO of Culture Studio, Chicago. Following is what they had to say. Impressions: Looking back, how has the decorated apparel marketplace changed in the past decade? How did your shop evolve? Jeff Glenn, Missouri Cotton Exchange: One thing is apparent: There are a lot fewer apparel distributors now, since the larger ones bought up many of the smaller ones. By aligning ourselves with fewer distributors, our business means more to them, and they show their appreciation with perks like free freight, better pricing or other deals they can offer. Also, customer impressionsmag.com http://www.impressionsmag.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Impressions - November 2010

Impressions - November 2010
Contents
First Impressions
FYI
Product Gallery
Thought Leaders: Views on a New Decade
Fashionable Function
Preparing Your Exit Strategy
Technique
Production
Tech Tips
Production
For Screen Printers Only
Online Directory
Profi ting With Poly-Performance Apparel
On Design
Business to Business
Classifieds
Ad Index

Impressions - November 2010