1. Is there such a thing as a girls' decorating business, or are the girls and boys business really the same thing when it comes to decorating?

Answer: There is now. Over the years, the girl decorating business has changed dramatically with the advent of new technologies. The girls want their own identity. With new colors, layouts and positioning of the logo and garment, its definitely not the "same ole, same ole."

2. Do you develop products specifically for the girls business?

3. What is different in terms of product?

4. what are some of the design, color or fabrication trends for 2007?

Answer: Yes, with new colors of Twill, Diamond Twill and an array of Metallic Colors, as well as the 2008 edition of Boxer Craft Plaids and Camouflage that will be available by mid January. A must see. Call for your swatches, 866-806-9120. One example; we have taken the basketball logo that the guys want in orange on black twill and we offer it to the girls in Metallic Bronze on Black Twill. We do this in different sizes so they can use our Laser Cut "No Sew" Twill, and heat apply it on caps, hoodies or unique locations on any garment.

We've created a lot of logos with metallic Silver or Hot Pink combos. Felt on Twill metallic or Diamond Twill; and for the Greek market - Laser Cut our Holy and Polka Dot Greek Sorority Letters that can be heat applied or sewn on.

If you choose the heat applied "No Sew" option from Twill USA, you will see that you can increase your margins and make your customer happier with their choice.

5. What do dealers need to know about decorating trends when they go in to sell a girls team?

Answer: The old saying of "The Early Bird Gets the Worm" can be applied here= the dealer that shows not only the classic look but offers the new colors and placement options " gets the sale". The team uniform can be tweaked; for example, if the school colors are Gold on Kelly Green, you will have the option to show Metallic gold twill on Kelly Twill, or Gold Diamond Twill on Kelly Green Twill. The mascot and school name stays the same, but you are just customizing the colors to make it unique to the girls squad.

6. Do you think dealers approach the girls and boys uniform decorating business differently? Should they?

Answer: a.) Some do but most do not- just human nature. We've been doing it this way for so long...they become complacent. Then, when someone new comes to the school and takes away the business, they start to scramble. Be proactive and prove yours is the place where the girls and boys should get their team wear.

b.) They better.

7. Where are the opportunities for dealers to make more on decorating uniforms, apparel and accessories for girls?

Answer: By having more options such as color or placement of logos on the garments, caps, bags, etc., as we stated earlier. That is why the "No Sew" option at Twill USA has been so successful. Play the human nature "trump card." Girls love new looks and colors, and if you have what they want...it is a "match made in heaven."

8. Finally, what advice would you have for a dealer when he is selling to a girls team?

Answer: "Show and tell." In-store displays with decorated samples, of course, are one way. But I've offered this tip to many owners with great success - either wear samples of the new looks, or have your male and female employees wear them because, at times, a picture is worth a thousand words. The girls or coaches see it... and they say, "I gotta get me one of those."

This is what Simon Sez... from
Larry Simon @ Twill USA