Twill USA
Decorating questions and answers
by Larry Simon
Simon Sez...
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
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