The State of the Industry...
...is all about change.
According to the 2008 Industry Report in Printwear Magazine, as long as you're adaptable and open to change,
2008 should be a good year.
Many are concerned about a recession, but according to this select panel of industry notables,
we should all be more optimistic.
There are sure to be challenges, but there are definitely areas that are growing and new niche markets emerging regularly.
Mike Robertson of SGIA predicts "we see a promising future for garment decorators
and great opportunity for those imagers prepared to adapt to a rapidly changing marketplace,"
with the biggest changes coming in the form of e-commerce and digital imaging technologies."
Big picture thinking is also essential, according to Rick Roth, owner of Mirror Image Screen Printing in Pawtucket, RI.
"The ones to benefit will be people who are open to new things,
that consider themselves embellishers rather than just screen printers...
you can't narrow your niche too much these days, or you won't get the work."
Customer service is also key, according to Roth.
You need to be good at your job and be friendly to your customers.
To sum it all up - Open your minds, be creative, and get ready for a successful 2008!
Going Green... It Isn't Just for Earth Day Anymore
Over the past few years, we have all become accustomed to getting eco-centered issues
of all of our favorite publications in March and April - focused on Earth "Day."
This year, however, words like "green," "sustainable" and "eco-friendly" will be heard pretty much every day --
and rightly so!
We are finally realizing that an environmental pledge is a 365 day a year commitment --
not just reserved for that one special day in April.
The embellished products industry is no exception to this "trend."
The January issue of Identity Marketing is dedicated to "Promotional Products Going Green"
and is full of new environmentally friendly products and ideas to help us all deepen our shade of green.
The issue can be a little daunting to some, but as Lisa Schofield states in her article,
"anything that promotes preservation of the ecology, local environment
and people is a win-win situation for promotional products distributors, the suppliers they work with,
their clients and the end-users."
Alo bamboo
and
Bella and Canvas organic cotton
styles are also highlighted in the issue.
"New for 2008" Sample Packs
With everyone asking "what's new," here's your chance to show them!
The Bella "New for 2008" sample packs are now available to wholesale customers
only through the Marketing Tools section on
www.bella.com.
These packages come complete with 2008 generic catalogs and color cards,
along with 1 piece of each new Bella women's style in an assortment of colors.
They are the perfect way to show your customers the hottest new styles.
Order yours today and watch your sales flourish!
Green Minute of the Month
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We all love flipping through the latest catalogs when they arrive in the mail, but do we need so many?
Often, you'll find yourself receiving the same brands again and again
-- sometimes more than one or two times in a single week!
Order something once, and you'll find yourself on the mailing list forever.
While we admit, it's nice to see what's new occasionally,
it's also hard not to think of the impact these catalogs have on the environment.
Many brands, including Bella, have taken steps to ensure that catalogs are produced responsibly on paper that is FSC certified,
and that's a great start.
But what about the ones you don't really need to receive every month throughout the entire year?
Now, there is an easy way to remove yourself from the mailing lists -- all at the same time!
Just gather up your catalogs, go to
www.catalogchoice.org
to register, and you'll not only help the environment, you'll also help de-clutter your home too!
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