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PF
PROMOWEAR
FEBRUARY 2017 images 45
“Nowadays the expectation is incredibly high: quality, supply,
range of garments, colour and printing ability are all equally im-
portant,” adds Jon. “There’s no time to stand still – our customers
expect the latest thing in fashion available in the promo world, so
we need to adapt with the trends.” He adds that today’s customers
focus on style, fabric and colour plus new and exciting ways of
branding using different decoration processes.
Modern tech , such as emails and instant artwork transfer, has
also led to reduced lead times, says Peter, with same day turna-
round becoming the norm. “Software advances have given us the
ability to react to these customer requirements,” he explains.
Suppliers are also now expected to have all the relevant accredi-
tations, points out Mark: “ISO, Sedex etcetera are all now a neces-
sity. Direct Textiles has just been awarded Pillar 4 Sedex, which is
a fantastic achievement and does give us a USP over some of our
competitors.” And that’s not all: He says: “Customers also expect
the correct packaging, individual bagging, barcoding, pallets to the
correct specification to a certain height and dimensions and so on.
The ability to move multiple pallets across Europe quickly is also
vital.”
While each promotion is different, Mark believes that customers
are now more intent than ever on getting the most from their
investment. “There will always be the one-off promotion but I
would suggest multiple wear is now more common. The brew-
ery market is massive for promotional T-shirts and I often see
garments that we produced months ago still in use.”
United Brands of Scandinavia: Clique Three-
Layer Softshell Jacket
United Brands of Scandinavia’s bestselling 2016 product was its Clique Three-Lay-
er Softshell Jacket. Available in nine vibrant colours, a wide size range and a male
and female fit, “This is the perfect softshell range for the promotional market,”
says the brand. “Sleek and modern with a soft contemporary design and always
supported by great stock levels, this jacket caters for every promotional request.”
w
Snickers: 40th
Anniversary
Hoodie
The 40th Anniversary
Hoodie from Snickers sold
in the tens of thousands in
2016. It has an adjustable
drawstring hood plus kan-
garoo handwarmer pockets
at the front, and has pre-
washed for a comfortable,
pre-shrunk fit. It features
Snickers embroidery on the
front and a 40th anniversary
logo on the arm, and is
available in a range of sizes
in black.
w www.snickersworkwear.
Just Hoods by
AWDis: College
Hoodie
“As one of our core styles,
the College Hoodie (JH001)
is a favourite with printers
and decorators,” reports Just
Hoods by AWDis. “The unique
cotton/polyester construc-
tion of this hoodie gives the
ultimate printing surface and
this smooth fabric creates the
perfect canvas for all types of
printing and embellishment.”
The College Hoodie comes in a
choice of 57 colours and, new
for 2017, it is now available in
sizes XS-3XL.
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Ralawise: 2786 Contrast Lightweight Jacket
According to Ralawise, the 2786 Contrast Lightweight Jacket (TS011) is perfect for
all types of promotional events: “This great value, unisex jacket is one of our most
popular styles.” With a multitude of contrast colour options, endless personalisation
possibilities, and tag-free, the jacket is an ideal choice for re-branding opportuni-
ties. 2017 sees the introduction of three new on-trend camouflage colour options.
w