Buckle Up for a Thrill Ride

Dec 1, 2008

Analysis by Mark L. Venit, MBA, Contributing Writer

Data and charts compiled by Impressions staff

The decorated apparel industry, despite substantial challenges in the U.S. economy, is alive and…well, we could be doing better. Wall Street — and the economy in general — are on a wild roller coaster as the credit crunch continues and decorated apparel is not exempt. While no one can predict the future with certainty, this survey-based analysis suggests we'll be along for the ride, but perhaps on a smaller coaster that doesn't rise as high or plunge as fast as the monster whipsawing the rest of the U.S. economy.

Despite the radical economic change that started in mid-September, the long view afforded by the results of our 2008 Universe Study remains a viable planning tool moving forward. The foreseeable future certainly contains its share of concerns and conundrums. However, based on responses to the Impressions 2008 Decorated Apparel Universe Study, data indicates our industry has maintained a relatively steady course — which is an encouraging indicator that in this troubled economy, decorated apparel may not plunge and soar as fast or as dangerously as some other industries.

Click here to read the full article in PDF format.

Hirsch Video Demonstrates Oversize Shirt Printing
A new video from Hirsch Intl. shows how to print oversize designs on the Mimaki inkjet garment printer the company distributes. To see the video, visit hirschinternational.com . Click on “Direct To Garment Printer” and search the right navigation bar for available videos.
September 28, 2009

Diversifying Your Customer Base  
Learn to evaluate and adjust your mix of clientele for optimum profitability and stability.
While the economic lows that many American markets have been experiencing for the past year are certainly painful, they’re also nothing new. Historically, the tide of business success continually ebbs and flows, with one market experiencing a rush of good fortune while another watches its revenue all but dry up. This cyclical nature of business is precisely why decorators must have a diverse customer base that allows them to weather slowdowns — or even meltdowns — in parts of the economy.
September 02, 2009

Decorators Open Up on DTG Workflow, Profits
Impressions interviewed apparel decorators from all corners of the industry to discuss the promise and the real-world results of investing in digital inkjet-to-garment printers. 
Since its introduction to the decorated apparel industry several years ago, direct-to-garment printing has been heralded as a game-changer — a disruptive technology that would dramatically change the way shops conduct business. It would allow decorators to tackle small orders, suppliers said. It would let shops offer personalization and print photographs with amazing detail, they promised. And it would dramatically reduce set-up time, they’ve claimed.
September 01, 2009

Corel Announces Winners of International Design Contest
Corel Corp., Ottawa, recently announced the winners of the CorelDRAW International Design Contest, which drew submissions from users in more than 60 countries. Junior Souza of Brazil won first place in the Fashion/Textile category. Impressions Senior Editor Terry Murphy was among the international panel of judges for the competition.
August 10, 2009 - Source: Nielsen Business Media

Tunes Lead Teen/Tween Trends
Music — bands and celebrity performers — is influencing the graphics, styling and colors that teens and pre-teens want to wear.
If you’re ever wondering how to tap in to the teen and tween (pre-teen) market, the evidence is all around you. The apparel worn on TV, in magazines and on the Internet by rock stars, actors, models and other celebrities is going to give you the greatest clues about what teens want in decorated apparel.
July 31, 2009