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.

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