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A Tristan Communications Ltd. Publication
What Does 2013 Hold for Garment Decorators?
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Volume 20, Issue 1
The Perils of Sourcing Direct Part one of a six-part series
The Store of The Future Revised
By Adriano Aldini, Imprint Canada
By Ted Stahl
Throughout 2013, Imprint Canada will be running a six-part series focused on direct overseas sourcing, the inherent risks and costs associated with it. At first glance, it's not difficult to understand why sourcing direct from an overseas manufacturer would appeal to distributorsâ&#x20AC;Ś.at least in theory, that is. In the never-ending quest to lower costs, buying direct - again in theory - allows distributors to lower their added costs and sell a product or program for less and/or for a higher gross margin by circumventing the importing supplier or factory-authorized middleman =PMZM IZM UIVa QV\MZ^MVQVO NIK\WZ[
involved in said product or program. \PI\ LIUXMV IVa XW\MV\QIT [I^QVO[
Unfortunately, theory makes this course of action WN [W]ZKQVO LQZMK\ NZWU IV W^MZ[MI[
UIV]NIK\]ZMZ seem vastly more appealing than it really is. While buying direct appears to be less expensive on the surface, hidden costs, added risks, and logistical complications can quickly undermine (and vastly outweigh) any potential savings to be had. For distributors, being aware of these inherent perils will help them better navigate their choices when determining where and who to partner with for their sourcing needs. <W]ZKQVO -QZMK\ ,WV\QV]ML WV 9IOM
About 10 years ago, I wrote an article for a trade publication talking about â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Store of the Future.â&#x20AC;? It talked about the challenges we were facing back then, such as the digital revolution that was transforming the way graphics were created and applied to garments, as well as the fact that the competition for the graphics customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dollar has grown more intense than ever. Seems like times havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t changed much. As we head into 2013, custom garment specialists are still wondering what impact more recent technological and economic changes will have on their businesses. Like I said back then, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smart retailers know they canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take a business-as-usual approach if they hope to continue.â&#x20AC;?
Trends to Understand When it comes to consumers, convenience is still a main shopping concern, perhaps even trumping the need to save money in some cases. But whether a consumer is more interested in price or convenience, the transparency offered by the internet today makes it almost impossible not to offer both to your customers.
Garment Manufacturing You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t offer decorating services when you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the right garments. For many consumers, it comes down to whether or not you have the right brand names. However, the big guys donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always want to play with smaller decorating companies, making it difficult for you to offer their famous brands. This is a big mistake!
2013 Global Economic Outlook
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DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T MISS OUT!!! THE PREMIER INDUSTRY EVENT OF THE YEAR
IS BACK!
starts on page 44
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WHAT'S INSIDE 8=3DBCAH =4FB
Get caught up on the latest industry news
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Mark Venit examines the use of second names and tag lines for reinforcing and building your company's image 16 8<?A8=C @ 0
Gunold Canada's Fran McAvity takes aim at solving your embroidery problems in our Question & Answer series 18 =4F ?A>3D2C B?>C;867CB
January 11-12, 2013 Toronto Congress Centre North Building
Imprint Canada's showcases the newest wearable fashions, advertising specialty items, supplies and equipment 26