CASE STUDY

A Cap For Competitors

Highly competitive athletes demand that their gear perform as rigorously as they do. Perhaps that's why many of Luis Villareal's clients in the race world invest in the Half-Moon Performance Cap (5509) from headwear supplier Philadelphia Rapid Transit (asi/77945).

Villareal, owner of Gear For Races, has sold the cap to buyers for triathlons and half marathons. The clients, who typically gift the caps to competitors, favor the Half-Moon because of its robust performance features, says Villareal. Made from microfiber and mesh panels with reflective trim, the cap deftly wicks away moisture and provides ventilation that helps keep racers cool in the searing heat of competition. Importantly, the cap is lightweight. "Runners are really looking for light items that are not going to slow them down," says Villareal.

Recently, Villareal sold a 400-piece order of Half-Moons to the Fronhofer Tool Triathlon in New York. The caps were embroidered with the name of the event and imagery of a runner, biker and swimmer. "They were very happy with the caps," says Villareal.

Clearly, the Half-Moon is an ideal fit for race events, but the potential list of buyers is longer than that. Gyms, yoga studios, company wellness programs, spas, salons, cycling stores – all may have an interest in the cap. When pitching the Half-Moon as an option, present a sample. "When they can feel it," says Villareal, "they see the quality."

caps & hats

Caps and hats are big business in the promotional products industry: Sales of headwear account for 5% of total distributor revenue, a staggering $1.025 billion. When pitching headwear, always keep the end-user in mind. Flat-bill styles and ivy caps, for example, will likely have greater appeal to younger, trend-conscious audiences.

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