Product Hub October 21, 2014
Shirts
Shirts are the single biggest cash-generating category in the ad specialty industry, accounting for about $4 billion worth of distributor revenue in 2013. With so many choices, it’s important to narrow down the options for clients by first understanding their target end-users. Then, pitch “good-better-best” styles that will appeal to those particular audiences.
CASE STUDY
It’s Got To Be A Beefy
The land broker knows exactly what he wants. And what he wants is the Beefy-T (#5180) from Hanes (asi/59528). The successful Arizona businessman has ordered approximately 40,000 Beefy-T’s from distributor John Anton over the course of 12 years. His reasons for doing so are many. “It’s the fit and the durability and the comfort,” says Anton, president of Design A Shirt and Anton Sport. “Everybody knows the Beefy is going to last forever. And there’s a size that fits and flatters everyone.”
The broker typically has Anton imprint his land company’s logo, along with fun and clever messaging, on the shirts, which are given to real estate agents. Phrases have included things like “73.8% of the Earth is Water. The rest is available” and “YOLO: You Only List Once.” Regardless of the messaging, the shirt must remain the same for the client to be pleased. “He’s insistent that it has to be a Beefy – as are a lot of my customers,” says Anton.
Indeed, Anton says the Beefy’s appeal spans all markets. He has sold the shirt to clients that range from gyms and schools, to heath-care institutions and various corporations. “Our construction company clients prefer the Beefy too,” says Anton. “They want the very best in quality for their customers and employees, and always insist on the Beefy-T. I have a high-end menswear store as a customer, and all the shirts that have this client’s logo on them are Beefy-T’s.”
Clients looking for the most precise color matches will love the made-to-order color option on this pigment-dyed T-shirt. From Dyenomite, asi/51185, 888-777-1916.
Hexagon fabric and white mesh shoulder inserts give this moisture-wicking polyester polo a sporty look that will appeal to athletic coaches. From Whispering Pines Sportswear, asi/97027, 800-548-4710.
Premium pique ringspun cotton sport shirt has ribknit welt collar and cuffs, pearlized matching buttons and locker patch. Great for retail employees. From Otto International, asi/75350, 800-826-8903.
The Industrial Performance Color Block Polo has stain-release finish, moisture wicking and color retention. Excellent for construction managers. From Dickies, asi/49675, 800-336-7202.
A tag-free neck label adds comfort to this heather shirt – made from a blend of combed ringspun cotton and polyester. The V-neck will appeal to style-conscious demographics. From Swago, asi/90333, 800-987-9246.
Polo with contrast sleeves and piping comes in five fabric choices, including pique knit/poly cotton, poly mesh, poly jersey and more. From HTT Apparel & Headwear, asi/58842, 800-846-8468.
Pocketless pique polo shirt’s performance features include curl-free collar and resistance to stains and wrinkles. Great casual item for salespeople. From Blue Generation, asi/40653, 888-336-4687.
Long-sleeve women’s shirt has moisture-wicking and anti-microbial attributes. Ideal for yoga studios and fitness centers. From Expert Performance T, asi/53404, 323-780-7800.
Short-sleeve preshrunk T-shirt made of heavyweight cotton is excellent for fashion-forward audiences. Blossomy Promotion, asi/40689, 626-789-6784.
Custom T-shirt features attention-grabbing photochromic ink that changes color in the sun. Consider DJs and bands. From Pony Xpress Printing, asi/78964, 214-221-7669.
Short-sleeve adventure shirt has cotton mesh under the caped back to keep wearers cool. Think zoos and hiking/fishing guides. From TAG Safari Clothing, asi/33176, 713-688-3424.
The Beefy-T is made from soft 6.1-oz. ringspun cotton for a smooth hand and long-lasting strength. Pitch to contractors and landscapers. From Hanes, asi/59528, 800-685-7557.
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