Strategy

Editor's Letter: Get Your Fill

Our July issue is so full of content, I can barely get a word in edgewise. Here’s what you have to look forward to:

Every small decorator salivates over the thought of a massive order … until they’re doing nothing but pulling a squeegee for a week. If you’re not equipped to handle them, large orders can eat up all your time and squeeze your margins. On the other hand, they are an essential part of growing your business. Our cover story shows how you can smartly ramp up your ability to handle large orders, including tips on stretching your production and equipment capabilities.

Our annual Source Book returns, and it might be our biggest one yet. You have hundreds of companies and categories to choose from – everything from apparel to decoration equipment to services and more. You won’t be lacking for choice.

What else? An awesome tank top showcase, perfect for summer. A detailed look at screen-printing press laser attachments, which will instantly goose your productivity. The latest in apparel technology, like airbag collars that replace bike helmets and travel gear that prevents your credit card info from being stolen. And so much more.

I won’t take up any more of your time. You got some reading (and relaxing – hey it’s summer!) to do.

Thanks for reading,

What’s In My Closet?

Each issue, we ask our readers a simple question: What is your favorite branded apparel item in your closet? Send in a photo of you and your favorite garment, and tell us in a paragraph why you love it. We run one submission each issue, and that lucky winner receives a $25 Visa Gift Card.

This issue, our submission comes from Anthony Romano, marketing coordinator at Pro Towels (asi/79750) and Superior Decorating (asi/90240): “One of my all-time favorite branded garments is my black zip-up Fall Out Boy hoodie, made by Independent Trading Company. Ever since I picked it up at their 2009 tour stop in Pittsburgh, this has become one of my go-to sweatshirts! I loved the paint splatter look of their logo and the multiple imprint locations. Now being in the apparel decorating business, I have more appreciation for the process and the time it takes to print multiple colors in multiple locations. The imprints haven’t faded or peeled in the six years I’ve owned it. This hoodie has served as inspiration for some projects and helped take them to the next level. Spreading brand awareness in multiple locations on one item effectively is something that Superior Decorating is well versed in accomplishing. This hoodie is still one of the softest I have and seems to get even softer with each wash.”