CMT vs FPP: Which is the Best Avenue for Your Apparel?
Choosing a manufacturer for your apparel line is a big decision. Your vision for the brand cannot come to fruition without knowing exactly who you are working with, and what their capabilities are. If you are new to the apparel “game”, or struggling to build your brand, take a step back and reevaluate your product development and manufacturing strategy. Some things to consider: When it comes to hiring a manufacturer in the fashion industry, there are generally two options to choose from. CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) FPP (Fully Packaged Product) Each type of manufacturer offers critical services during the creation
Lifestyle Branding In The Fashion Industry
Iconic Brands Relate to Consumer Lifestyle How is your clothing line currently seeking attention? Old-fashioned advertising techniques, like catchy jingles and prime TV/radio spots, just aren’t as important anymore. Today, consumers bombarded by constant marketing all vying for their attention, can create a big challenge to a new or developing brand. Defining and building a brands’ identity is more important and evolved as a process than ever before. It is critical to develop and steward your brands identity if one expects long term success with targeted consumers especially millennials and younger. Lifestyle branding is more than advertising. It’s the strategy
Technology Boom in the Midwest
In recent years, the Midwest has welcomed tech companies in with open arms as they leave the coasts to call inland states home. The advantages of conducting business in these previously overlooked cities are bountiful. Companies are drawn to the lower cost of operations, more affordable talent, and the convenience of a central location. While the new trend is exciting for the economic growth of the Midwest, companies like Stars Design Group saw its potential way before it was the “cool thing to do.” This technology-driven clothing manufacturer laid their roots in St. Louis, MO in 2000 to focus on
The Power of Uniforms | From a Apparel Manufacturer Perspective
Look Good. Feel Good. Perform Exceptionally. Is productivity down? Don’t underestimate the impact uniforms have on your brand’s reputation and your employee’s potential. If you’re a company with a large workforce that wears uniforms, building strong customer relationships and improving brand recognition are key initiatives. To successfully accomplish this, it is crucial that employees appear professional and approachable to earn the trust of clients. A uniform can be a walking, breathing billboard to showcase your company’s brand and values. Whether your company is just starting out, or you’re simply ready to freshen up your image – consider creating
Shoot For The Stars (How to gain 5-Star Ratings)
How five-star reviews impact a company’s reputation and create powerful bonds with loyal consumers and partners. In the modern world, everyone with internet access has a voice – one that can seriously impact your apparel line’s reputation. Consumers are eager to share experiences with their peers, good or bad. Positive reviews entice new clients and maintain existing relationships. For online-clothing retailers – there are challenges unique to the industry. Traditionally, potential buyers would enter a dressing room to get a better idea of how clothing will feel and perform in real time. This is not the case with online
Technology’s Key Role in Apparel Manufacturing
Technology is advancing, rapidly. Manufacturers in every industry are required to keep up with the ever-changing tools to innovate the way products are developed. The clothing industry is one that has benefited tremendously from new software that takes the guesswork out of designing well-fitting clothing – made with high-quality materials. Is your manufacturer taking advantage of cutting-edge technology? If not…they’re holding your brand back. Ecommerce: Reshaping Apparel Expectations The days of consumers buying apparel solely at a brick and mortar store are quickly evolving to an ever-expanding ecommerce platform. The inability to keep up with an ever-evolving consumer driven