Byline: Jeff Rundles
What's Hot, What's New, are more than buzz phrases in the promotional wearables marketplace: they are rallying calls for increased sales.
With our annual look ahead to the coming year, Wearables Business offers promotional products distributors a sneak peek at what could become the secret to a successful 2004.
We have attempted to include notes from as many industry suppliers as possible, in as many product categories as there are, and we offer a wealth of information. However, it is almost impossible to get everything in, so don't forget that your favorite supplier - or your client's favorite - who may not be included is also planning to greet the new year with new ways to serve its valuable PPD customers. Use this article as impetus to check out all the new stuff for the coming year.
Our "Hot New Styles" piece is not designed to be very detailed. It is, on the other hand, a primer on what to look for as the New Year begins. We have included information on every supplier mentioned concerning their plans for showing at the major industry trade shows in January so that PPD readers might begin to set their "wearables plan of attack" as they approach the shows. It all begins with the ASI Show in Orlando, held at the Orange County Convention Center Jan. 3-5. Next up is the PPAI Expo, now in its second year at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, Jan. 12-16, followed by the ISS Show at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, Calif., Jan. 16-18, and then the ASI Show at the Dallas Convention Center Jan. 28-30. A few of the suppliers in the industry also serve the golf market, and many will be showing at the giant PGA Merchandise Show, back in the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Jan. 29-Feb. 1.
With this article, Wearables Business starts the New Year early with What's Hot in the hottest category in promotional products sales - apparel. Have a great and successful 2004.
Adams Fashion Headwear
Adams Fashion Headwear, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., is introducing seven new styles to its line for 2004. They incorporate the strongest market trends with Adams' legendary quality and signature features. Adams is taking the trucker mesh back cap to a new level with its BU101 Buzz. In addition, the 100% cotton brushed pigment cap RT101 Retro with self-fabric Velcro closure incorporates the increasing importance of structured pro style crowns, and the Extreme Condition XCM101 is feature rich, combining UV protective fabric with a neck cap and stiff floatable brim. In the Adams Essentials line, look for the new CO101 Coastal, which is a 100% cotton promotional bucket that meets the most challenging budget requirements, and the MV101 Maverick, which is a 5-panel screenprintable cap with a stylized front panel. Adams will be showing at ASI Orlando and the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. For more information call 800-388-7395 or visit www.adamsheadwear.com .
Admanco
Admanco, the Ripon, Wis. maker of bags, packs, totes and towels, is setting out to make 2004 a magic year for its customers with the introduction of The Magic Bag. Available in two different styles, the Magic Bag is a wallet, waist pouch, shoulder pouch, sporty backpack or stylish tote. Folded up, the wallet has snap front pocket for keys, as well as built-in wallet for credit cards, change and paper money. Outside pocket for cell phone or eyeglasses. Available in five colors. PPDs can find the Admanco booth at ASI Orlando, the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, and at the ASI Show in Dallas. For more information call 800-558-1922 or visit www.admanco.com .
Alternative Apparel
Alternative Apparel, of Atlanta, is one of the more innovative firms in the promotional wearables marketplace, and developments for the coming year push innovation even further. The company is introducing new fabrics such as: 32s fine gauge combed ringspun jersey, 32s fine gauge combed ringspun heathered jersey, and 20s ringspun Jersey, as well as featuring improvements to existing fabrications. Also look for a variety of new fashion-forward silhouettes for both men and women from Alternative in 2004, with perhaps the most exciting introduction being an inventive and revolutionary new dye process called DOUBLE DYE. With DOUBLE DYE, customers can dye their garments in two colors, for a distinct two-color look. Check out the innovations at the ASI Show in Orlando, the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, and the ISS Show in Long Beach. For more information call 888-481-4287 or visit www.alternativeapparel.com
American Apparel
American Apparel of Los Angeles is introducing 12 new sportswear styles for 2004. New styles include the Fine Jersey L/S Sport Raglan (style #2322), Spandex Jersey Bra-Cami (8320), Fine Jersey L/S T (2307), Fine Jersey Sleeveless Sport Hoody (2396), Baby Thermal Unisex L/S (T407), California Fleece Unisex Pull-Over Hoody (5495), California Fleece Unisex Zip Hoody (5497), California Fleece Unisex Sweatshirt (5454) and Fine Jersey Unisex Pocket T (2401). Look for American Apparel styles in January at the ASI Show in Orlando, the Surf Expo, The Supershow, the Las Vegas PPAI Expo, the ISS Long Beach show, and the Dallas ASI Show. For more information call 213-488-0226 or visit www.americanapparel.net .
Alpha Shirt Co.
Alpha Shirt Co. of Philadelphia has greatly expanded its Devon & Jones brand with the addition of 24 new styles, including 11 new wovens. The complete line now features 44 styles, plus five additional headwear styles. All Devon & Jones styles, featured in the Alpha catalog and a separate 2004 Devon & Jones catalog, are available now. In addition, Alpha is launching a new brand, Hyp, in January, featuring 10 styles - six women's and four men's. Included is a mix of fashion tees - ringers, raglans and ribbed tees - with a stylish fit and diverse color palette. See all the new styles at the Alpha booth at the Orlando ASI Show, Las Vegas PPAI Expo, Long Beach ISS show, and the ASI Show in Dallas. For more information call 800-523-4585 or visit www.alphashirt.com .
Anvil Knitwear
Anvil Knitwear, based in New York City, is taking what it calls a "bold direction" for 2004, with many new styles across a cross-section of product categories. Featured new styles include Style 301, a 14-oz. Canvas Boater Tote Bag with Front Pocket; Style 974, the innovative Double Sleeve Tee; and Style 1441, the Ladies Short Sleeve Ring Spun 1x1 Rib Scoop Neck Tee - with new sizes 2X and 3X. Anvil Knitwear will showcase all of its stylings in its own booth at the ASI Show in Orlando, and the ISS Show in Long Beach, and styles carried by a variety of industry wholesalers will be featured in those booths at all the January shows. For more information call 800-223-0332 or visit www.anvilknitwear.com .
Arnold Palmer/Bill Blass Premium
The Arnold Palmer and Bill Blass Premium lines are from Capital Mercury Apparel in New York, and offered through a variety of industry wholesalers. New for 2004 in the Arnold Palmer line of legendary golf apparel are the Micro Pima Tonal Bird's-eye Stripe Pique, in 80% cotton and 20% micropolyester, and the Half-Zip Polyester Sleeveless Pullover, in 97% poly and 4% Spandex. In the Bill Blass Premium line, look for new styles for both men and women, particularly the Printed Camp Shirt, featuring reactive prints on 100% filament rayon, men's and women's companion Sanded Gabardine shirts, and the Wrinkle Free Teflon Pinpoint Oxfords, dressy shirts with stain and soil resistance. Arnold Palmer and Bill Blass Premium will be shown at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, and always in the many wholesaler booths. For more information call 800-227-6372.
Ashworth/Callaway Golf
Ashworth Inc., of Carlsbad, Calif., is introducing EZ TECH to Corporate America. With incredible success in the green grass on/off course establishments and the retail marketplace, Ashworth is redefining the union between EZ care and TECHnology with this treatment exclusive to 100% cotton. EZ TECH excels in its ability to combine the inherent attributes of 100% cotton (comfortable and breathable) with all the performance technology (lightweight, moisture management, and ease of care) available in today's action sports fabrications. Ashworth will not have a booth on the show floor at any January shows, but will be hosting invited PPDs at the Presidential Suite in the Four Seasons Hotel in Las Vegas during the PPAI Expo. For more information call 800-619-0096 or visit www.ashworthinc.com .
Ash City
