Equipment and Blanks Come Together for Apparel Decorators
With inventory and supply chain issues still being a challenge across the industry, decorators are looking for avenues to source apparel blanks to keep their orders rolling. This year’s PRINTING United Expo is one place where decorators can go to help solve their inventory issues. Apparel manufacturers and suppliers are on-site helping shops get the blanks they need, but more importantly, there are also opportunities to see equipment, making it the perfect place to source a complete setup.
Return of the Blanks
Attendees can visit plenty of apparel manufacturers and suppliers. This is a point that’s important to note from the past couple years. “[The presence of apparel blanks suppliers] helps close the loop on the process of apparel decoration, with experts in equipment, ink, and systems adding [to the] experts in apparel, which helps tie everything together,” says Milissa Clark, Lane Seven Apparel (Booth C9311).
This type of relationship builds the atmosphere of the show for apparel decorators. “It creates the opportunity for blanks providers and equipment providers to build a relationship and help each other understand their processes, and how both parties can better showcase to the decorators how their perspective products are best used in this industry,” says Rachel Hoskins, Threadfast Apparel (Booth C10917).
Not only is this crucial for apparel decorators in attendance at the show, but it’s also beneficial for those who are in the beginning stages of adding apparel to their current services, or jumping in for the first time. “[Those who are interested in apparel decoration] can see the process firsthand, talk to experts, and network with other printers who have been there, helping them avoid the pitfalls that can come with the territory,” says Clark.
It’s particularly important to see all of these exhibitors and products in person, whether this is your first time exploring apparel or you’re a seasoned decorator. “Seeing product textiles and equipment alike in person and being able to create the relationships and open line of communication with suppliers is incomparable to virtual meetings,” Hoskins feels, “especially for an industry that is all about touch and feel of an end product.”
Keep it Current
This year more than ever, it’s important to pay attention to apparel blanks due to the current economy and global supply chain. Connecting with suppliers on the show floor is the perfect opportunity to help ease the pain points. “The conversations at all trade shows have been different the past couple years,” says Hoskins. “This gives [shops] a chance to speak with mills directly, and get the most accurate and up-to-date information on what is going on with current pipelines and what the expectation should be through the end of the year and on to 2023.”
It all comes back to building those relationships so that communication channels remain open and clear. “With inventory challenges across the market and supply chains, diversification and supplier relationships are more important than ever,” says Clark. “The market is evolving at a much quicker pace, and customers are becoming savvier. In order to stay relevant, you need to stay connected to the landscape and prepare your business to evolve as well.”