Are you ready for 2023? If not, you’re about to be with these helpful insights from Next Level Apparel (asi/73867). The consumer landscape is constantly changing, so make sure you’re armed with the most up-to-date information on how to secure the most apparel sales next year. NLA is sharing the most important takeaways from this past year so you can hit the ground running and speak to any timely client concern, consideration or request.

Increased Interest in Sustainability

Perhaps the biggest change in our industry this past year is how important sustainability has become. What was once a nice selling point has now become a requirement for many when investing in promo products like apparel. Because of this, be sure to include garments made from eco-friendly fabrics in your sales presentations, such as from NLA’s Sustainable collection. These fabrics are made from organic cotton, recycled cotton as well as Repreve® fibers, which are made from recycled water bottles. Four plastic bottles per NLA Sustainable T-shirt are saved from landfills and our oceans. To date, this collection has saved over 5 million plastic bottles from ending up in landfills – and counting.

Another effective tactic when speaking about sustainability is to tell your clients a story about the supplier they’re purchasing from and what environmental initiatives they take part in. For example, NLA has reduced their fabric waste by approximately 6.2 million pounds since 2019. They also only choose supply chain partners with a demonstrated commitment to water conservation, recycling and waste reduction. Additionally, NLA makes sure all parties are upholding their Workplace Code of Conduct and the Fair Labor Association’s Principles of Fair Labor and Responsible Sourcing throughout their entire global supply chain. Let clients know that by supporting suppliers who uphold ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards, every promo purchase they make goes toward making the world a better place.

Quality Is Key for Branding Longevity

On a similar note to sustainability, clients and consumers now expect a longer lifetime out of their promo apparel. In the retail landscape, shoppers are moving away from “fast fashion” brands that contribute heavily to product waste and this trend is mirrored in the promo world as well. To speak to this concern, present your clients high-quality pieces that will hold up after many wears and washes, thus lowering the cost per wear (CPW). This is where it pays to partner with an apparel supplier you can trust across their full catalog for quality, such as NLA. When you choose premium blank apparel, you’re getting the best value for the money. Customers will experience the difference in fit, feel and shape retention, not to mention premium garment details and fabric durability that will keep them coming back for more. This premium apparel blanks supplier upholds superior quality standards for all of their collections so you can ensure clients their investments will last.

NLA Premium Features

• Highest-quality fabrics, such as combed ring-spun cotton for comfort and durability
• All styles have side seams for shape retention wash after wash
• Shoulder and neck binding for shape retention and durability
• 1x1 Baby Ribbed set-in necks and sleeve cuffs for premium retail appeal
• High-quality heavy-duty metal zippers for fleece styles provide long life functionality
• 100% cotton face on Santa Cruz Beach Fleece provides premium printing and embroidery results 

Workforces Remain Hybrid or Remote

Working from home exploded in 2020 and has proven that it’s still here to stay as we head into 2023. As such, corporate workwear has undergone a major makeover and now includes a much more laid-back, casual aesthetic than years past. Whether employees are coming into the office a few days a week or working remote full-time, they’ll appreciate soft and cozy layerable pieces that will have them feeling comfortable and therefore more productive. We recommend you include snuggly quarter-zips, soft T-shirts and even fleece sweatpants in your sales presentations to equip company stories and new-hire gift packages with apparel today’s employees really want to wear while working.

Recommended Styles

• Unisex Tri-Blend T-Shirt (6010)
  
• Unisex Tri-Blend Long Sleeve T-Shirt (6071)
  
• Unisex Fleece Quarter Zip (9643)
  
• Unisex Fleece Sweatpants (9803)
  
  
  

Fast Project Turnaround Times Are Paramount

Supply chain issues and inventory shortages continue to cause challenges for the industry. As such, make sure you begin the new year with business relationships you can count on for timely delivery and quick turnarounds. Ask your supplier partners about what steps they’re taking to ensure orders arrive on time. For example, NLA has identified their top-tier selling styles and are committed to running higher stock levels on those styles and colors through their new “Level Up” fulfillment program. With amped-up inventory stock levels for these popular pieces, you can order confidently knowing inventory will be available, right when you need it.

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