Hibernation is for bears and assorted other mammals that already were provided fur coats to ward off the big chill. Humans, however, as non-hibernating beings, have multiple jackets, coats and parkas that likely do an even better job than natural fur of retaining heat during the various temperature ranges requiring the need for outerwear. Manufacturers of promotional outerwear continue to up the level of technical sophistication (performance), and add desirable retail-inspired touches for the wide variety of clients who may benefit from adding promotional outerwear to their overall marketing and visibility programs.
End-users tend only to think of the appropriate outerwear when a day dawns brisk, or frigidity sets in; however, employers and other organizations typically think of shirts or headwear when it comes to garment programs. The very idea of a jacket or coat is financially fearful. If that appears to be a potential objection, Doug Burkett of Burk's Bay, explains, "The biggest challenge is getting customers to understand that with a bigger investment, comes a better return. That with the right promotional product, a product that is perceived as something special, you will get a more motivated recipient."
For example, he says, Burk's Bay reps talk about value and the impact of receiving something special, such as a leather jacket. But, most important, they emphasize how their leather outerwear is being used by successful distributors – used by freight companies as safety awards for drivers, sales awards for insurance companies, with casinos as gifts to their customers and as incentives to educate technicians. "We show how our leather products will fit the motivational needs of their clients," he says.
For those customers who are more budget conscious, Tri-Mountain, says John Perez, "offers value priced pieces with comparable features to what they would find in other pieces at retail."
Two examples he provides are the Squall (J1005), which is a lightweight nylon hooded anorak jacket "sure to fit anyone’s budget." Benefits to the wearer include a wind-resistant/water-resistant shell to ward off cold, and zip front hood and elastic cuffs to seal in body heat. Those who commute or spend time outdoors would appreciate that the Squall is packable and folds into its front zippered pocket.
Also new is the CF-2 full-zip hoodie (F7173), which features Tri-Mountain's exclusive carbon fiber pattern. "This 8.5-oz., 100% polyester double-dyed full-zip hooded sweatshirt is comfortable, and on brisk autumn or spring days can be worn as a top layer during all types of weekend activities. Featuring a contrast zipper placket and hood drawstring, it is accented with contrast cover stitching along raglan sleeves and kangaroo pocket. It also has elastic cuffs and draw-cord bottom for a custom fit," Perez describes.
In the viewpoint of Charlie McGuinness of MV Sport/Weatherproof, buyers have an abundance of choices in the marketplace. "One of the biggest challenges my salespeople face is differentiating themselves and MV Sport/Weatherproof from the competition," he relates. The best way to overcome this, he says, is to be knowledgeable not only about your product but other similar items being sold in the industry. For example, MV Sport/Weatherproof offers a packable down jacket. There are other recognizable brands selling the same type of garment. It is a technical jacket and there are variations among brands with regard to duck down and fiber fill content.
"Knowledge of the down content of competitors and terms such as 'fill power' can differentiate salespeople and their product from the competition," he says (fill power means quality rating of down). "For instance, our jacket (style 15600) has a 550 fill power. The higher the number, the better," he points out.
When thinking about suitable clients for outerwear, Perez notes that prime sectors include construction, landscaping, utility works (companies, as well as government) as well as company stores. "Logistics are another sector, where employees can comfortably wear a jacket inside the cab of their vehicle or outside the cab, as work demands," he observes.
McGuinness reports that MV Sport/Weatherproof has seen tremendous interest from the automotive industry for outerwear. Its “Three-in-one Systems Jacket” (#6086) is, he says, frequently selected by automobile dealerships because salespeople are in and out of the dealer showroom and the jacket provides the ability to adapt with the conditions outside. "Also, our packable down jacket has been popular in the automotive and airline sector. Its contemporary style, fabrication and color assortment for both men and women have made this an ideal promotional item. Our retail division has had great success with this item at better department stores and we thought it was ideal for this channel as well," he comments.
"For us," says Burkett, "safety is big. From the drivers of UPS to Fed Ex, we are supplying leather jackets as incentives. From manufacturing plants to fast food restaurants, our jackets play an important role in drawing attention to safety objectives."
Perez says," Retail-inspired fashions and features are always in demand." Tri-Mountain has a new fleece hoodie in its exclusive carbon fiber pattern as well as a new value-priced, lightweight packable anorak.
McGuinness adds, "As a matter of fact, the packable down trend has been so successful that we have added a packable down vest for 2016. (# 16700/16700W, men's/ladies). Similar to the jacket, it easily folds and stows in a separate pouch," he describes.
Although it may be November, think that outerwear doesn't have to be a "one and done" for winter purchase; clients that need logoed outerwear may very well need various weights for all temperature ranges from autumn through late spring (when nights are mostly cool). Any companies or unions that perform outdoor work, first-responders (municipal and volunteer), automotive repair and towing services, restaurants that do delivery, scholastic sports teams, and company stores or corporate incentive programs are all potential outerwear goldmines!