Vantage Launches Live Chat on Vantageapparel.com
Vantage Apparel, leading manufacturer and decorator of logo apparel, has introduced Live Chat powered by Smarter Track as the newest customer service feature on its website. Through this software addition, customer service representatives are able to provide on-the-spot answers and support for order, product and decoration inquiries.
“The immediacy of live chat is a most attractive benefit,” commented Kevin Schardt, vice president of customer experience for Vantage Apparel. “Live Chat has the highest satisfaction levels for any customer service channel available, providing a high level of user comfort via easy access to knowledgeable company representatives.” With a focus on continuous improvement, Schardt also cited plans to introduce ongoing survey capabilities for further streamlining of the overall order process.
Performance of Gildan Activewear in fiscal 4Q15 and fiscal 2015
Gildan Activewear reported fiscal fourth quarter net sales of $543.8 million, a rise of 39.2 percent compared to $390.6 million in the same quarter in 2014. Sales of the printwear and branded apparel segments rose by 77.7 percent and 12 percent, respectively. In fiscal 2015, GIL reported net sales of $2.56 billion, a rise of 11.7 percent year-over-year. Its net income and earnings per share rose to $346.1 million and $1.42, respectively, in fiscal 2015, compared to $276.7 million and $1.12, respectively, in fiscal 2014.
Goldstar Expands Sales Team
Goldstar Pens announced the hiring of Lauren Balazs as Southwest regional sales manager. Based in Austin, TX, she will cover TX, OK, LA, CO, and NM. She has 4 years industry experience on both the distributor and supplier sides of the business.
“We are excited to have Lauren join Goldstar. She brings energy and a competitive spirit along with proven relationship building skills in supplier sales. Her experience on the distributor side will provide a deeper understanding of customer needs that will set her up for success expanding exposure for the Goldstar Simplicity program and growing distributor partnerships in the territory.”