There’s no denying that the fashion industry is one of the largest and most profitable in the United States. While that means there are a lot of opportunities to profit and build a profitable business, it also means that there’s plenty of competition, and you’ll need to put in the time and effort to make sure your company stands out. There are myriad of ways to do this, and which ones make the most sense for you depend heavily on what sector of the clothing industry you intend to focus on, what products you sell, and the size of your company. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re a longtime business owner hoping to increase sales, read on for three important characteristics of successful clothing companies.
1. Have a specific theme or focus.
It’s easy to have your brand get lost in the crowd if it’s too generic or general. Specializing in one type or product or one style of attire allows you to focus on providing the best possible selection and creates a specific audience immediately for your business. Think about what jobs and activities are popular in your area and consider centering your product selection around some of your potential customers’ common interests. Talk to customers and solicit feedback so you can keep products available that people actually need. Fitness enthusiasts like runners tend to have specific needs, such as moisture-wicking socks or spandex running shorts, and you can’t meet them unless you know what they are. Even different kinds of runners have varying needs, as marathon runners have very different priorities than those who are on the treadmill at their local gym.
If your theme is athletic wear or workout apparel, make sure you stock essential basics like durable men’s and womens ankle running socks and anything connected to sports that are popular in your area. When it comes to athleisure, breathability and the ability to reduce moisture are key. If your aim is to provide high-quality business attire, your selection of suits and apparel should span a range of sizes and styles. Prioritize being the best at what you do rather than trying to be the best at everything. Specialization also encourages a more thorough knowledge of your products. The difference between polyester, spandex, and nylon matters a lot when you’re looking for clothing that fits a specific function. Understanding which fabrics don’t retain moisture and don’t cause friction is essential for understanding athletic attire.
2. Design unique and attractive packaging.
While the quality of your products is the most important thing, the reality is that customers are drawn to things that are visually appealing. If your business sells accessories, jewelry and other trinkets or your clothing store is online, you’ll find that packaging creates an opportunity for you to stand out from your competitors. If you choose to handle your packaging needs, you’ll need equipment like a robot case erector to do so. Talk to someone who understands robot technology in addition to a branding expert to come up with something eye-catching. As a bonus, if your packaging is interesting and unique, customers are more likely to photograph it to share on social media in the long run, which is free marketing for you.
3. Market in a way that engages your target audience.
Because there are so many different clothing companies, that means you’re going to be competing for attention with many other brands, even just within your local market. In order to stand out, you’ll need to put out advertising materials that are original and engaging. Another way to keep people coming back is to create discounts and customer loyalty programs, so people feel rewarded for patronizing your business instead of one of your competitors. There’s nothing more valuable to an up-and-coming business than brand loyalty.
While there’s no magic trick that guarantees a profitable business, there’s a lot you can do to improve your odds of being one of the businesses that survives long term. Fashion is an industry that has proven to have staying power and generates massive revenue every year, but a clothing company that thrives has to be creative, adaptable, and develop a quality approach to attracting and retaining customers in a crowded and competitive landscape. A combination of branding, marketing, and specialization are a winning combination for anyone looking to build a successful clothing company.