What does the future of teamwear and event merchandise look like in a post COVID-19 world?
Red Oak has always been at the forefront of product innovation and design – for major events, retailers, big sporting brands, corporate teams and local sporting clubs – and we’re expecting Coronavirus to see new opportunities for our Teamwear business.
In this blog we delve into three ways we think the custom apparel and merchandise space will evolve for the better!
Impacts of Coronavirus
COVID-19 hit our industry early with our factory partners in China forced to remain close beyond the usual Chinese New Year break.
Looking back at these past few months, the devastating impacts of the virus have been far beyond what any of us could have imagined.
And like many, we’re looking for the silver lining.
Once the threat of the virus subsides, here’s our prediction for some of the trends you’ll start to see in the event teamwear and merch space.
Event Apparel & Merchandise Trends Post COVID-19
- Greater focus on climate conscious products, quality over quantity.
Coronavirus has forced the human population to slow down and that in turn has seen mother nature benefit with decreased pollution levels and animals returning to cities.
As a consequence, many of us are more conscious about our actions and how we can live a greener life in the longer term.
Red Oak has always stood for quality over quantity. We’re really proud of the durability of our products.
We only use quality fabrics, and our world class printing techniques means that they don’t fade even with sweating and multiple washes. The fact they stay in good condition means that our uniforms last several seasons, or can on-sold to another family in your club.
In the events space, our merchandise solutions are high-quality and durable. For this reason, they are always loved by recipients and get lots of use beyond the event.
You could even say that we are doing ourselves out of a job (and potential revenue) because we only produce quality apparel and merchandise!
- Product designs that put health and safety top of mind.
Health and safety are already at the core of design and production for Red Oak.
In the past we have worked with event managers to combat potential health and safety issues.
One great example of this was evolving our backsack design following terrorist attacks overseas to include mesh panels for safety screenings.
We expecting we’ll see different health and safety product iterations following COVID-19.
- Greater desire for streamlined, stress-free systems that don’t waste people’s time.
If you’ve ever organised a major event or been given the unenviable job of uniform convenor for your local sporting club you’ll know that there’s a lot of time, energy and logistics involved with making sure every little detail is covered.
Coronavirus is recalibrating what is acceptable in society – and what stressors we can (and should!) eliminate from our life.
We believe that only the suppliers with stress-free, streamlined systems and production processes will survive. People will be more protective of their time as they prioritise and define firmer boundaries about what is important in their life.
Here at Red Oak – the core of our business is logistics. We don’t just create epic teamwear, we make your job easier by managing every single step from design, production to delivery. On time, every time.
The impact of Coronavirus on Events and Teamwear
Product innovation is a space that Red Oak has always been at the forefront of and the future is something we’re really excited about.
For help with your apparel and merchandise needs reach out to our team today, and we’ll create something for you that won’t disappoint.
Red Oak Teamwear is Australia’s leading supplier of custom sportswear and accessories. We offer a personalised service and take the time to listen to and understand your needs. We use premium materials and only partner with the world’s best suppliers.
If you’re got a brief in mind, we’re ready for the challenge! Don’t know where to start? We’re here to help! Call us on 1300 734 708 or enquire online here.
