ImagesMagUK_November_2020

www.images-magazine.com 04 images NOVEMBER 2020 Published by: 360 Communications Ltd images magazine, 360 Communications Ltd, 58a Livingstone Road, Hove, BN3 3WL, UK 01273 748482 | www.images-magazine.com Advertising: advertising@images-magazine.com Editorial: editorial@images-magazine.com Subscriptions: subscriptions@images-magazine.com | Images is available free of charge to UK subscribers Subscribe online: imagesmag.uk/register | Update your subscription/contact details online: imagesmag.uk/subs-update Publisher/advertising: Jonathan Vince | jonathan@images-magazine.com Features editor: Rachael Glazier | rachael@images-magazine.com Features writer: Mark Ludmon | mark@images-magazine.com Publishing assistant: Gaby Bowring | gaby@images-magazine.com Design/Production: ATG Media | production@atgraphicsuk.com Printing: Stephens & George Ltd | Goat Mill Road,Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 3TD ( issn 0966 7512) Opinions expressed by contributors in this magazine are not necessarily shared by the Publisher. Editorial contributions are invited, on the understanding that the Publisher has the right to alter or abridge all such material as he sees fit. While the greatest care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the Publisher accepts no liability for either errors or omissions. NOVEMBER 2020 | VOL.29 NO.11 EDITORIAL L ast month we reported on the increase in sales of jog pants during the coronavirus pandemic. High demand and restricted supply for these styles have now reached the point where high street and online retailers – JD Sports and Asos among them – are reporting low stocks and availability, with retail analyst Edited adding that the number of sportswear items sold out online has risen by 17% compared to last year. This is a product area that Images readers are well positioned to service and which, backed by the support of the industry’s garment brands and distributors, could provide another boost for your business during these challenging times. (See ‘Jog on!’ in your October 2020 copy of Images or visit imagesmag.uk/Jog-On) . Jog pants is just one of the bright spots to emerge from the Covid-19 gloom. Hi-vis apparel is another. In this month’s market report (‘Shine on’, page 42) we review the growing demand for hi-vis safetywear and leisurewear, with insight from leading suppliers in this sector. Our hi-vis showcase (‘Time to reflect, Reflecting on the positives page 46) brings you up to date with this season’s top reflective styles, while in ‘Seeing the light’ (page 28) screen printing expert Tony Palmer explains how to decorate these in-demand items, as well as how to add hi-vis properties using modern reflective inks. The British public is renowned for its ability to form orderly queues and this reputation is likely to be put to the sternest of tests over the coming winter months as we are asked to queue outside in all weathers before entering shops, restaurants (hopefully), GP surgeries and even testing centres. Queuing is also driving an increased demand for umbrellas with, amongst others, a major retail group ordering brollies for the customers at its 400 stores to use while queuing to shop, and a local authority purchasing 100 umbrellas which it has donated to local businesses to protect their customers while they queue outside in wet weather. Like joggers and hi-vis, umbrellas offer a great sales opportunity for decorators, whether it is supplying your local retailers or selling on as personalised gifts for consumers. We asked Xpres and Screen Print World to provide easy-to-follow step-by-step advice on how best to decorate brollies using various decoration processes and techniques (turn to page 66 for more details). Speaking of gifts, the festive season is approaching fast, offering countless more opportunities for decorators to sell personalised products to an eager audience. With this in mind, Dominic Bunce of embroidery digitising specialist David Sharp kicks off his new regular column by explaining how to create a realistic fur effect using Burmilana thread and a Velcro strip. The finished design is simply superb and is guaranteed to add value to any teddy bear or furry animal embroidery. Judge for yourself on page 53. For all the good news and positive indicators, many Images readers in areas subjected to stricter regulations will be facing further uncertainty and business interruption. If your business is affected, do let us know how things are for you, how you’re managing, and the type of support that would make the biggest difference to you and your business at this time. Best wishes to you all. Jonathan Vince A reflective print by Michelle Moxley, innovation director at M&R Companies