ImagesMagUK_November_2020

www.images-magazine.com 44 images NOVEMBER 2020 MARKET INTELLIGENCE T-Shirt – have all seen an uplift in sales throughout the pandemic, says Kirsten. “The RX700 Waistcoat is available in 25 colours, including two-colour combinations and is available from size S-6XL, making this style particularly popular. The hi-vis polo and T-shirt are not only Class 2-certified, but are also well-fitting, stylish garments. When the schools re-opened we also saw a rise in the RX700J Kids High Visibility Waistcoat, available in six primary colours, which is still on the incline.” She reports that while demand for hi-vis from some sectors has increased, it has declined in others: “Assessing the current situation and also the previous restrictions we have all come under, it has been apparent that key sectors and essential services, such as healthcare and delivery services, have significantly increased demand for high-visibility garments. Sectors that have recorded a dip would be in the hospitality industry, such as nightclub security and festival personnel, as they’ve been either cancelled or closed, impacting substantially on their requirements.” Similarly, Gareth Bladen, UK/Ireland sales manager for Engel, has noticed changes in demand from certain industries. “The main sectors with increased demand have been more in some rail and construction industries as well as in green renewables; sadly there has been a lower demand from ports and engineering companies, mainly due to the reduction in trade and industry during Covid.” He also reports an uplift in sales and enquiries from customers looking for an environmentally friendly workwear option, which he believes is down to businesses looking to have a ‘green recovery’ from the pandemic. Engel has just launched Safety Light, a sustainable hi-vis range which uses Repreve regenerated polyester fibre made from 50% recycled plastic bottles. “The Repreve fibre also has other environmental benefits including consumption savings of energy, water and greenhouse gasses compared to standard polyester,” he adds. Also new from Engel is the Super Stretch hi-vis range. This growing demand for recycled safetywear is reflected in Result’s first ever recycled safetywear range, Genuine Recycled, which includes four hi-vis products, and is available in the UK from mid-November (see the ecowear feature in our December issue for the full story). It’s not just about the money Price continues to be a factor that drives choice in this market, believes Keith, especially given the current economic situation. “However, there is an ever- growing need for quality products that are notably a step up in performance and quality from the entry level hi-vis available in the market,” he says. “More consideration is being paid to sourcing garments that are fit for purpose in fabric performance and style as well as providing comfort and fit when worn for long periods. “Many businesses are trying to move away from looking at hi-vis as an entry level, costly consumable, throw away product that encourages a widely false economy and high rates of unusable landfill waste. “The value for money principle that Regatta Professional applies to its hi-vis range ensures the consumer has a quality, performance product with comfort, style and fit, at a great price point.” The company will be consolidating its current range of hi-vis as well as expanding its hi- vis offering throughout 2021. “We will continue to update and refresh classic styles with modern fabrics and design, as well as introducing more innovative fabrics and styles rarely seen in the hi-vis market,” he promises. David at Result has also noted a change in focus from consumers. “The product is very price-driven, but we have also seen that there is increased demand for better products, such as the R202X ID Tabard, and we have just added in our new range a R497X Executive Mesh ID Tabard with unrestricted print locations on the front left chest and back.” Price remains a key factor when choosing hi-vis garments, but no longer the only one, reveals Kirsten. “Increasingly, the way styles wash is also becoming a deciding factor. All of Pro RTX High Visibility can be washed up to 40°C to maintain its protective function and help to ensure optimum cleanliness of a high standard. “We’ve [also] identified a trend in the demand for functionality as well as fit when choosing hi-vis garments. This is why the tape on a range of Pro RTX hi-vis garments finishes at the side hems for more freedom of movement and it makes it easier for taking off and putting on – features like this really make a difference. Availability and sizing are also key factors as sectors may increase the size of the workforce or expand the department offering. In this regard, companies require a wide range of sizes that have good availability on demand.” With supermarkets such as Asda recruiting an additional 1,000 safety marshals, schools requiring parents to help close roads to aid with social distancing during drop-off and pick-up times, and newly opened Covid-19 test centres needing to ensure the public can identify test centre staff easily, the markets for hi-vis are rapidly evolving, as are the hi-vis garments on offer. It’s one of the few bright spots of 2020, both figuratively and literally. Engel has introduced Safety Light, a sustainable hi-vis range Result’s new R497X Executive Mesh ID Tabard The control and movement of both workers and the general public has seen hi-vis pushed into sectors that have rarely seen its use pre-pandemic