Images Magazine November 18

www.images-magazine.com NOVEMBER 2018 images 23 KB INDUSTRY EVENT at a similar sector of the market. James Greenlees, executive chairman of Graham Gardner and Gymphlex, explained that the new products will allow schools to create “unique sports kits” that offer “an impressive sporting appearance and the performance and quality associated with GForce sportswear, while keeping a careful eye on spend”. The new range comprises seven teamwear designs, selected to cover a wide range of sports, in a core range of 20 colours. “The pricing is good and we run this as a complete package with the price including the logos,” James added. Celebrations Next year, UK ties, scarves, bags and accessories manufacturer William Turner turns 50 and the company got the party started early by launching its anniversary celebrations at The Schoolwear Show. Its retro-themed stand with eye- catching new 50th anniversary branding included giant ties along with vintage objects and equipment, including the desk that William Turner, the company’s founder, used when he started the business. William’s grandson John Turner explained that the company is focused on “getting back to basics”, being number one for service, and building on its heritage and reputation for supplying sustainable, woven-in-the UK and made-in-the UK products. On show were new Eco Ties (see the Ecowear showcase, page 61, for more details), which respond to the needs of those schools and tenders that insist A game-changer Rowlinson Knitwear’s pre-show teaser advertising campaign meant that its new products had already prompted plenty of discussion and speculation, even before the exhibition doors opened. The new lightweight Performa 25 school knitwear range and Rowlinson’s new stock specials service for striped school jumpers didn’t disappoint. Based on the proven Performa Exec corporate knitwear range, the new P25 V-neck pullover and cardigan promise lighter weight comfort and a smarter fit. The single knit bed styles were developed in response to changing end-user requirements and customer demand, revealed Rowlinson’s marketing manager, Carrie Hamer. She explained that they offer a “smarter, more refined look” and are specially designed for layering under blazers and jackets. “Many school sweaters are too heavy; the Performa 25 garments with saddle shoulders are lightweight, fitted and comfortable and ideal for wearing under a blazer – they’re what customers have asked for,” she reported. Carrie added that the new V-neck and cardigan styles, which are available from stock for 24-delivery in three plain colours – black, grey or navy – and sizes 24” to 50”, will have particular appeal for the many secondary schools and sixth forms that are now reintroducing blazers and looking for a smarter, more collegiate look. Bespoke colours and neck stripes are also available through Rowlinson’s specials service, with a minimum order quantity of 12 pieces. The product launch was accompanied by the roll out of Rowlinson’s new, cleaner and more modern Performa branding, which has been introduced in response to customer feedback and to reflect Performa’s positioning as premium brand products. Rowlinson’s managing director, Donald Moore described the company’s newly launched stocked specials service as an industry “game-changer”. Rowlinson has pulled together its 18 most popular striped sweater colourways and is now offering them on 24-hour delivery with no minimum order quantities. “It means that our customers can have their products tomorrow, there is no longer any need for them to commit to minimum orders, and it will benefit their cashflow as they will no longer have to tie up cash in stock,” said Donald. He also revealed that Rowlinson is already gearing up to expand the choice of available colourways. “We’re asking for a minimum order of 2,000 pieces across five schools: when demand hits this point we’ll add the new colourway to the range.” He expects the choice of colourways to expand rapidly. The company has developed new marketing tools to support the new service, including a brochure/ fabric- swatchcard for its customers to take into schools. [L-R] Melanie Fawcett, corporate sales manager, and Carrie Hamer, marketing manager, on the Rowlinson stand where the new Performa 25 school knitwear range [right] was launched Sarah Robins demonstrates the new entry-level Aptus Essentials sports and teamwear from Banner James Greenlees with one of the new and affordable GForce Essentials sportswear styles