On every new client call, I always start with: How are you currently handling apparel? What is working? What is not working?

Here is how most respond:

How are you currently handling apparel:

"The local guy but he takes forever to get back to me and I don't feel like a priority."

"I do it but only when members annoy me with enough requests to run another order."

"My staff does it but they are inconsistent."

What is working:

Preorders

"People always ask me for apparel"

What is not working?:

Inconsistent ordering.

"The process takes forever"

"I am ordering my own garments, doing my own artwork, and then having to coordinate that with my local guy"

"We're winging it"

"I don't feel like a priority"

My only intention right now is to provide a straight forward system to offer apparel on consistent basis to keep your members happy, increase your profitability, and increase the potential for organic grass roots marketing. Right now I have a system and a 3 step process for doing this.

We will sketch out an apparel plan. I will check in with you 3-5 times a year to offer apparel. There is no contract or fee to do this. We simply help keep you on track and let you know when it is the right time to order- taking the guess work out of the process. We become an extension of your team. 

Step 1- We'll get the design set. There is no art or design fee. We will collaborate with you on a design. We will handle all the design work. Your input is welcome and important but you do not have to do any graphic design work in this process

Step 2- I will send sizing samples so you know exactly how things fit and feel.

Step 3- We'll coach you through a successful preorder. Our preorder system and recommendations are based on experience of selling millions of shirts and generating our clients several millions of dollars in profit from offering apparel to their members. This system is proven, works, and is practically implemented at any gym. 

If you are ready to get started, now is the time. Please schedule a call with us and we'll reach out to get you started. 

 

 

Managing gym apparel can be a daunting task for many gym owners. From selecting the right designs to ensuring consistent orders, the challenges can quickly pile up. In this blog post, we will explore the common problems gym owners face with apparel, how to accurately label these issues, and share a case study of a gym owner who successfully navigated these challenges by identifying and addressing their problems correctly.

Overview of Typical Struggles

1. Inconsistent Orders:

• Problem: Many gym owners struggle with maintaining consistent apparel orders, leading to periods of overstock or shortages.
• Impact: This inconsistency can result in financial losses and missed sales opportunities.
• Solution: Apparel plan. Work with our team to develop an apparel plan that keeps you on track throughout the year no matter what life throws at you. 

2. Poor Design Choices:

• Problem: Choosing designs that don't resonate with gym members can lead to unsold inventory and a lack of enthusiasm for the apparel.
• Impact: Poor design choices can damage the gym’s brand and fail to engage the community.
• Solution: Trust our best seller design ideas or work with our art team on a custom apparel design. 

3. Lack of Variety:

• Problem: Offering a limited selection of apparel can make it difficult to cater to diverse member preferences.
• Impact: A lack of variety can reduce member interest and limit sales potential.
• Solution: This is also an apparel plan issue but this is also an education issue. Simply, you don't know what is out there. To most people, a hoodie is a hoodie but in reality, there are dozens of options, weights, and styles. Offering different apparel pieces each order is a great option to help keep members engaged. 

In the world of gym management, the significance of apparel often gets overlooked. However, gym apparel is not just clothing; it's a powerful tool for branding, member engagement, and revenue generation. Identifying your specific needs and goals related to gym apparel is the crucial first step towards achieving success. In this blog post, we will explore why clarity is essential in apparel decisions, the key questions to ask yourself, and provide a real-life example of a gym owner who successfully identified their needs and reaped the rewards.

Why Clarity is Crucial in Apparel Decisions

Clarity in apparel decisions is the foundation of a successful apparel strategy. Without a clear understanding of what you want to achieve and who your target audience is, you risk wasting time, effort, and money on apparel that doesn’t resonate with your members or meet your business goals. Clarity helps you to:

• Align Your Goals: Ensure your apparel choices are in sync with your gym’s overall brand and mission.
• Maximize Impact: Choose designs, colors, and styles that appeal to your target audience, leading to better sales and brand recognition.

Optimize Investment: Make informed decisions about inventory, pricing, and promotional strategies, ensuring a good return on investment.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

To achieve clarity in your apparel decisions, consider the following questions:

What Do You Want to Achieve with Your Gym's Apparel?

• Are you looking to boost brand visibility?
• Do you want to increase revenue through merchandise sales?
• Are you aiming to create a sense of community and belonging among your members?

Who is Your Target Audience?

• What are the demographics of your gym members (age, gender, fitness level)?
• What are their preferences in terms of style, color, and functionality?
• What price points are they comfortable with?

 There is no right or wrong answer to these questions. Taking 2-5 minutes to consider this will allow us to serve you properly. As always, questions are best answered honestly to achieve the best results. 

Real-Life Example: A Success Story

Let’s take a look at how clarity transformed the apparel strategy Catalyst Fitness in Denver, CO. 

The Challenge: Catalyst Fitness was struggling with the consistency of apparel orders. They were very sporadic and not following any schedule. Members were constantly asking for new apparel. Corey, the owner, and his staff were paralyzed with the process. While they had a good grasp on style and branding for their overall business, they just could not get started with apparel projects. 

The Solution: Corey decided to take a step back and clarify his gym’s apparel needs. He started by answering the key questions:

• Goals: He wanted more consistency with apparel ordering and take key tasks like designing off his and his staff's plate. 
• Target Audience: His members were predominantly young adults who preferred apparel that you can wear outside the gym. 

With these insights, Corey focused on setting up a simple plan (quarterly ordering) and focusing on designs that can be worn running errands around town. 

The Results: The response was overwhelmingly positive. Members loved the new designs and felt a stronger connection to the gym. Apparel sales skyrocketed, and the gym’s brand visibility increased significantly, attracting new members in the process.

Conclusion

Understanding your gym’s apparel needs is the first step towards a successful merchandise strategy. By taking the time to clarify your goals and identify your target audience, you can make informed decisions that align with your gym’s brand and mission, maximize impact, and optimize your investment.

Ready to take your gym’s apparel to the next level? Schedule a consultation with us today to discuss your specific needs and start your journey to apparel success.