5 Multichannel Retail Tips for Apparel Brands

Posted on 29 Mar, 2024 by Samantha Warren

In our industry, you’ll hear many people say that selling apparel is challenging.

While that may be true, there’s still a world of opportunity for you to grow your clothing brand in 2024 and beyond.

The birth of the mobile phone dialed up a new era in retail. Today, you can connect with your customers anytime, anywhere.

The competition is still fierce, so…

How are you planning to differentiate your brand in this rapidly growing competitive market?

The answer is multichannel retail.

When we say “multichannel,” we mean offering your customers different sales channels to purchase from.

At all times, your customers have a channel within reach that you can leverage. It could be their phone, computer, TV, a pop-up shop in the mall… the list goes on.

Multichannel marketing is expected to grow 22.3% between 2023 and 2030, according to Market Research Future.

However, sticking to the basics is not enough to keep you growing—or even relevant in the near future.

Today, we’re excited to share five strategies that will help your brand sell more garments via multiple channels (not just your top-selling one).

Ready to reach a broader audience, enhance customer experience, minimize costs, and maximize ROI?

Execute a Successful Multichannel Retail Strategy with Scrappy Apparel!

@aftershipasks Do you prefer to shop online or in-store & why? #onlineshopping #shopping #ecommerce #commerce #streetinterviews ♬ original sound – AfterShipAsks

Learn our tips to skyrocket your brand through multichannel retail!

1. Consistently Market to Your Customers Across All Channels

It’s one thing to set up 10 different channels for your customers to buy from, but you won’t maximize your potential revenue if you don’t focus on marketing.

Create a seamless multichannel marketing strategy. This will generate more results than you can imagine.

According to a recent 2023 study from Gitnux, 72% of consumers would rather connect with brands and businesses through multiple channels (Ex. Social media, email, SMS, and in-person shopping experiences).

However, you need to ensure that every channel contributes to a unified brand message. That means you have to use the same key messaging points, brand voice, and overall vibe throughout every communication, including:

Email campaigns
Social media posts
Chatbots
Live agent chat conversations

…and every other touchpoint you have!

The same Gitnux study shows that consistent messaging with your customers across all channels increases purchase intent by 90%!

Though these tips may seem minor, they make a major difference in how customers perceive your brand.

2. Explore More Channels and Don’t Underestimate Any of Them

Keep this in mind: all of your channels are relevant.

After the first e-commerce boom, people believed that online shopping was the future and brick-and-mortar stores would die out eventually.

Fast forward a few years… and we can see the OG in-store shopping experience is not dead.
Quite the contrary.

As stated by RetailDive, 92% of shoppers said they miss shopping in person at their favorite stores.

So, you know it’s beneficial to implement more sales channels.
But how can you do that successfully without overextending your resources?

The trick here is to understand what customers are expecting from each of your channels. With this, you’ll be able to maximize your sales. For example:

In-Store Presence: Create a tangible, immersive shopping experience where your customers can look at garments, try them on, feel the fabric, and enjoy your brand in-store.
Direct-to-Consumer E-Commerce: Some people want to browse online from their desktop or mobile device and have the products delivered to their doorstep as quickly as possible—no waiting in line, no “we are closed” signs.
Social Media Platforms: Your social media followers may want to discover, like, and purchase—all without leaving the social media app.
Online Marketplaces: Amazon is the prime example of an online marketplace where people are ready to buy. You can command attention by betting on the right trends and developing an SEO strategy within the marketplace itself.
Mobile Apps: If a customer installs your app, you are one of their favorite stores—but now pocket-sized. You can offer a personalized brand experience to your mobile app users, send push notifications about sales, and more.
Phone Call: You read it right—some people like to interact via a phone call. While a customer service call might not sound like a sales channel at first, it definitely can be. Your customers might ask about a product detail they saw online, the delivery method, and more. In this case, they want to interact with a friendly voice on your team.

@emiliarosecooke Anything to avoid the changing room ques🤭 #tryingonclothes #clothestryon #shopfloor #shopping #mumsoftiktok #tryingon #newin #tryingoninstore ♬ Confidence (sped up – full song) – Ocean Alley

People will always love trying on clothes, regardless of which channel they purchase from!

3. Implement Omnichannel Retail

As stated in the Multichannel Marketing Market 2024 Report by Market Research Future, retailers are increasingly focusing on providing an omnichannel experience for customers. If you aren’t already looking for ways to implement it, you might fall behind in the market!

Basically, an omnichannel retail strategy is the delivery of a cohesive experience across all channels and customer touchpoints.

That’s extremely important for the growing Gen-Z audience. As stated by McKinsey, they don’t even think in terms of traditional channel boundaries anymore. They are already expecting a seamless experience across all platforms.

That means you should:

Offer an Integrated Experience: Your customers should move seamlessly between channels. For example, order something online and pick it up in-store.
Provide Consistent Communication: Keep uniform branding and customer service across all channels.
Streamline Your Supply Chain: Streamline the supply chain to ensure product availability and timely delivery across channels. This one you can accomplish with a 3PL partner, which we’ll address later in tip #5!
Use Data Strategically: Use data analytics to understand customer preferences and personalize the shopping experience.

4. Leverage Customer-Facing SKU/Product Code Identifiers

Let’s say a customer likes a product they saw on your social media. They go to check it out on your website, but they actually buy it in person at your store.

Do you ever wonder how people find the same product across different channels?
If you have a lot of garments, it can be hard for your customers to keep track.

You can solve this problem by displaying a customer-facing SKU number, product code, or another unique identifier your customers can use to distinguish products from one another.

@trendedvision Zara men(clothing) with codes✍️👔 #streetwear #zara #clothinghaul #menswear #styletips #foryoupage ♬

People also use the codes to recommend and share specific clothing pieces on social media!

5. Have an Experienced Third-Party Logistics Partner

Third-party logistics (3PL) providers help apparel brands scale up their operations while maintaining a seamless customer experience along the way.

If you choose the right fulfillment partner, you’ll bring valuable expertise and practical experience to the table. They remain updated with the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and optimal practices, empowering businesses to adopt efficient approaches.

Also, you can leverage their extensive network of warehouses and shipping partners! This translates into streamlined lead times, a critical factor in meeting customer demands promptly.

3PL providers have the necessary infrastructure and capabilities to help you scale to infinity and beyond.

Instead of worrying about warehouse capacity, shipping times, and other crucial aspects of logistics, you can trust your partner to handle it all for you.

If your inventory management, fulfillment, and shipping processes are holding you back, it may be time to bring a 3PL partner on board.

Scrappy Apparel is the #1 Fulfillment Partner for Clothing Brands with Multiple Sales Channels

Our innovative 3PL MGMT program offers a seamless supply chain solution tailored to apparel brands.

Despite being labeled “3PL,” we provide the same level of support found in 4PL and 5PL solutions! When you work with us, you can expect:

Apparel-First Fulfillment: We understand the unique needs of apparel brands and offer comprehensive fulfillment services, including one-time campaigns, eCommerce, retail, and tour merchandise programs.
Efficient Supply Chain: We’ll manage your entire supply chain, from material sourcing to order fulfillment, with same-day shipping for orders placed before 12:00 PM (EST).
Complete Manufacturing: In addition to fulfillment, we offer a full range of apparel manufacturing services, including screen printing, sublimation, custom hats, and more.
Integrated Program: We provide dedicated warehouse space, manage all products and SKUs, and offer seamless online store integration for a streamlined brand experience.
Multichannel Specialists: We have experience in helping brands scale all their channels—online, offline, and on-the-go!

Choose Scrappy Apparel as Your Manufacturing, Fulfillment, and E-Commerce Partner

Our experts are ready to help you scale your brand.

Embrace the Future: How to Leverage AI For Apparel Industry Success

Posted on 22 Jun, 2023 by Samantha Warren

It’s no secret that AI is a hot topic right now.

For example, ChatGPT, a groundbreaking AI-powered language model, has emerged as a game-changer across diverse industries. Whether it’s aiding in customer service, assisting with research, or even serving as a creative collaborator, ChatGPT stands at the forefront of AI innovation, ready to shape the future of many fields—including apparel!

If you thought AI didn’t serve a purpose in the fashion industry, think again. Your customers are using tools like ChatGPT to help them get dressed, and there are countless use cases for AI in apparel businesses.

Today, we’re going to take a look at this AI + apparel crossover and how you can benefit from the latest advancements in technology. Ready to be impressed?

@justbecauseitspretty @stevemadden ballet flats styled by CHAT GBT and I’m obsessed with the final result 🤯🤯 #stevemaddenshoes #SMSQUAD #SM #stevemadden #balletflatoutfits #stylingballetflats #chatgbt #chatgbthacks ♬ original sound – Rachel Schwab 💖

TikTok influencer @justbecauseitspretty documented her experience of asking ChatGPT how to style a pair of ballet flats.

Did You Know ChatGPT Can Serve as a Personal Stylist?

People are now turning to AI-powered chatbots, like ChatGPT, for their fashion fix.

Scrolling through TikTok, you’ll stumble upon captivating videos of individuals soliciting style advice from none other than ChatGPT.

They pose questions like, “How should I style this vibrant jumpsuit?” or “ChatGPT, can you help me find the perfect shoes for this floral dress?”

Interestingly enough, ChatGPT rises to the challenge with unparalleled expertise. It provides tailored fashion recommendations, drawing from its vast knowledge base.

3 Ways Apparel Entrepreneurs Can Use AI

Aside from asking ChatGPT what you should wear today, you can also use AI tools to grow your apparel business. We’re in the middle of an AI revolution, and new tools enter the market all the time.

Here are some examples of ways AI can help your apparel business:

1. Demand Forecasting

You can use AI algorithms to crunch numbers and analyze historical sales data, market trends, and all sorts of relevant factors. This helps you predict the demand for different apparel products and optimize your inventory management and production planning. No more guesswork, just smart data-driven decisions.

2. Personalized Recommendations

AI-powered recommendation systems can dig deep into customer preferences, purchase history, and browsing behavior. With all that info, the technology can provide personalized product recommendations to your customers. This will enhance customer engagement and boost your sales conversion rates.

3. Customer Sentiment Analysis

It’s time to tap into the power of language. With NLP algorithms, you can dive deep into customer reviews, social media comments, and feedback.

By analyzing all that data, you can identify areas for improvement and make data-driven decisions that lead to enhanced customer satisfaction.

Read more about the best AI tools for fashion in 2023.

Unlock Limitless Creativity and Streamline Operations with Scrappy Apparel

You might be wondering, “What makes Scrappy different from local print shops and other apparel manufacturers out there?”

The answer is a lot!

We pride ourselves on our:

Innovative Apparel Solutions

From Retail Ready Screen Printing to All Over Sublimation Printing, we have the knowledge and expertise to help you choose the right services for your project. We can print up to 16 colors, allowing you to achieve stunning visual effects and design complexity.

Our large design size capability of up to 17″ x 22″ ensures that your prints are impactful. Say goodbye to the limitations of local print shops and embrace the expansive possibilities that our Retail Ready Screen Printing offers.

All Over Sublimation Printing is a game-changing technique that works great for corporate apparel. We’ll help you reinforce your brand identity and make a bold statement with attention-grabbing designs that leave a lasting impression.

Unmatched Product Quality

Durability and longevity are of utmost importance to us. We offer no-feel inks and discharge ink, ensuring a soft and comfortable feel while preventing cracking or peeling over time. You can trust that our prints will maintain their vibrancy and quality even after multiple wash cycles.

Interested in All Over Sublimation Printing? For that service, we offer both fashion and sport blends to cater to your specific needs. Our fashion fabric, a blend of 98% polyester and 2% spandex, provides a comfortable and flexible fit.

For activewear, our sport fabric is the ideal choice. It’s a blend of 92% polyester and 8% spandex. This durable blend offers performance-enhancing qualities, providing comfort, flexibility, and breathability for athletes and active individuals.

Brand Building Process (BBP)

With over 16 years of experience in the apparel industry, we’ve perfected our proprietary Brand Building Process (BBP) to simplify apparel manufacturing for you so you can get the garments you need without any hassle or stress.

Get Your Quote

Our “Get Your Quote” process lets you quickly submit your project details and receive a detailed estimate within 24 business hours.

Connect with your Scrappy Sales Rep

Once you receive your quote, you will be connected with a dedicated Scrappy sales representative. This professional will guide you through the process, answer any questions you may have, and assist you in finalizing the project details.

Approve Your Pre-Production Layout(s)

You will receive pre-production layouts that allow you to review and approve important aspects such as print size, location, private labeling, and more. This step ensures that your expectations align with the final product, giving you confidence in the outcome.

Sit Back And Relax

Our commitment to punctuality guarantees that your order will be delivered early or on time—never, ever late! As an added bonus, Scrappy Apparel offers free ground shipping directly to your doorstep.

Scalability and 3PL Program

When you work with Scrappy, you can be as hands-off as you want to be. Our 3PL program lets you delegate inventory management and fulfillment to our team. We’ll streamline operations for you and provide your customers with a 5-star experience at every touchpoint.

Our fulfillment services can be customized to meet your requirements. If you have a retailer that asks for the garments to be prepared and packaged a specific way, we can do that on our end to save you time and resources.

Learn more about how to scale your business with our high-volume apparel solutions.

Ready to Take Your Brand to New Heights with Scrappy Apparel?

We’re excited to help you manufacture and sell out your next garment.

The Influence of Black Culture on Fashion Trends

Posted on 23 Feb, 2023 by Samantha Warren

Fashion trends constantly evolve and often reflect the cultural zeitgeist of a given era. From the Harlem Renaissance to contemporary streetwear, Black Culture has been instrumental in setting trends and influencing the fashion industry.

Despite their significant contributions to the industry, Black fashion designers, models, stylists, and other industry professionals have often faced systemic barriers and discrimination in their careers.

Recognizing the impact of Black Culture on fashion acknowledges their talent and hard work. It also helps to promote greater diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

In honor of Black History Month, let’s explore how Black Culture has shaped fashion trends throughout history and continues to inspire designers today.

The Harlem Renaissance

The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and ’30s was a pivotal moment in American history. This movement significantly impacted culture—including art, literature, music, and fashion.

Hence the name, the Harlem Renaissance originated in the African-American community of Harlem, New York. It was considered the “rebirth of African-American arts” because it empowered the Black community to develop a sense of identity through fashion. It was a time of self-expression and cultural pride.

We can credit this era as the grandfather of many streetwear trends we see today. It encouraged people to move away from drab, conventional clothing. Instead, it encouraged them to embrace vibrant patterns, bold colors, and daring silhouettes.

Streetwear and Sneaker Culture

In addition to the Harlem Renaissance, did you know that high-end streetwear has roots in hip-hop? In the early days, it was all about standing out from the crowd—and Black Culture pioneered this style of dress.

How Hip-Hop Music Influenced Streetwear

Rappers like Biggie Smalls, A Tribe Called Quest, and Outkast brought their own style to the genre, mixing bold statements with comfortable clothing.

For example, Biggie contributed to the legacy of the Coogi sweater. Even after he passed away, rappers like A$AP Rocky and Drake still donned the Coogi look.

Many brands have collaborated with rappers and hip-hop artists to release limited-edition clothing lines. This trend lends to the exclusivity of streetwear and shows how much influence Black Culture has had on fashion.

Old School vs. New School

In the context of hip-hop, old school fashion trends refer to the clothing and accessories that were popular during the early days of the genre, particularly in the 1980s and early 1990s.

These trends include oversized clothing, tracksuits, gold chains, bucket hats, and high-top sneakers, among others. This style was often associated with the “golden age” of hip-hop and reflected the culture and values of the time.

New school fashion trends in hip-hop have evolved to reflect the changing cultural landscape and the influence of contemporary fashion. These trends include more fitted clothing, designer labels, and a greater emphasis on individual style and creativity.

As you may know, athleisure is all the rage nowadays. The trend has become popular among hip-hop artists and fans, with collaborations between fashion brands and musicians becoming increasingly common. Streetwear and luxury fashion labels are also part of the new school look.

Despite these changes, some old school fashion trends have remained popular in hip-hop, such as baggy jeans and graphic t-shirts. Additionally, some newer trends have been influenced by the old school, such as the resurgence of retro sportswear and vintage sneakers.

Both old school and new school fashion trends have played an essential role in shaping the style and identity of hip-hop culture.

The Impact of Sneaker Culture

Sneaker culture has been a huge part of hip-hop since the 1980s, when Run-DMC released their hit single “My Adidas” and made the brand iconic.

Today, sneaker culture is even more popular, with limited-edition collaborations between brands and musicians becoming increasingly common.

Black artists like Run-DMC and Jay-Z have made sneakers a staple of their style. Jay-Z has a long history of collaborating with Puma. In fact, he wore the Puma Ralph Sampson Lo sneaker at the 2023 Super Bowl.

Many celebrities have their own signature sneakers, and some have even launched their own sneaker lines. Read more about sneaker culture and how it has been influenced by the Black community.

Fashion Icons and Representation

Modern fashion icons and representation contribute to Black Culture, and vice versa. Black fashion designers, models, and icons have long been at the forefront of the industry, pushing boundaries and redefining what it means to be fashionable.

These individuals have used their platforms to advocate for inclusivity and diversity in fashion, contributing to broader recognition and celebration of Black Culture in the industry.

Here are a few of the names that have had a lasting impact on fashion:

Dapper Dan

Dapper Dan is an iconic fashion designer who became famous for creating designs that blended high-end luxury with streetwear. He is known for creating outfits for numerous celebrities, including LL Cool J and Eric B. & Rakim. Dan is credited with creating the “ghetto fabulous” style popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is a British model and actress who is one of history’s most recognized and influential Black models. She has graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines and has walked the runway for some of the most prominent fashion designers in the world. Campbell has also advocated for diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry.

Virgil Abloh

The legendary Virgil Abloh was an American fashion designer known for his work as the artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear line. He is also the founder of the fashion brand Off-White. Abloh was credited with bringing streetwear to the forefront of high fashion. Unfortunately, Abloh passed away in Nov. 2021, but his legacy will live on.

How to Manufacture Your Own Streetwear-Inspired Designs

Scrappy Apparel can help you manufacture streetwear-inspired apparel by providing you with the resources and expertise to bring your vision to life. We are a one-stop-shop for apparel from the waist up. We can produce t-shirts, hoodies, hats, and more.

If you don’t know where to start, here are a couple of ideas to spark inspiration:

The Monster Print

At Scrappy, we call large format screen printing The Monster Print. It’s our signature approach to manufacture designs that are larger than life. Most apparel companies have a max print size of 14″ x 17.” But with The Monster Print, we will print the design as big as the smallest garment allows for the entire run of garments. Our approach gives you maximum creativity and design freedom.

All Over Sublimation Printing

Sublimation printing is an excellent way to create streetwear-inspired designs that are bright, bold, and full of color. Instead of printing a design onto the garment, sublimation transfers ink directly into the fabric. This results in a more vibrant and saturated design that will never crack or fade.

Custom Hats

We have one of the best custom headwear programs in the world. (Seriously!) Whether you want a trucker hat or a beanie, we have the tools to create the perfect custom hat for your brand. We offer a wide range of customization options, including embroidery and private labeling.

Hats are a staple of streetwear. With our custom headwear program, you can create hats that represent your brand and your culture.

Why Choose Scrappy Apparel?

At Scrappy Apparel, we understand the importance of representation in fashion. We are committed to helping you create apparel that celebrates culture and inspires others.

We ship free to your doorstep, or you can opt into our fulfillment program to have us take care of the inventory management and shipping processes for you.

We offer competitive pricing and unparalleled customer service, so you can trust that your designs will be produced and delivered with exceptional quality.

Ready to Begin Your Project?