In last week's Idea Custom Solutions blog, we talked about the fact that wearables — altogether the promotional products industry's best selling category — is one that need not be tied to specific seasons.
 

Since small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) tend to plan all year round, conversations about the right piece of logoed outerwear or t-shirt design can be had any time of year. Distributors of promotional products can and should talk to their SMB customers about spring and summer ideas a few months ahead of time. Meanwhile, they will appreciate you cluing them in now — even in summer's last warm months — about what's hot in winter wear, including ski caps and beanies.
 
That said, for some the change in seasons is something to get pumped about. Of course we're thinking about active people and American consumers (and business owners) who lean toward the rugged side of life.
 
This month, Promo Marketing Magazine offered some "Tips for Selling Rugged and Safety Apparel" along with a few adventurous ideas. As you can imagine, rugged wearables are typically popular with entrepreneurs and SMBs in the road construction and building sectors, as well as others whose work is primarily outdoors such as landscapers, roofers, home improvement dealers and remodelers.
 
In dishing out sales tips, author Brendan Menapace talks about what makes rugged items good. Whether you recommend outerwear like work jackets, raincoats and parkas and fleece tops, or handy tools such as light-pens and carabiners, Menapace writes that it is important to pay attention to variables and special elements that appeal to those who work outdoors.
 
"Water-repellant finishes and durable construction", as well as safety or visibility striping are great features. Meanwhile, he says to make sure to pay attention "to the usual warmth and comfort that workers want."
 
Menapace also writes that there is a market among SMBs for American-made goods; specifically jackets by Carhartt and other outwear brands known for their rugged reputations.
 
One supplier remarked, “I think what has occurred is that people are finding that a lot of imported goods are not only cheap in price, but they are cheap in quality," said Robert Klein, owner of Iowa-based Pella Products. "We’re finding a great deal of continuing desire on the part of the marketplace for made-in-USA goods."
 
Also, outdoor appeal isn't simply limited to work trades or SMBs whose business focuses on repair or construction. There are also great markets for SMBs that play versus work outdoors.
 
Specialists at the Advertising Specialty Institute have profiled outdoor promotional items and their increasing popularity. In addition to ponchos and outerwear, ASI highlighted camping and other gear this May. Items such as blankets, reusable food containers and vintage coolers are excellent selections for businesses that want to share their brands with adventurous consumers.

Similarly, picnic promos work well for warmer months when people spend time outside and also couple well with the ever-growing grill and barbecue promotional products category.
 
Lastly, don't forget that promotional products with a rugged or outdoor flavor are also amazing giveaways for SMBs trade show events. And regardless of the items you sell to them, you’ll be confident the decorating process goes smoothly when you tap Idea Custom Solutions for vector artwork and embroidery digitizing support. Get your orders back in 24 hour or faster with award-winning quality!