Our approach is convenience and speed without sacrificing design
SquadLocker is the leading custom apparel manufacturer and e-commerce solution for sports organisations, schools, and businesses. Through innovative online tools, the company makes it easy to create, manage, and distribute custom apparel. It combines software acumen and textile expertise to mass-customise decorated custom apparel and free up time for organisers, coaches, teachers, and youth leaders. In a conversation with Fibre2Fashion, President and Founder Gary Goldberg talks about his company and the custom apparel industry.
How has the custom apparel industry evolved over the past decade, and what trends do you foresee shaping its future?
On-demand is becoming the gold standard. The trick is to be able to provide on-demand manufacturing for all decoration types (printing on all fibres, embroidery, and custom sublimation) with the fastest throughput times.
What are some common challenges that organisations face when sourcing custom uniforms and apparel, and how can they overcome them?
From designing the look they want, to coordinating, to the purchasing process, to ensuring on-time delivery, the apparel needs of an organisation can be overwhelming. The best approach is to look for a company that offers free design services and can hold your hand during the setup and ordering fulfilment phases while also providing the right balance of technology and human support.
Can you provide an overview of SquadLocker and its mission?
SquadLocker believes that coaches, volunteers, and mentors can help young people reach their full potential. In order to maximise the time they spend connecting with students and athletes, SquadLocker helps make the work of outfitting students and athletes with decorated apparel and uniforms fast and efficient. This allows more time to be invested in their community.
What sets SquadLocker apart from other custom apparel providers?
SquadLocker is a technology-enabled custom apparel manufacturer and e-commerce solution. Using computer-integrated manufacturing we connect directly to our shop floor. This means we can produce decorated apparel and uniforms faster and more accurately than our competition.
Can you explain SquadLocker’s approach to uniform options for different sports and seasons?
SquadLocker recently launched SquadGEAR, the only sublimated uniform solution that has no order minimums, allows players to buy on their own, and ships in 3-5 days, all season long. Our approach is convenience and speed without sacrificing design. We have also partnered with Wilson for custom branded basketball and volleyball uniforms using the same fulfilment engine which is the fastest in the industry.
Can you elaborate on SquadLocker’s embroidery, printing, and sublimation services?
All of SquadLocker’s decoration services are based on single-unit production, as a result, anyone can order any item at any time, with no minimums. Being able to offer embroidery, printing, and sublimation as fast as we can with no minimums means community members get what they want quickly all season long.
What kind of support does SquadLocker offer to customers in terms of design and artwork services?
SquadLocker employs a fleet of artists who design NCAA-quality logos for free. We are proud of this service and recognise that hundreds of thousands of kids across the US are playing or performing in gear with logos that the creative team at SquadLocker designed.
How does the company ensure timely delivery of orders, particularly during peak seasons?
We maintain inventory in our facility of the most popular styles, colours, and sizes allowing us to respond quickly to our customers’ needs.
What measures does SquadLocker take to reduce waste and promote sustainability in the production and distribution of custom apparel?
Since SquadLocker offers single-unit, on-demand production, we do not force our customers to order minimum quantities. This results in less end-of-season unused inventory and wasted production. SquadLocker also uses upcycled packaging and has a solar array on our facility’s roof, all of which lessen our carbon footprint.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in custom apparel and online retail?
We have a team of engineers who are constantly iterating our technology to meet the changing needs of our users. For example, we are excited to release SquadStudio which allows users to customise their sublimated uniform using a 3D rendering tool. It is fun and users can enjoy ordering a free sample at the end of the design experience.
Can you explain how SquadLocker handles returns or exchanges for customised items?
SquadLocker has a no questions asked return policy. If the item does not fit or meet the customer’s expectations, we provide a free voucher to purchase another size or a different item. This is not the norm with custom-decorated gear!
Could you provide insights into any forthcoming initiatives or advancements that SquadLocker is planning?
As I mentioned before, SquadGEAR and SquadStudio are our largest product /service initiatives, providing an easy way for apparel coordinators to design killer-looking sublimated uniforms and allow their players and parents to conveniently purchase them with 3–5-day fulfilment.
Can you discuss the benefits of using online platforms for ordering custom apparel, compared to traditional methods?
Online platforms allow individuals to place their orders as opposed to a single person being responsible for collecting everyone’s payments, sizes, and shipping needs. However, the challenge is in finding an online ordering platform that also provides single-unit fulfilment. That is where SquadLocker is so special; we do not have ordering windows that frustrate people. We are an always-open operation, so shopping is accessible all season long.
What role does technology play in the design and manufacturing process of custom apparel?
Our technology is instrumental in helping us coordinate the application of which design goes where on which garment via what method. When we are asked to make thousands of individual custom garments a day, with no two looking the same, the task would be impossible without technology.
How can organisations balance the need for brand consistency with the desire for individuality when designing custom uniforms and apparel?
I would urge organisations to leverage our free art services to establish a cohesive look by having SquadLocker provide several logos that work together. Then pair those logos with a tight collection of merchandise to build their “brand”. From there, expand with a cool custom sublimated uniform design that incorporates the logo but has a bit of edge.
Interviewer: Shilpi Panjabi
Published on: 27/02/2024
DISCLAIMER: All views and opinions expressed in this column are solely of the interviewee, and they do not reflect in any way the opinion of Fibre2Fashion.com.
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