Did you know the average American owns different types of clothes amounting to hundreds? That’s quite a lot! We survive every season with wardrobes that adapt. It’s always been the culture. Among all those various kinds of apparel in an American’s wardrobe, the hoodies have a special place. Most of us own at least 5 different types of hooded apparel. And the number goes up further once the colder seasons arrive.
Closer to Fall is when the demand for hoodies starts spiking.That is the time for apparel retailers to get serious about their hoodie game. Selling them is the challenge however, as competition also spikes at that time. With a few strategies in place, retailers can heat up hoodie sales in colder seasons. Let’s take a look at some of those that are deemed effective.
The Surefire Sales Boosters
The following strategies have been really effective for small & medium-sized apparel retail businesses, provided they are executed on time and in the right manner.
“Bundled Savings” Deals: Everyone loves good deals. Package your hoodies with other cold-weather gear like beanies or scarves. Offer them at a reasonable discount, notable from their price tags when sold separately. This encourages bundle purchases which translate to higher profit margins.
Marketable UGCs: User-Generated Content (UGC) is something that works wonders, often running an offbeat promotional campaign on their own, directly and positively impacting sales figures. Use social media platforms to encourage customers to show off their hoodie styles (the ones they bought from you) by posting photos that tag your store. You can do this through contests also to incentivize them for their effort. Their photos can easily turn prospects into customers.
Capitalize on the FOMO Factor: People generally don’t want to miss out on good deals. Particularly when it comes to apparel as the temperature drops. So if your store can create a sense of urgency with flash sales or limited-time special deals, you can motivate them to capitalize on the bargain. Play your cards right and the “fear of missing out (FOMO)” will do the pitch for you.
Promote Value Additions: The best kind of value add now for an apparel store is an in-store customization studio where customers can have their preferred decorations on their hoodies at reasonable rates, compared to getting them customized by a third party service. This also presents one more reason for customers to buy hoodies from you. No one can deny the charm of wearing a personalized hoodie.
Influencer Marketing: It’s everywhere, and almost everyone’s an influencer these days. But the strategy is highly effective, so much so that many stores now partner with micro-influencers to give them a sales boost periodically. Promoting your hoodies through influencers spark more interest in your brand as well.
Mind The Features
No matter which strategy you employ to boost sales, if your hoodies don’t have the right features they are just not going to sell. Certain specific features influence the purchase decision of your customers.
Fabrics: From Fall to Winter, preferences shift. Early Fall calls for lightweight cotton blends, while Winter demands heavyweight fabrics and warmer ones. Source high quality blank hoodies wholesale to cover all your bases at considerably minimized investments.
Utility: Kangaroo pockets are classics, but people also seem to favor cozy garments with hidden interior pockets where they can keep valuables safe. Features like zip pockets are great for active customers who don’t want to lose their stuff while on the move. Wind resistance and moisture-wicking are other features that attract customers to a piece. Adjustable hoods with drawstrings are must-haves. For extra coziness, lined hoods work. For rainy days, water-resistant hoods are preferred. Thumb holes are yet another great feature that keep sleeves in place and hands warm, like fingerless gloves.
Zip Hoodies: They are popular not because they have zippers but because they are versatile. Metal zippers are popularly preferred, particularly in full-zip hoodies. These types of hoodies are amazing layering pieces and can blend well with other types of apparel to beat the cold in style. Invest in blank full zip up hoodies from reputed suppliers that can recommend the best styles and manufacturers that suit your budget.
Seasonal Strategies
There are some major seasonal specialties where your promotions can deliver serious results.
Back-to-School: Target college students with school spirit hoodies.
Halloween: Promote spooky designs or glow-in-the-dark options that can be worn all season long.
Thanksgiving: Promote a “Gratitude Collection” with inspiring quotes or cozy patterns at competitive deals.
Holiday Season: Design holiday-themed hoodies. Even the cheesy ones work.
New Year: Capitalize on resolution season with hoodies that have quirky quotes printed on them.
Unique Selling Points
Recycled Materials: Appeal to eco-conscious shoppers with hoodies made from recycled plastics or organic cotton.
Sustainable Production: Highlight hoodie brands that follow eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
Exclusive Offerings: Unique pieces that are only available for a limited time
Upcycling Programs: Offer discounts to customers who bring in old hoodies for recycling.
By following these strategies, you can effectively market your hoodies and boost your sales during the colder seasons. So get creative, and focus on not just offering the best value to your customers but promoting them at the right time. Adapt to the dynamic trends of Fall & Winter, and you will start seeing results.
