The first quarter can be a relatively slower time for custom apparel decorators compared to other times of the year. Many shops are recovering from a busy holiday season and shoppers may not have as much disposable income to spend on customized apparel. Additionally, the first quarter is often a time when businesses are reassessing their budgets and may not have as much funding available for custom apparel projects. This can lead to a temporary decrease in demand.
The second quarter, however, can be a busy time for custom apparel decorators. It includes several key events and holidays that may drive demand for custom apparel. In addition, many sports teams may also require customized apparel for the spring and early summer sports season. Below, we have compiled a short list of events and holidays that will keep your shop busy through the second quarter.
APRIL
Spring Sports
April marks the beginning of many spring sports seasons, such as baseball, softball, lacrosse, and soccer. Consider offering custom uniforms and practice gear for sports teams, as well as their fan apparel. Don’t forget to include accessories like bags, hats, gloves, and more. Transfers are versatile and can decorate a wide range of products.
Easter
Easter falls on April 9th and can be a good opportunity to offer custom apparel designs and decorations for themed events, such as Easter egg hunts, family gatherings, and church services.
Earth Day
Earth Day is celebrated on April 22nd and is a good opportunity to promote sustainable and eco-friendly products. Consider offering heat transfers that are made from environmentally friendly materials, like colorVIBE Hybrid, or feature eco-friendly designs like the t-shirt pictured.
National Decorating Month
April is also National Decorating Month, which can be a good opportunity to offer custom apparel for home decor items, such as throw pillows, wall art, or tablecloths.
Graduations
April and May are the months when many students graduate from high school or college. Consider offering custom apparel designs and decorations for graduation-themed events, such as custom designs for graduation caps or t-shirts.
National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week is observed in April and can be a good opportunity to offer custom apparel designs and decorations for volunteer groups and organizations, such as custom designs for t-shirts or hats.
MAY
Mother's Day
Mother's Day falls on the second Sunday of May and is the perfect chance to offer custom apparel designs and decorations for themed events, such as brunches, family gatherings, and gift-giving.
Memorial Day
Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May and is a good opportunity to offer custom apparel designs and decorations for themed events, such as parades, barbecues, and patriotic celebrations.
Wedding Season
May is a popular month for weddings, and custom apparel designs and decorations can be a good opportunity to offer customized wedding attire for bridesmaids, groomsmen, and wedding guests. Don’t forget to include customized options such as tablecloths, runners, throw pillows, and more. This is a great chance to show off the versatility of transfers.
National Photography Month
May is also National Photography Month, which can be a good opportunity to offer custom apparel designs and decorations that feature photographic prints or designs. You can achieve photo-realistic designs with our colorVIBE Hybrid product as well as using halftones to create a gradient effect with Howard Multi-Purpose, as pictured.
JUNE
Father's Day
Father's Day falls on the third Sunday of June and is a good opportunity to offer custom apparel designs and decorations for themed events, such as brunches, family gatherings, and gift-giving.
Pride Month
June is also Pride Month, which can be a good opportunity to offer custom apparel designs and decorations that feature LGBTQ+ themes, such as rainbow prints or custom designs for Pride parades and events. Keep cost down with a full-color option like colorVIBE Hybrid.
Summer Camp
Many children attend summer camps or specialty programs in June, and custom apparel can be a good opportunity for these programs, such as custom designs for camp t-shirts or hats.
National Safety Month
June is also National Safety Month, which can be a good opportunity to offer custom apparel designs and decorations that promote safety awareness, such as custom designs for safety vests. We offer a safety rated 3M Reflective vinyl option that will match perfectly!
Overall, the level of business for apparel decorators during the second quarter can depend on a variety of factors, such as the local market, the types of events and holidays that are popular in the area, and the specific products and services offered by the business. However, for many custom apparel decorators, the second quarter can be a busy and lucrative time of year.