5 Must-Have Features for a Streamlined Online Company Apparel Store

Building a thriving online company apparel store isn’t just about throwing some t-shirts and hoodies on a website. To truly empower your employees and create a smooth experience, you need the right features in place with a vendor that has the capabilities to run a great program. Here are 5 must-haves for a streamlined online company apparel store:

1. A Tailored Platform for Your Team:

Ditch the generic online stores! Look for a platform specifically designed for company-branded apparel. Here’s what it should offer: • Seamless Integration: Integrate the company apparel store with your Single Sign-On (SSO) system. This allows employees to access and manage their swag with ease, using their existing company login credentials. • Automated Business Rules: Set up business rules within the store. This could involve setting employee budgets, offering different products or logos based on departments, or forcing employees to purchase specific uniform items. • Flexible Payment Options: Offer diverse payment options based on user type. This could include pre-loaded points, company credit cards, cost centers, GL codes, or payroll deductions.

2. Building Your Brand Identity:

It’s all about striking a balance between personal choice and brand consistency. Here’s what your product selection should look like in your company merch store: • On-Brand Style, Color, and Quality: Choose apparel that reflects your company’s image. Are you a professional company or more workwear and rugged? Nike and North Face or Carhartt and Dickies? Be sure to adhere to your corporate color palette. Don’t skimp on quality – These products directly reflect who you are, so many companies like to associate with name brands and quality products. Employees will greatly appreciate this. • Variety is Key: Offer a range of products across your categories. Think polos, t-shirts, outerwear, hats, dress shirts, and more. This caters to different employee preferences and needs, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

3. Allow Employee Choices:

Customization goes a long way in making employees feel valued. Look for features that encourage some creative freedom: • Flexible Logo Placement: Allow employees to choose where they want the company logo displayed on their apparel. This could be on the chest, sleeve, or back yoke. • Pre-Approved Design Options: Offer a selection of pre-designed t-shirts, hoodies, or other items with different logo placements and layouts. This provides some customization while still maintaining brand consistency.

4. On-Demand Production: The Future of Company Apparel:

Forget the hassle of managing inventory! On-demand production offers several benefits: • Unlimited Options: No longer are you limited by pre-decorated stock. There is no reason to have apparel inventory. On-demand decoration allows for a vast selection of products and logo variations, catering to individual preferences. • Inventory Freedom: Say goodbye to leftover sizes or unpopular styles! With on-demand production, you only buy what’s ordered, eliminating the risk of dead inventory. • Freshness Factor: Keep your store exciting by frequently adding new styles and colors. On-demand production allows for this flexibility without the financial commitment of inventory.

5. Data-Driven Decisions for a Winning Selection:

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your company’s apparel store. Look for a platform that offers: • Detailed Reporting & Analytics: Track what items are flying off the shelves and what don’t sell. This data allows you to tailor your product selection based on employee preferences, ensuring your store offers items they’ll truly love and wear. • Informed Adjustments: Use the insights from your reports to optimize your store. With on-demand decoration, you can immediately remove unpopular styles, adjust pricing based on demand, and introduce new, data-driven options that resonate with your employees. By incorporating these 5 features, you can create a streamlined online company merchandise store that empowers your employees to order items they will actually wear. Get ready to see your branded apparel worn with pride!