subject: How To Profit From Collectable Corporatewear [print this page] They say that first impressions last, and when it comes to a business that can be the difference between gaining or losing a client or customer. All big companies invest in corporatewear to not only ensure that their staff look smart, but to reinforce the brand to the world. For example my friend works for a well known discount airline, and her bright orange uniform is an instant giveaway of who she works for. Each time someone sees her in that uniform, she reinforces the name of the airline, and shows that she is part of a bigger team to the world, not just her passengers. When corporatewear is this recognisable it has the potential become iconic and therefore collectable.
One of the biggest markets for collectable corporatewear is in Japan where fashion conscious youngsters in the Harajuku district of Tokyo spend their time and money dressing as an idol, or following a certain theme. One of the most popular themes to follow, apart from manga characters is uniforms, and that is why you will see these young people dressed as anything from a roadworker to an ice cream vendor. These fashion statements have been captured and published in a magazine on a monthly basis since 1997, and they have even been released in several books and a postcard collection.
In the west the thirst for collectable cororatewear is not so highly in demand, but if a company has a reputable and recognisable brand name coupled with a great logo, their uniforms will be instantly snapped up. This has been particularly true of authentic uniforms related to the car manufacturing industry such as Ferrari, Volvo and Ford and especially with soft drinks giant Coca Cola. These brands have an identity that people want to buy into, and that all came from a recognisable image, which was incorporated into every aspect of the business.
It is at this point of recognition that corporatewear becomes collectable, and can then even be manufactured as merchandise. When a company is big enough to make money from promotional items, there is usually a huge increase in profit margin. As well as making money from the goods or services on offer, they are now able to make money in the collectors market, which inherently holds great potential for making profit. Limited edition runs and personalised versions all add potential for profit and increased demand; and not just for the company in question, collectors of iconic corporatewear can make a tidy profit on their collection too.