Uniform News - May 2008

International News

Blazing a Trail for Recycled Uniforms

Harrogate, England, April 11, 2008 (Harrogate Today) - A Knaresborough firm that specializes in manufacturing school uniforms has launched a school blazer made entirely from recycled plastic bottles.

The ECOBlazer is part of a new range launched this week by School Colors and is aimed at environmentally aware students and parents.

The technology used to make the green garment brakes down the bottles into flakes before using chemical processes to change their structure. They are then made into clothing.

Up to 30 one-and-one-half liter bottles are used in each blazer and 15 are used to make trousers using the same process. No component of the bottles recycled goes into landfill.

Managing Director Mark Southcott said the items were not only good for the planet, they were also comfortable and hard-wearing.

“This blazer is comfortable, stylish and will last several years as well as making a unique contribution to a more sustainable earth,” he said.

“Plastic is not biodegradable, and millions of plastic bottles are produced every day worldwide. The ECOSmart range helps to solve the problem of disposing of these by recycling them.

“School Colors is committed to green values, and we always seek the most ecologically sound method of manufacture, whilst keeping our range affordable to parents. I am confident this school blazer will catch the imagination of parents and pupils alike.”

New Casino Uniforms Too Sexy, Workers Say

Canada, April 16, 2008 (The Windsor Star) - As Casino Windsor gears up for its June unveiling under the Caesars brand, some female beverage workers are decrying a new, toga-like, uniform as too revealing.

"I feel it's inappropriate," says one worker who, along with others interviewed by The Star, asked that their names not be used for fear of losing their jobs. Confidentiality agreements signed at the time of their hiring prohibits them from speaking publicly about casino business, they said.

"I'm not putting down the casino because I enjoy working there. I just feel showing half of my body is inappropriate," the worker said.

"The skirt is really, really short. The top is very low-cut. It looks more like a tennis skirt with slits in the front and back where you have to wear panties underneath. So, if you have to wear panties underneath you know it's too short."

About a month ago, the approximately 120 full-time and part-time servers -- most of whom are women -- were given their first look at the company-issued uniform -- for women, a cream-colored dress with specially designed panties. It also comes with a matching bolero jacket.

They would start wearing the outfits once the casino officially becomes Caesars with a grand re-opening in June, showcasing a $400-million expansion.

Not all employees are against the new look.

"They're absolutely beautiful, elegant," gushed one worker. "The uniforms are their decor, that's what Caesars wants, and I am excited to meet their standards."

Currently, employees wear a black uniform consisting of a waist-level jacket, multi-colored top, and the choice of slacks or a skort.

Pam Leach, third vice-president of CAW Local 444, says the union plans to discuss concerns about the new uniform with casino management.

"When the company comes out with new uniforms obviously it doesn't please everyone, so what we have done in the past with the company is sit down with them where there's a concern -- whether it be too revealing, too short, too tight, things of that nature. We've been able to sit down with the company and work through that. We have met with management, and they have agreed to sit with us and discuss those concerns hopefully within the next little while."

Holly Ward, Casino Windsor spokeswoman, said the facility is undergoing an extensive makeover designed to give customers a Las Vegas-style Caesars experience. As front-line employees, beverage workers are key to the success of the launch, she adds.

"To do that, all the Casino Windsor logos have to go. We have to make sure we're living the Caesars brand on our property. We have employees going through training on how to live the brand, so when customers come they truly have the Caesars experience. Part of that experience is looking like a Caesars property as well."

Ward said employees in "dozens of departments are getting new uniforms." The new uniforms for beverage workers are similar to those worn by their counterparts at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, she said.

But, Windsor is not Las Vegas, said the worker who thinks the new uniform exposes too much skin. "Las Vegas is totally different. They've got showgirls. None of us is that showgirl type."

The new uniforms could create embarrassing problems for servers as they perform their duties, she added.

"When we're serving to slot areas, we're working with a cart. As we're cleaning, there's a little tray at the bottom where we throw the empties, When you're bending over, people are going to see everything.

"They're not there to see us, they're there to gamble and have fun and I don't feel showing what we have is appropriate for the job we're doing."

She also fears the new look will elicit lewd comments from customers. "It's sexist and we're not there for that."

Another beverage employee estimated that at least 80 per cent of the female staff are against the new look.

"We have female servers in their 50s and 60s," the worker said. "We've got a couple of female servers who unfortunately have had a mastectomy. How do you think that makes them feel?

"In Vegas, they can say: 'We want a cocktail server who's 26 years old, five-foot nine-inches, with measurements of 36-22-34,' and they can get away with that. We don't have anyone that would fit the qualifications of Vegas-style cocktail server."

Tafford Nursing Uniforms Now Available in Canada

North Wales, PN, April 16, 2008 (Marketwire) - Tafford Uniforms, a leading manufacturer and retailer of nursing scrub wear, shoes, and medical accessories, today announced the availability of Canadian shipping on all Tafford nursing uniforms, nursing shoes, and medical accessories.

Tafford has partnered with Canada Post to leverage the Borderfree service to provide a seamless shopping experience for Tafford's Canadian customers. Medical professionals in Canada can visit www.tafford.com to shop Tafford's wide selection of nursing uniforms, footwear, & medical accessories, and select "Canadian Checkout" when finished shopping. Upon entering the Canadian checkout process, prices are automatically converted to Canadian Dollars and all appropriate duties, taxes and shipping/handling costs are added, eliminating any surprises upon delivery. Canadian delivery is also available for phone orders.

"We are excited to introduce Canadian medical professionals to Tafford style, quality, value -- and especially to our customer service," said Gene S. Godick, CEO and co-owner of Tafford Uniforms. "Our scrubs lead the nursing uniform industry with features that include softer, more durable fabrics, reinforced stress seams, bar-tacked corners, and stylish selections of perfectly coordinated print and solid scrubs. We believe that Canadian customers will find our uniforms, only available through our catalogue or website, to be an incredible value and we look forward to welcoming new customers to the Tafford family."

Tafford Uniforms is a leading manufacturer and retailer of nursing uniforms, scrubs, accessories, and footwear. For over 20 years, millions of customers have looked to the Tafford brand for the best in style, quality, customer service, and value.

Canada Post delivers over 11 billion pieces of mail each year to 14 million destinations. Its 60,000 employees and 7,000 post offices -- the largest retail network in the country -- serve 32 million Canadians and over 1 million businesses and public institutions from coast to coast. Through Canada Post's Borderfree suite of eCommerce technology and cross border logistics solutions, Canada Post enables direct retailers to manage their international customer shopping experience and optimize their logistics operations. Visit www.borderfree.net for more information.

There is Nothing Uniform About Edinburgh’s Hospitality Designs

Edinburgh, April 20, 2008 (The Scotsman) – It is said that the first impression counts the most. And for a number of big-name hotel chains, that first impression is created by none other than an Edinburgh designer who fashions eye-catching uniforms for hospitality staff.

Textiles graduate Gill Eastgate spotted a gap in the market for original work outfits and is now beating off industry leaders such as Simon Jersey and Dewhurst for contracts with the more cutting-edge firms.

Eastgate's Edinburgh-based company, which now boasts a client list including Malmaison, Dakota Hotels and the Hotel du Vin Group, does not offer prospective clients a brochure, preferring to create one-off outfits from scratch.

Once approved by the client, the designs are then shipped off to a factory for manufacturing. "I do not do navy suits and white shirts and if a company wants that, they should go elsewhere," she explains.

"I wouldn't enjoy my job if that was what I had to do every day. And it works both ways; what we offer is a breath of fresh air for a lot of our clients."

In addition to basic uniforms, Eastgate's team does "mystery shopper" style spot checks on staff they have decked out to check that they portray the right look.

"We have even sometimes been asked to design jewelry and footwear for companies," explains Eastgate. "There's no point in having a great uniform that is really smart, but then someone goes and wears it with big hoop earrings or something."

She adds: "We know a lot of the staff personally and talk to them about what they want from their uniforms.

"One chain wanted khaki-colored cargo pants for their cleaners – most of them were middle-aged women and didn't want to be bending over in trousers like that. We decided it would be much more sensible to have something in a dark color."

Eye-catching designs created by Eastgate include T-shirts for restaurant staff at the Malmaison chain, boasting tongue-in-cheek slogans such as "Fancy a shank" and "For your fries only".

"They're quirky and fun and people remember them," adds Eastgate. "In fact, they became so popular, there was demand for them to go on sale to the public in the hotel shops. They're still there a few years later and sell like hot cakes."

Now the firm, which boasts nine employees at its Canonmills headquarters, is looking to move into markets outside of hospitality, cashing in on Scotland's banking and financial sector.

Eastgate adds: "We want to consolidate in the markets we are already in, but also move into new markets. I think we're in a position now where we can do that."

The firm's most recent contract win was another deal with De Vere Hotels – the company behind the luxury Cameron House Hotel in Loch Lomond – to design uniforms for its "The Collection" range of hotels. But Eastgate is confident that her business – derived purely from word of mouth – will continue.

"Companies that we deal with often want to keep their uniforms up to date and in line with fashion trends," she explains. "We've done things like city shorts for one chain of bars within a hotel. But things like that are always changing and they often want something different."

McDonald’s UK Gets Makeover

United Kingdom, April 23, 2008 (Times Online) - Bruce Oldfield is the first to admit it. “One doesn’t necessarily think of McDonald’s and chic in the same sentence,” the designer-to-the-stars said cautiously as he sat in the Cannon Street branch in London of the fast-food chain yesterday. “But my aim was to design a uniform that was exactly that.”

Unveiled in London yesterday, and soon to be introduced to all the company’s 67,000 employees in Britain, Oldfield’s new collection of McDonald’s uniforms features sharp suits, kick-flare skirts, flowing scarves and every variant of “neutral” in the spectrum – from biscuit to beige.

“I could have picked out lime green highlights,” said Oldfield, gesturing at the lime green lights, walls and seats. “But I think that might have worked for a week.

“I wanted to do something that would stand out, but without being too quirky or too eccentric. Eccentricities are fine for a photo shoot but then the reality kicks in.”

He has found himself designing sleeves short enough to avoid tomato ketchup, machine-washable ties and size 30 skirts. Almost entirely out of polyester, he has created a vast range of sartorial options to cover every body type, every preference and every job. The new uniform’s wearer guide features 17 pages of clothes and accessories, including aprons and baseball caps for the kitchen staff, waterproof trousers and fluorescent jackets for the litter patrol, and maternity clothes for the pregnant.

“It was a big challenge,” Oldfield said. “I had to come up with something that would work for a huge range of sizes, shapes and ethnicities.

“But I’m very, very pleased with the result. It was great to walk in here this morning and see all these kids running around wearing my uniform.”

Among the “kids” was Sarah Bailey, 32, the manager of a McDonald’s outlet in Stoke-on-Trent. A McDonald’s employee of 13 years, she has been through four changes of uniform, and says that this is by far the best.

“It looks so much more professional and the quality is much better,” she said. “It’s fashionable too. I see this kind of skirt in Debenhams.”

Shad Ruhana, 17, was so tiny that the skirt hung limply from her hips. But she had been working at McDonald’s for only a month and was thrilled with her timing. “It’s very beautiful,” she said shyly.

“The feedback has been very positive from our staff,” said David Fairhurst, the chief people officer at McDonald’s UK. “From our research we have learned that the staff feel more confident in their new uniforms and the customers treat them differently.”

The uniforms will cost McDonald’s £2.5 million this year, and another £2.5 million every 18 months when they will be “ethically” disposed of and replaced with new ones.

But at the Cannon Street McDonald’s in the City of London yesterday, few customers even seemed to notice the change – or to care.

“I guess it’s more presentable,” said George Dhanda, a 24-year-old student. “But as long as I get my food, I don’t care what they’re wearing.”

Awards

NAUMD Image of the Year Winners Announced at Nashville Convention

New York, April 10, 2008 - The North-American Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors Association (NAUMD) and its division, the Image Apparel Institute, announced the 2008 NAUMD Image of the Year Awards at a gala banquet on Saturday, March 29th during the Association’s 75th Annual Convention & Exposition, which this year was held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee.

The Image of the Year Awards, in its 30th year, recognizes outstanding design in image apparel and corporate uniforms. Created in 1978, the competition has been updated in recent years to include a comprehensive range of professional judges and streamlined judging process. Winners and nominee finalists were honored with a ceremony featuring a multi-media presentation of the nominated designs. The event also featured a show by John Davidson, the former Hollywood Squares and Tonight Show host. “Our goal was to recognize the broadest range of design talent in our industry, and to encourage design creativity across all industry sectors,” said John Gunzler, chairman of the NAUMD Image Apparel Institute and vice president of Edwards Garment Company, “To that end, the banquet was truly a celebration of the very best our industry has to offer.”

“Our single objective was to recognize the best and most effective programs with the Image of the Year Awards as the premier criterion of image apparel design,” said Richard J. Lerman, president of the North-American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors. “By engaging outstanding fashion authorities as our judges, and streamlining the judging process we insured maximum member participation and expert evaluation. We further enhanced the program as an awards banquet complete with entertainment by John Davidson which allowed the event to be more fun and exciting than ever.”

The 2008 NAUMD IOY Winners are:

Casinos & Gaming – Winners – A Tie!

Bragard Uniforms for MGM Grand Las Vegas… featuring garments with a unique fit, while achieving a spectacular look and design… paying particular attention to detail in order to improve comfort and fit.

Cintas for Planet Hollywood… featuring a variety of hip, modern, and decidedly dramatic looks to match the casino environment and style.

Cruise Lines – Winner

Cintas for Silverseas Sommelier. With a collection featuring a stylish and clean look… using a variety of browns, tans and white… to create welcoming and comfortable looks for everyone from servers to receptionists.

Entertainment – Winner

Walt Disney Entertainment for Walt Disney Coronado Springs Resort Lounge. This program focused on the unique blend of the cultures of northern Mexico and southwest United States … and featured the colors and styles of the region – bold, bright reds and traditional blacks.

Healthcare – Winner

Cintas for Centra Care Florida Hospital… a new branded image program encompassing nearly ten different departments, including every single employee who sees patients.

Hotels – Winners – A Tie!

Cintas for NYLO Hotels – featured a clean, modern design aesthetic building on NYLO’s forward-thinking architecture and interior design.

Walt Disney Entertainment for Walt Disney Fort Wilderness. This program presented a collection that brought us to the back wood seclusion of a pioneer campsite making guests feel as if they are experiencing the rustic charm of the western frontier.

Restaurants – Winner

Blade Uniforms for Arby’s - A truly special program featuring stylish jackets and shirts in red with soil release finish and with embroidery highlighting the Arby’s logo.

Retail Establishments – Winners – A Tie!

Superior Uniforms Group for Walgreen’s. A great program featuring team members wearing cobalt knit shirts with embroidery on the back yoke.

Superior Uniform Group for Ben & Jerry’s – A program which turned Ben and Jerry’s old worn plant workers’ scrubs into a more brand fitting tie-dyed camp shirt, tie-dyed apron, and tie-dyed lab coat.

Service & Industry – Winner

Brookhurst Uniforms for Mary Kay- A new program which featured a futuristic executive jacket, with collar, black piping and a 100% silk iridescent organza lilac-shaded flower as an optional accessory. Skirt designs include ten-gore tulip design, short pencil design, and long skirt with a straight cut front and elegant back.

Theme Parks & Sports Arenas – Winner

Superior Uniform Group for the Cincinnati Reds Great American Ballpark – With the look and style of a professional Cincinnati Reds uniform, while still being somewhat casual and comfortable this extensive uniform program captured the excitement of baseball and fashion.

Judges were charged to evaluate each of the submissions and then the nominees using the following criteria: Overall design excellence of the program; Harmonious design within the environment where the outfits are worn and utilized; Overall design innovation; Effectiveness in meeting the image goals of the end-user; and Innovative use of fabric, design and accessories to build an image fitting the corporation’s needs

The judging panel for 2008 Image of the Year competition included a cross-section of the fashion industry’s most celebrated designers, journalists and fashion authorities. Only the judges viewed the nominated programs and decided the winners using a virtual judging process with a point system.

Judges for the 2008 competition were: Ed Cortese, The Robb Report, Norman Fryman, Parsons School of Design, Eric Hertz, Fashion Institute of Technology, Sally Kay, The Hosiery Association, Karen Koza, Fashion Journalist, Marilyn Levey, Levey Marketing Services, Jeff Rundles, Corporate Apparel Magazine, Jordon Speer, Apparel Magazine

“We were delighted to have such a highly respected group of fashion & design professionals as our judges for the 2008 Image of the Year Awards,” noted Gunzler. “The participation of these professionals has taken the entire program to the next level of performance – and provided our members with greater incentive than ever to submit their most exciting designs. We were truly encouraged by the growth of submissions from 100 in the previous year to over 150 in 2008! This is proof positive in our belief that a true competition is the way our membership wishes the program to be executed.”

For further information contact the Association at 212-736-3010 Ext. 205 or visit the NAUMD website at: www.naumd.com

Wendy’s International Honors Crest Uniform for Supplier Excellence

Norwell, MA, May 1, 2008 - Wendy’s International honored Crest Uniform, a division of Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel, with a 2008 Golden Link Award for Supplier Excellence. According to Wendy’s, Crest was selected for its uniform program that delivered increased savings while maintaining excellent customer service.

“Although Crest Uniform is a longstanding partner, the company approached our competitive bid with enthusiasm and professionalism,” said Tad Wampfler, Wendy’s senior vice president of supply chain management. “Crest viewed our proposal request as an opportunity to expand the business relationship. Their method brought value to the Wendy’s system and they became our sole uniform supplier in the process.”

“A true measure of a great company is how it performs for its largest, most demanding and most complex customers,” said WearGuard-Crest President Mark Barrocas. “This team knew exactly what to do and they demonstrated to Wendy’s how important their business is to us.”

The Golden Supplier Award represents the latest honor garnered by Aramark Uniform and Career Apparel. Hormel recognized Aramark Uniform Services (AUS) with its “Spirit of Excellence Award,” and Food Processing magazine named AUS the number-one uniform supplier in its Readers’ Choice Awards. And, in March, Aramark was named #1 in its industry on Fortune magazine’s 2008 list of “Most Admired Companies.”

WearGuard-Crest is a leading designer and manufacturer and distributor of corporate uniforms and customized work apparel. Based in Norwell, Massachusetts, WearGuard-Crest offers national chain and small businesses a single source provider of durable and comfortable work clothing. earGuard-Crest is a division of Aramark Uniform & Career Apparel LLC, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Aramark Corporation. More information can be found at www.aramark-uniform.com.

ARAMARK is a leader in professional services, providing award-winning food services, facilities management, and uniform and career apparel to health care institutions, universities and school districts, stadiums and arenas, and businesses around the world. Headquartered in Philadelphia, Aramark has approximately 250,000 employees serving clients in 19 countries. Learn more at the company's website, www.aramark.com.

Aramark Named Top Uniform Supplier by Food Processing Magazine

Burbank, CA, April 16, 2008 – Aramark Uniform Services (AUS), a leading supplier of uniforms and career apparel, has been named the top uniform supplier in Food Processing magazine’s “2008 Readers’ Choice Awards,” a who’s-who list of suppliers and vendors in the industry. AUS moved up from a second-place ranking in 2007 and 2006.

The sixth annual Readers’ Choice Awards were determined by a web-based survey, which was taken in December of 2007 and January of 2008 by Food Processing magazine subscribers and representatives of all categories of the food and beverage industry.

“AUS is proud to be recognized as the top uniform provider in the food processing industry,” said Brad Drummond, president of Aramark Uniform Services. “We are committed to a long-term partnership to deliver quality service and proactive program management for our customers’ needs, and we thank them for recognizing our efforts in fulfilling those commitments.”

Aramark Uniform Services understands the food manufacturing business and helps client partners address food safety and sanitation concerns with its award-winning “Total HACCP Solution” program. Aramark is proud to serve the majority of this country’s 100 largest food processing plants.”

Holiday Inn Select-Clearwater Wins "Define Your Design" Contest

Clearwater, FL. April 9, 2008 - Holiday Inn Select in Clearwater, Florida, today won the 2008 Define Your Design (DYD) contest, hosted by Cintas, an industry leader in corporate identity apparel programs.

Employees will receive a free style consultation and image management seminar titled "The Power of Image" from Roberta Hughes of Avidere, LLC, renowned image management and style consultant, and $10,000 in fresh designs featured in the new Cintas style guide, The Big Book. The total prize package is valued at $20,000.

"Our hotel began an estimated $4 million renovation this month," said Bob Falk, general manager of the hotel. "Winning the DYD contest provides a great introduction to this effort to further enhance our image and our hotel's new brand."

Hughes' hour-long seminar will offer insight on the power of image management while addressing the top 10 image management strategies practiced by effective leaders. Holiday Inn Select employees will receive tips on personal branding, professional dress, presence, performance and facility management.

"Employees who look good will also feel good," added Falk. "Winning the DYD contest impacts our entire hotel—employees, management and guests, and complements our property's new look."

The DYD competition was open to executives in the hospitality industry who expressed why their property needed a corporate apparel makeover and image consultation on www.cintasfashion.com.

"Hospitality executives recognize that their employees' appearance will transform the guest experience," said Ahmed Said, director of marketing for Cintas. "The Define Your Design contest offers registrants a great opportunity to update their apparel programs to help employees feel confident inside and out."

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cintas Corporation provides highly specialized services to businesses of all types throughout North America. Cintas designs, manufactures and implements corporate identity uniform programs, and provides entrance mats, restroom supplies, promotional products, first aid and safety products, fire protection services and document management services to approximately 800,000 businesses.

For more information about Cintas and their services, please call Heather Trainer, Corporate Communications Manager, Cintas Corporation at 513-701-2200 or email trainerh@cintas.com.

Company News

NAUMD Elects New Chairman, Board of Directors

New York, NY, April 10, 2008 - The North-American Association of Uniform Manufacturers & Distributors (NAUMD) today announced the election of its Board of Directors and officers for 2008-09. In voting by the NAUMD membership, the continuing executive committee included: Roger Heldman, Blumenthal Uniform Company, elected to a two-year term as chairman; along with two year terms for vice chairman, Steve Zalkin, Alamar Uniforms Company; Steve Robinson, Liberty Uniform Manufacturing Co., Inc., treasurer; and Jim Tewmey, VF Imagewear, Inc. as member at large. Richard J. Lerman, NAUMD’s president, was elected secretary and Ron Pate, Unison Marketing Group, Inc. continues on both the executive Committee and Board of Directors as immediate past chairman.

Returning and newly elected board members include: John Best, Best Uniforms, Inc..; Stewart Brooks, Rocky Shoes & Boots Inc.; Michael Broome, Samuel Broome Uniform Accessories.; William D. Graves, Graves Uniforms; John Gunzler, Edwards Garment Company; Fred Heldman, Fechheimer Brothers Company; Sol Jacobs, I. Spiewak & Sons, Inc.; Calvin Johnson, Galls/Aramark; Phil Newman, Cobmex Apparel, LTD; Ahmed Said, Cintas Corporation; Chris Sneden, 3M Company; W. Jerry Vereen; Riverside Manufacturing Company; and Russell Wilson, Pro Feet Inc.

The association’s new chairman, Roger Heldman, has over 30 years’ experience in the industry on both the manufacturing and retailing side of the business. Additionally, he has served in numerous leadership positions within the NAUMD.

Mr. Heldman began his career with Fechheimer in 1978, working in a variety of areas including manufacturing, purchasing, customer service and sales. The majority of his tenure with Fechheimer was spent as vice president of sales and marketing. He worked closely with uniform dealers across the country, as well as end users in the public safety and law enforcement sectors.

In 2000 he left Fechheimer to embark on a career change, joining as a partner with Mark Blumenthal of Blumenthal’s Uniforms of Seattle, Washington, an independent uniform dealer with five locations. Blumenthal Uniform Company celebrated its 60th anniversary in business this year. Mr. Heldman also has an interest in Postal Uniform Direct, a mail order and eCommerce business specializing in postal uniforms. The Heldman family and Fechheimer was a founding member of NAUMD with numerous relations having held leadership in the association in past years.

NAUMD has been serving as the voice of the uniform industry since 1933 and since 2007 the entire North-American continent, and is a not-for-profit trade association representing the interests of its over 500 member companies and corporations who are engaged in the design, development, material supply, manufacture and distribution of uniforms, image apparel, and associated accessories to businesses worldwide.

For further information contact the Association at 212-736-3010 or visit the NAUMD website at: www.naumd.com.

DuPont to Acquire Cardinal Health Industrial Apparel Business

Boston, April 1, 2008 (Thomson Financial delivered by Newstex) -- DuPont & Co. said Tuesday it intends to purchase the industrial apparel line of Cardinal Health's scientific and production products business to support its growth strategy in safety and protection products.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

The agreement includes the transfer of the existing inventory and intellectual property related to industrial garments including the Micro-Clean brand.

Shares of DuPont, a Wilmington, Del.-based science and technology company and component of the Dow Jones industrial average, rose 1.5% to $47.46.

Shares of Cardinal Health, a Dublin, Ohio-based healthcare products provider, rose 1.1% to $53.11.

Vantage Apparel Adds to its Sales Team

Avenel, NJ, April 8, 2008 - Vantage Apparel recently added the following new representatives to their sales team:

Kelly Henrich has been hired as the sales representative for Tennessee, Mississippi and Alabama. Henrich comes to Vantage with promotional products sales experience, having previously worked for industry supplier, Gold Bond Inc.

Elliot Pomeranz has been hired as the sales representative for Central and Southern New Jersey, and Eastern PA. He joins Vantage with extensive business to business sales experience.

Programs, Trends and Perceptions

Navy Introduces New PT Uniforms

Virginia Beach, VA, April 2, 2008 (Navy News) - The Navy's new Physical Training or PT uniforms are ready to hit NEX Uniform Center shelves beginning this spring. To ensure there are enough uniforms in stock to meet demand the Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM) is rolling out the uniforms in three waves.

"We want to ensure the rollout of the new PT uniform goes as smoothly as possible," said Cmdr. Mark Friermood, director, NEXCOM's Uniform Program Management Office. "Creating these waves allows us to watch our stock levels to ensure that the product meets the demand and that our manufacturers can keep us in stock. We know sailors are enthusiastic to get the new uniforms, and we assure you, over the next five months everyone will."

The short sleeve gold performance PT shirt sells for $10.99 while the blue nylon shorts, available in two inseam lengths, six inch and eight inch, are $13.99. While only the short sleeve PT shirt and shorts are mandatory, there are other optional PT gear that will be available for purchase. Compression shorts are $9.99 for men's and ladies' regular length and $11.99 for the men's long length; long sleeved gold performance PT shirts are $11.99; 2-pack performance quarter length socks with arch support are $3.75 and 2-pack no show socks with arch support are $3.55.

The first delivery wave will begin in April when Recruit Training Command, Great Lakes, Ill., will start issuing the gear to new recruits.

In May, Sailors stationed in Virginia; West Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Maryland; Pennsylvania; California; Indiana and Illinois can begin purchasing uniforms from their local NEX.

NEXs in Hawaii; Europe; Japan; Guam; the Northwest and Southwest, which includes Jacksonville, Key West, Orlando and Mayport, Fla.; Georgia; Cuba; and South Carolina will stock the PT uniform beginning in June.

The final wave, which begins in August, will include NEXs in Rhode Island; New York; Connecticut; Maine; New Jersey; Mississippi; Louisiana; Texas; and Pensacola (Whiting Field and Corry Station) and Panama City, Fla.

In August, sailors will also be able to purchase the PT uniform through the Uniform Support Center's toll-free phone center or its website.

Massachusetts Police Get Black Uniforms to Instill Sense of 'Fear'

Springfield, MA, April 24, 2008 (AP) – Springfield's men in black are returning.

The city's new police commissioner, William Fitchet, says members of the department's Street Crime Unit will again don black, military-style uniforms as part of his strategy to deal with youth violence.

Fitchet's predecessor, Edward Flynn, had ditched the black attire as part of an effort to soften the image of the unit. Flynn left Springfield in January to become the police chief in Milwaukee.

Sgt. John Delaney told a city council hearing Wednesday that the stark uniforms send a message to criminals that officers are serious about making arrests.

Delaney said a sense of "fear" has been missing for the past few years.

Chelsea Police to Get the Blues - Uniforms, That is

Michigan, Thursday, March 27, 2008 (Ann Arbor News) - Chelsea police officers will soon have a new, more casual look.

Officers who have been testing the new all-blue uniforms say they're more comfortable. City officials say they will save the city money.

The Chelsea City Council approved buying the new uniforms Tuesday night, along with purchasing two motorcycles and installing a new phone system for the police department.

The more tailored and formal Class A uniform will continue to be used during special events, such as funerals or parades, Police Chief Ed Toth said.

The switch to the new uniform will save the city about 15 percent, Toth said. A Class A uniform costs about $179 each, and the new Class B ones cost about $146 each.

The department also plans to purchase baseball caps that go with the new look at $15 each. They will replace the more traditional police hats officers currently wear.

This year, the eight full-time officers as well as the eight part-time officers will be outfitted at a total cost of about $8,000.

There's Room for Style as Hotels Hire Designers to make more Fashionable Ensembles for Employees

Knoxville, TN, April 3, 2008 (News Sentinel) - Not only are high-thread-count sheets in demand at hotels, but so is high style.

Hotel uniforms have evolved into ensembles hospitality workers can wear without reservations.

"They're not uniforms anymore," said Joe Valentino, general manager at the downtown Knoxville Hampton Inn and Suites. "We call them wardrobes."

Last year, Hampton, which is part of the Hilton Hotels Corp., called on Lands' End Business Outfitters to create work wear for its employees. The result is a collection of two groups. The Team Hampton Kit, which is geared to such workers as housekeepers and dining staff, offers three pants, five tops and a belt, while the Traditional Kit consists of a blazer, two pairs of slacks, three tops, two scarves for women or two ties for men. No chance of hand-me-downs here: Each piece is made to each individual's measurements. How's that for hotel haute couture?

Also making them more fashionable is the fact that only the optional outerwear sports the Hampton logo.

"Traditionally they wouldn't want to wear a uniform outside of work," Valentino said. "You wouldn't want to wear it to dinner. But these are really nice. I think they feel more comfortable in them and look more comfortable in them. It's something they can feel proud to wear."

At the forefront of this trend is Cintas, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based company that specializes in the design, manufacture and implementation of hotel-uniform programs in chains across the country. In 2002 it worked with Kenneth Cole to fashion trendy outfits for the upscale W Hotels. Cintas also has collaborated with such high-profile designers as Michael Kors and Cynthia Rowley and the better-sportswear label Lafayette 148. It recently partnered with designer and "Project Runway" alumnus Daniel Vosovic, who did a wardrobe for the new NYLO Hotels. Hotels chains in the Knoxville market that Cintas has helped dress include Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn (Cedar Bluff) and Hilton.

"Hotels are using this … to build their brand and identity with guests," said Ahmed Said, director of marketing for Cintas. "In a world of increased competition, using this to differentiate is a win for most hotel brands."

Recently Cintas joined forces with Bagir Group Ltd., a company known for innovative clothing, to create a group of easy-care suits for staffs at such establishments as Fairfield Inn & Suites.

The wool-polyester-blend suits (men's and women's) are machine washable and can be tumble dried. They are wrinkle- and stain-resistant, too.

"This is obviously very important in this industry," said Steven Kimmel, president of Bagir. "This way they always look smart and fresh and perfectly crisp."

Other features of the black, navy and gray suits include moisture-wicking linings and trade-marked Aeroflex technology, which is a mesh Spandex in the armholes, which allow for better freedom of movement. Both are great for on-the-go bellhops.

The men's suits are available with two- or three-button blazers, while the women's suits boast the classic-cut jacket, a cropped jacket, pants and skirts.

"When you walk into a St. Regis or a Westin, you are greeted by people behind the front desk," Kimmel said. "There's a certain air or stature hotels are trying to project to its clientele. It begins with these people. They want them to project professionalism and hipness."

Personalized Uniforms Help Create Loyal Customers

Wilmington, MA, March 26, 2008 (PRNewswire-FirstCall) - From down-to-earth retail outlets to airlines circling the globe at sky-high altitudes, companies everywhere are recognizing the key role personalized employee uniforms can play in generating repeat business.

"It's what some social scientists have described as 'cognitive lock-in,'" explains Robert Isaacson, director of marketing at UniFirst Corp., a leading provider of personalized work apparel in North America. "Customers have a natural tendency to link satisfying purchasing decisions with visual cues like easily identifiable company uniforms. And when those uniforms are personalized with logos, corporate colors, and wearer names, those links become more deeply embedded and foster repeat business."

Examples of cognitive lock-in would include customers who quickly associate satisfying package deliveries with the recognizable brown-and-gold UPS uniforms, or who associate thirst-quenching satisfaction when they see red-and-white Coca-Cola uniform shirts or the red, white, and blue Pepsi logo.

The power of cognitive lock-in with respect to customer purchasing decisions was illustrated in a study published last year in the Journal of Consumer Research. In that study, researchers found cognitive lock-in will cause customers to repeatedly ignore objectively better products and services in favor of those they've previously purchased and found satisfying. Such locked-in behavior also plays a central role behind many customer loyalty and reward programs.

How aware companies have become of cognitive lock-in can be traced to UniFirst's apparel processing operations. Isaacson points out that the company produced nearly 12 million personalized, embroidered emblems for its uniform programs last year. That number represents a 7% increase over the company's previous year's production numbers. To appreciate the scope of such personalization efforts, Isaacson says that just the amount of embroidery thread used for emblems by UniFirst last year could encircle the globe nearly eight times. "Is it any wonder," Isaacson asks tongue-in-cheek, "why companies with personalized uniforms have their customer bases all tied up?"

UniFirst provides a wide range of uniforms and related services to more than 200,000 customers each week. The company also provides facility services cleanliness products, such as restroom items and floor mats. For more information, contact UniFirst at 1-800-225-3364, or visit www.unifirst.com.