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Knot So Fast: Declining Neckwear Industry Unsupported by Facts,
Readers Say
By Jackie Rosselli
Last month, UniformMarket columnist Deb Webster wrote an article which suggested the neckwear industry was in decline, a state which could render it as viable as the buggy whip industry. The piece, titled "Fit to be Tied," advised readers to steer clear of the tie business, citing market trends and societal attitudes as reasons for the pessimistic outlook.
Soon after, the emails started arriving.
Readers generally agreed with the article's premise: the proliferation of the business casual workplace and the country's seemingly endless love affair with relaxed, retail-inspired designs had transformed the industry landscape, rendering ties, in many cases, unnecessary. However, most were unconvinced that the industry was on life support. In fact, many believed the opposite: while past its heyday, the industry was stable, thriving, and in some segments, booming.
So, which is it: are ties a relic of the past or a re-emerging staple of the future? UniformMarket decided to find out.
If you are in a position of authority in your organization, exercising your power to affect change may be a quick and immediate choice. But is this the most effective way to influence a change in behavior? Possibly not if your goal is to effectuate a result that will have lasting benefits. There's an old adage that 'a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.' Without due consideration of others' needs and level of understanding you may get instant gratification, but the long term buy-in to your idea will be severely limited. Similar to the golden rule, the way to get others to respect and admire you is to show your respect for them.
The work required in this endeavor is to learn what drives others. If you don't know what's really important to others and how it affects their deeply held values, you are not touching the right nerves. How can you craft your solution to help others further their goals?
The concept of 'mental judo' comes to mind. In the martial arts of judo, the force of the opponent is re-directed for your own defense. You want to take the person in the direction in which they are already moving and deflect the danger away from yourself. Mental judo simulates this concept of moving force. If you can learn what motivates others and arrange to coordinate your goals with theirs you will achieve win-win solutions. And win-win is the only long term successful strategy. If one of the parties 'loses,' then it will only be a matter of time before the deal will disintegrate and you have to perform your work again. This is a waste of creative energy, not to mention money.
A guy telephoned the other day and said that his corporation is going to revolutionize the uniform business. He said that the bigger companies are antiquated, outmoded, and little more than fuddy duddy in an ever changing world. Navy, grey, black, and burgundy are out. So are classic and traditional. He said people want uniforms that don't look like uniforms. They want style, fashion, flair, color. Fabrics with zip and zing.
He steered me to another manufacturer (whose catalogue looks pretty much like the others, just between us), but said that these folks had the greatest cocktail dresses, and that made all the difference. Imagination with a swish: The wave of changing uniform styles, he insisted. Could be. But you couldn't go by me. The dresses were indeed lovely, albeit not for the chronologically or horizontally challenged.
The uniform business today is pretty much open season. That's the good news and the bad news. On the one hand, anything goes. Everything from hot pants and halter tops, to ankle length skirts with finger tip jackets and jewel necklines.
Last month, UniformMarket columnist Deb Webster wrote an article which suggested the neckwear industry was in decline, a state which could render it as viable as the buggy whip industry. The piece, titled "Fit to be Tied," advised readers to steer clear of the tie business, citing market trends and societal attitudes as reasons for the pessimistic outlook. 
If you are in a position of authority in your organization, exercising your power to affect change may be a quick and immediate choice. But is this the most effective way to influence a change in behavior? Possibly not if your goal is to effectuate a result that will have lasting benefits. There's an old adage that 'a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.' Without due consideration of others' needs and level of understanding you may get instant gratification, but the long term buy-in to your idea will be severely limited. Similar to the golden rule, the way to get others to respect and admire you is to show your respect for them. 
A guy telephoned the other day and said that his corporation is going to revolutionize the uniform business. He said that the bigger companies are antiquated, outmoded, and little more than fuddy duddy in an ever changing world. Navy, grey, black, and burgundy are out. So are classic and traditional. He said people want uniforms that don't look like uniforms. They want style, fashion, flair, color. Fabrics with zip and zing. 
