Company News
American Safety Vests Meet New Federal Highway Rules
 East Providence, RI, October 27, 2008 - In anticipation of new Federal Highway Administration regulations effective November 24, American Safety Vest is offering a new series of public safety vests meeting ANSI specifications for personnel working near traffic or construction equipment on federal-aid highways. Special models are designed for law enforcement.
These ANSI/ISEA207-2006 vests are available from the American Safety Vest website, www.americansafetyvest.com, in fluorescent orange and lime green.
The vests feature a 5-point break-a-way design, with Velcro™ closures on openings at the shoulders, sides and front. A front zipper option is available. Reflective 2" striping is silver 3M™ Scotchlite. Vests are available in solid, mesh, or a combination solid/mesh.
Because they are used not only by highway workers and supervisors, Public Safety Vests from American Safety Vest can be imprinted, free, with "POLICE," "SHERIFF," or "EMS." Custom legends are also available. All have microphone tabs. These vests are priced as low as $23.90, with free shipping for orders over $50.00.
For more information, contact Madison Castle, customer service, at 401.435.0200 or email madison@americansafetyvest.com.
Cintas Announces New Rentable Women's Comfort Pant
 Cincinnati, OH, September 15, 2008 - Cintas Corporation has blended functionality and fashion with its new line of rentable uniform pants designed specifically by women, for women. The new Women's Comfort Pant, which is now available nationwide, features two patterns for different female body types.
"About 70 percent of women in the workplace are forced to wear a modified men's uniform pant, because that's what most uniform companies offer," says Chuck Helmes, Director of Marketing at Cintas Corporation. "This is a uniform revolution, and we're proud to be the leader in addressing this need that is long overdue," he added.
Cintas Corporation's retail-inspired Women's Comfort Pant offers a solution to this problem with its innovative design standards, focusing on fit, fabric and function. The pant is available in two fit patterns and three inseam options to accommodate various female body types.
"Our all-female design team was given a directive to create a pant that any woman would want to wear," says Vicki Stuhlreyer, Cintas Technical Design Manager. "We developed two differently shaped pants since one shape would not fit all women. Our goal was to create a functional pant that all women can look and feel great wearing," she added.
Following retail trends, the new pant has a mid-rise waistline, is straight through the leg and has 11 percent mechanical stretch that moves comfortably with the wearer. Gone are the bulky pleats typical of most uniform options presented to ladies; Cintas' Women's Pant sports a flat front with high angle pockets to create a more flattering silhouette.
"I really like the new pant," says Cintas customer Lynn Work of ZF Steering Systems. "The stretch material is very comfortable, and the fit is excellent!"
So far, the Women's Comfort Pant has received the highest wearer satisfaction rating of any new Cintas uniform product.
"They love them," says Amanda Holt Olsen from Crown Extrusions, whose female employees have switched from wearing their own pants to the new Cintas' Women's Comfort Pant. "They are comfortable and fit very well. The ladies can bend and move comfortably in them."
The Cintas Women's Comfort Pant is ideal for employees in all business industries, including hospitality, healthcare, warehousing, transportation and manufacturing.
"The best part about this project has been the exciting responses from our customers and our own female employees at Cintas," says Stuhlreyer. "These pants are definitely making a difference in how much better women feel throughout the day."
For more information about the Cintas Women's Comfort Pant, please visit: www.cintas.com/womenspant.
Bates Wins Special Operations Forces Contract to Manufacture Tactical Combat Boot
 Rockford, MI - Bates® Footwear, a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. announces that it has received a contract to manufacture roughly 5,000 lightweight Tactical Combat Boots for the U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF). Bates is a market leader in the design and manufacture of innovative high performance footwear for military and law enforcement communities. As a brand in the Wolverine World Wide portfolio, Bates utilized its own technologies and integrated with technological advances of other brands in the Wolverine portfolio, namely the Company's Merrell® and Wolverine® brands to develop this Tactical Combat Boot.
Bates developed the Tactical Combat Boot specifically to provide enhanced durability, stability, and traction in urban and field operations. The Vibram® Mutant outsole creates superior traction on wet and dry surfaces, while the direct-attach construction provides superior cushioning and durability. The anti-bacterial, abrasion-resistant Dri-Lex® Camo lining delivers enhanced moisture management and ensures soldiers' feet remain cool, dry and comfortable.
"Bates is committed to being the leader in providing footwear solutions for all branches of the US Military – We intend to achieve this goal by leveraging a wide range of technologies and development expertise throughout Wolverine World Wide's array of footwear brands such as Merrell and Wolverine Brand," said Ron Woznick, Vice President and General Manager of Bates Footwear. "We feel privileged to provide yet another new footwear solution for our nation's elite combat forces needs."
The Special Forces Tactical Combat Boot joins the Chem Bio Protective Overboot and the Tora Bora™ Alpine Combat Boot as the mission footwear of choice for the Special Forces. All three products are manufactured with 100% domestic materials at Bates facilities in Big Rapids, Michigan and Jonesboro, Arkansas, maintaining the company's commitment to manufacturing in the United States.
Bates is a leading supplier of uniform footwear to all branches of the U.S. military and has been building a reputation for uncompromising performance in uniform footwear for more than 120 years. Engineered advancements such as Bates DuraShocks® comfort system, Ultra-Lites® technology and Bates Individual Comfort System combine to set the brand apart and cement its status as the gold standard in uniform footwear. For more information and to view product lines, visit www.batesfootwear.com.
With a commitment to service and product excellence, Wolverine World Wide, Inc. is one of the world's leading marketers of branded casual, active lifestyle, work, outdoor sport, uniform footwear and apparel. Wolverine's portfolio of highly recognized brands includes: Bates®, Hush Puppies®, HYTEST®, Merrell®, Sebago® and Wolverine®. The Company is also the exclusive footwear licensee of popular brands including CAT®, Harley-Davidson® and Patagonia®. The Company's products are carried by leading retailers in the U.S. and globally in nearly 200 countries.
New Service Team for Penn Emblem
 Philadelphia, October 22, 2008 - The Penn Emblem Company has announced the creation of its Direct Sale Service Team for the security, school uniform, sports and direct sale uniform markets. The newly-formed team consists of Phil Pogue, Michelle Burgess, Norma Whitford and Linda Knauss. Together they bring over 30 years experience with the company and in the direct sale market. This team will work toward capturing new markets and products and supporting the existing direct sale customer base.
Penn Emblem has offered the highest quality identification products - patches and emblems, mending materials, thermal ID tapes and printers and sublimation systems – for over 60 years. For more information, please contact Phil Pogue at 800-390-7366 or phil@pennemblem.com
U.S. Military Uniform Manufacturer Settles Charges of Labor Law Violations
 Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, October 07, 2008 (PRNewswire via COMTEX) - Propper International, the largest manufacturer of military uniforms for the U.S. Department of Defense, has agreed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to settle allegations in order to avoid civil prosecution for numerous alleged federal labor law violations. Headquartered in St. Charles, Missouri, Propper operates eight manufacturing facilities in western Puerto Rico and received over $100 million in 2007 from U.S. Department of Defense to manufacture military uniforms.
After an investigation conducted by the NLRB's San Juan office, the agency found merit in many charges that Propper had violated the rights of workers who are seeking union representation with the union UNITE HERE. Propper thus found it in its best interest to settle the charges rather than face a NLRB complaint and civil prosecution.
As part of the settlement, Propper agrees to post in six Puerto Rico factories a notice informing workers of its commitment to refrain from violating the law. As part of its notice, Propper will be informing its workers that it will not threaten employees with plant closures or job loss for supporting a union; will not coercively tell employees to abstain from supporting the union; will not give the impression to employees that the company is spying on them; and will not participate in the making, posting, or distribution of any offensive material of the National Labor Relations Act that disparages employees. These are illegal activities in which the company has allegedly engaged to dissuade its employees from exercising their legal right to form a union.
Eliezer Rodriguez, President of the Unite Here Joint Board in Puerto Rico stated: "We expect that Propper will make the right decision to respect its workers' rights. It's the least that workers should expect from a company that produces uniforms for soldiers that defend our rights every day."
Rafael Irrizarry, a Propper employee at the Las Marias factory, said, "We're organizing to improve our working conditions. Right now many of us can't get by on the salaries we make, we don't get any paid sick days and many of us can't afford the health insurance. I hope that with this settlement, Propper will allow my coworkers and me to organize without fear and intimidation."
UNITE HERE represents 465,000 workers in the US, Canada and Puerto Rico. In Puerto Rico it represents approximately 2,000 workers in the laundry, hotel and manufacturing industries.
Blue Generation 2009 Catalog Has Arrived
 October 25, 2008 – Blue Generation, manufacturer of finely tailored logo ready apparel for the ad specialty, embroidery, imprint, schools and uniform markets is pleased to announce the release of its 2009 catalog. The company's largest catalog ever features eye-catching logo ready apparel for men, ladies and youth in sizes to fit everyone. Customers may select from an incomparable collection of 47 shirt colors and tropical prints in a variety of high performance quality fabrics.
New 2009 styles include: Eco-Friendly Bamboo Tees; Moisture Wicking Raglan Sleeve Polos; Ladies Coordinated Stretch Knits; Value Soft Touch Polos; Stain Release Aprons and Ties. Also offered are classic Stain Release SuperBlend Pique Polos, 3M Scotchgard Moisture Wicking Polos, Teflon Treated Pants & Shorts, 100% Cotton Premium Denims, Classic Oxfords, 100% Cotton Signature Twills, Stain Release Lightweight Poplins, Stretch Poplins, Egyptian Cotton Piques, Luxurious Pima Polos, Print & Solid Camp Shirts, School / Team Youth Shirts.
ASI "Top Rated" - Voted 5 Stars for Product Quality. Blue Generation is a division of M. Rubin & Sons...Since 1944.
For more information, visit www.BlueGeneration.com or contact customer service at
(888) 336-4687
International News
Virgin Nigeria Launches New Uniforms
 Nigeria, October 5, 2008 (The Vanguard) - To promote true Nigerian identity, Virgin Nigeria recently unveiled new corporate uniforms with a distinctive Nigerian flavor for its staff and crew. The collection, designed by internationally renowned Nigerian designer, Ade Bakare, was inspired by a theme he calls "African Ease."
Unveiling the designs at the show, models strutted the makeshift runway in new uniforms for the lounge: the hajj wear - which comes with an ‘hijab' and are Sharia-compliant; the inverted pleat of the maternity dress - chic yet demure and modest in look; the blouse and long skirt of the casual staff uniforms with the exquisite front bow which are functional with a touch of glamour.
Speaking at the occasion, Virgin Nigeria's CEO, Conrad Clifford said, "At Virgin Nigeria, we are in an on-going process of reiterating our unique position as Nigeria's private sector flag carrier and so this uniform has the perfect blend of Virgin's corporate colors and Nigeria's green and white.
"The colors speak of the rich agriculture of Nigeria , the peace that can be found here, and the vibrancy that the Virgin brand brings. Captured in batik and adire print designs, the exclusive pattern was created specifically for Virgin Nigeria and reflects the rich cultural heritage of Nigerians."
On his part, Larry Agose, Virgin Nigeria's director of corporate communications, explained that one of the major differences between the African sense of dress and the western is that fasteners are not necessary. He stated, "In Africa, especially Nigeria, there is a tendency to tie, wrap or pull over the head garments. We replicated this detail with an edge-to-edge jacket that has eyelets through which a scarf can be slotted to tie the jacket front together. The eyelets also take on a jewel-like adornment, which is very Nigerian. Other details like the side necktie blouse, jacket with red velvet stripes, and the fez-like hat which compliments the suit with a suit add that designer appeal."
Omawumi and Eric, Idols West Africa stars, spiced up the event with a spectacular performance. The high point of the event was when the 2008 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (Tourism), Ure Ubowu, hit the runway in Virgin Nigeria crew uniform, accompanied by Ade Bakare.
Waitresses are Poles Apart as Staff Uniforms Slim Down
Edinburgh, October 24, 2008 (Edinburgh Evening News) - Bars and restaurants across the Capital have been forced to order in more "size zero" uniforms after hiring hundreds of slim Polish staff.
Around half of the trousers supplied to waitresses and bar workers by NKD Clothing, in Dundas Street, are size eight or under, while more men than ever are needing smaller shirts and waistcoats.
The move has been put down to the influx of Eastern European workers, who tend to be tall and slim, compared to "chunkier" Scots.
NKD, which supplies uniforms to bars, hotels and restaurants across the city, has had to "dramatically alter" the range of sizes on offer.
The most common sizes it now supplies are six and eight with "size zero" – the equivalent of a UK size four – now a standard part of the range.
Men in the industry are also getting in on the slimming act as the average chest size of shirts has shrunk to a lean 34 inches.
The average Scottish woman is currently a size 16, and the average chest size of a man is 40 inches.
Nicole Daly, assistant manager at the Utopia bar on Easter Road, said she had noticed the trend.
"There are a lot of Eastern Europeans working in bars and restaurants and they are definitely much skinnier than the average Scottish person," she said.
Utopia's owner James Hughes added: "I do genuinely think personality is more important than skinny model types, though that probably does help.
"When guys and girls go into a bar, they like to see someone attractive behind the bar."
Gill Eastgate, managing director of NKD Clothing, said there has been a "massive slim down" of staff in the hospitality sector.
"The country as a whole is getting considerably bigger, but we are seeing the complete opposite in the uniforms we supply – particularly for front of house and bar staff who tend to be the thinnest," she said. "The shrinking shape of the sector means we've had to dramatically alter the range of sizes we offer to companies opening hotels, bars and restaurants.
"Now the smallest sizes, such as size four and six, are being offered as standard and, in most order runs, we are supplying many more size sixes than we are size 12s.
"There are a large number of Eastern European people working in the sector. Many of these men and women tend to be tall and thin, different from the traditional British body shape.
"There has been a marked change in providing not only small uniforms, but ones with longer legs and bodies to cater for this."
The Psychology and Perception of Uniforms
How Companies Gain a Competitive Edge by the Clothes Their Employees Wear
Wilmington, MA, October 07, 2008 (Boston Globe) - Conventional wisdom says "clothes make the man or woman." But a published study by researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford University suggests it's more about how today's competitive-minded companies use colors and emblems to personalize their employee apparel that truly gets them noticed -- a fact that takes on added significance during tough economic times.
 "It's what researchers refer to as 'identity signaling,'" says Adam Soreff, senior communications manager at UniFirst Corporation, a leading supplier of business uniforms and workwear. "Personalized employee uniforms provide a more professional business image, along with visual clues about a company's overall business mission. As a result, such apparel helps provide front-of-mind consciousness and confidence. And that's where every company wants to be when spending gets tight."
The identity signaling study, which appeared in the Journal of Consumer Research (Vol. 34), notes people generally possess "a drive to differentiate themselves from others ... when situational pressures make individuals feel overly similar." In business, such differentiation often focuses on products and services, but Soreff notes, "It's astute managers who realize the complementary role that worker apparel can play in allowing companies to stand apart from their competition."
As an example of identity signaling at work, UniFirst's Soreff points to the easily recognizable Pullman brown uniforms worn by UPS personnel. "If you see someone carrying a box or envelope wearing that particular uniform, you quickly surmise it's a UPS employee and associate him or her with timely and efficient package deliveries. That's identity signaling at work." And when companies add logos and other custom emblems into their workwear, Soreff says identity signaling becomes markedly stronger by further visually promoting individual brands and worker responsibilities.
A recent national survey by Harris Interactive underscored the competitive advantage companies gain via identity signaling. The survey revealed two of three men and three of four women viewed companies with personalized uniforms as being "more professional." In turn, Soreff says, such recognition instills a greater sense of consumer confidence in the marketplace and increased sense of pride in uniform wearers ... contributing to overall company success. "And that," he says, "is ultimately one of the truest definitions of being 'dressed for success.'"
New Name, Same Focus on Uniforms for KC Company
 Kansas City, MO October 1, 2008 (Kansas City Star) - A Kansas City company wants to change the way its customers think about uniforms.
Not merely laundry, uniforms are an expression of the corporate image, said Ed Heilman, vice president and general manager of Ace ImageWear. The owners believed so strongly in this idea that they changed the company's name and logo last year from AAA Uniform Service to Ace ImageWear.
"It's not about us being able to wash shirts and pants," Heilman said. "It's about them being able to more professionally project their corporate image to their customers."
He noted that companies make big investments in branding trucks and signs. Branding people — businesses' most expensive asset — is just as important. Heilman said studies have shown that uniformed employees are seen as more professional than their plain-clothed counterparts.
Ace's 90 Kansas City workers serve customers in a 50-mile radius. Revenues were about $7 million in 2007, with $7.5 million projected for 2008.
In addition to uniforms, the company launders and leases floor mats and other products, including sanitary microfiber mops and towels for health-care facilities.
The firm leases about 250,000 garments to its customers, providing laundry, repair and replacement services. To keep track of the items, Ace uses bar code and radio frequency chip technology. In the past two years, it has spent $500,000 on automated clothes-sorting equipment and a database upgrade that allows its field staff to work without paper.
Ace, which also has operations in Texas, said the name change was designed to enhance its appeal to new clients and to reintroduce the company to customers.
A survey found that 40 percent of Ace's clients knew it was a family business and 55 percent knew it was local.
The findings also determined that, if all things are equal, customers prefer doing business with independent, family companies.
Paul Foster, an Ace customer with Executive Beechcraft, echoed that sentiment.
"I'd rather do business with my neighbor than some guy out of New York," said Foster, director of maintenance at the company's Wheeler Downtown Airport operation.
Company founder Ed "Ace" Heilman (Heilman's grandfather) started the company in Kansas City in 1932.
He used the pseudonym "Ace" when he fought as a boxer to make extra cash for his family.
When it comes to competition, Heilman said he could not win a price competition because national firms' economies of scale give them an edge.
Instead, Ace sells personal service. Some of its customer representatives have handled the same accounts for decades.
Foster, of Executive Beechcraft, said his company moved its business to Ace after encountering service problems with its former vendor.
"He (Heilman) promised better service and he delivered," Foster said.
Frank Ancona Honda in Olathe left Ace about five years ago for a lower price. But the automotive dealer ultimately ended up breaking its contract with a national company and returning to Ace.
"I'd rather deal with a local company," said service director Shawn Wakeman, who brought his business back to Ace.
"If there is anything I need, I can call them and they are usually out the same day," he said. "Like I tell those guys, uniforms are the last thing I want to worry about."
Retailers Who Ask Different Questions Get Different Results
(Editor's Note – Although not a uniform story, there's a lesson to be gleaned from the following item):
October 23, 2008 (About.com) - Look around you right now and notice everything that is red. Pay attention to it. Make a mental list. Memorize what every red thing in the room looks like. Then, as soon as you finish reading this sentence, close your eyes and name everything in the room that's green.
It's a silly activity, admittedly, but when it was presented this week by Gene McNaughton, VP of Sales for OneCoach, to a group of business people who are struggling to survive, the impact was profound. What's the punchline for those in the retail industry? If you're looking at all the ways that your retail business and the retail businesses around are going into the red, then you're missing all the ways you can get some of the green. More than any other time in the past three decades, focus is everything in the retail industry.
A whole new crop of retail organizations reported lower revenues, lower profits, and lowered projections this week. Many of the people reading this blog work for one of those organizations. But if you were focused on all that "red," you probably missed the report that Coach Inc. brought in a good bit of "green," and exceeded its profit expectations last quarter. Coach made $145 million in profits off of $766 million in sales. Think about that. $766 million was spent on purses briefcases, and mini skinnies. There is still some "green" changing hands on the retailscape and it's not just for milk, bread, and toilet paper.
And what will Coach, Inc. be doing this holiday season? Will it be focusing on the "red" aspects of the economy and scaling back? Its strategy is quite the opposite, according to CEO Lew Frankfort. Instead of asking "How are we going to survive?" Coach apparently starting asking itself questions about what's going to continue to draw customers in. "It's new product that excites consumers. It's new product that brings them into stores," Frankfort said in an interview on CNBC this week.
As a result of focusing on how to continue to lure customers in, Coach asked a proactive question which produced an aggressive answer, which shifted Coach's focus this holiday season to dazzling its customers. That dazzle focus motivated Coach to create a product mix that crams about three years of innovation packed into just one holiday season. Instead of shrinking back, it is busting out. And Coach thinks its own boldness will inspire its customers to the bold action of opening their wallet and handing over the green.
People are still shopping. Look around and notice all the dollars that are still flowing. Study it. Memorize which retailers are getting the dollars and how they're getting them. Then as soon as you finish doing that, close your eyes and list every retailer who's in the red. You might still be able to remember some, but the exercise should be a little more difficult. The best thing about doing the activity in this way is that when you're done, you'll actually feel better, because all the green stuff you were focusing on will still be there when you open your eyes again.
End User News
Northwest Workers to Don Delta Garb after Final Merger Approval
 Atlanta, October 28, 2008 (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) - If the proposed merger is approved, Delta Air Lines plans to shift Northwest Airlines pilots, customer service employees and flight attendants to Delta uniforms on March 30. Delta's proposed merger with Northwest has received shareholder approval and is awaiting clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice, which Delta expects by the end of this year.
Delta and Northwest pilots will both get newly designed hat brass and wings for their uniforms with a two-tone red triangular Delta "widget" logo. The rest of the uniform will remain essentially the same. The company decided to stick with the Delta uniform instead of designing a new one to save time and money and to speed the transition.
Delta is eager for Northwest to take on the Delta brand quickly to show customers a consistent image of "what Delta looks like and what Delta feels like," said Delta spokesman Kent Landers. Uniforms are "all part of the Delta brand. It's as important as the paint on the airplanes and the signage at the airports."
Richard Tyler, who designed the Delta flight attendant uniforms, met with Northwest flight attendants in Detroit last week.
Northwest flight attendants look forward to the change, said Rene Foss, a spokeswoman for the Association of Flight Attendants, which represents Northwest flight attendants. While Delta, whose attendants are not unionized, has worked with the Northwest union on the shift to the new uniforms, "it's a little bit different from what we're used to" under a union contract, Foss said.
"In the past when we've moved to a new uniform, we've been able to have a very direct voice" in uniform design, Foss said. That's "somewhat different from [Delta] saying, ‘Here's what we designed.'"
Gild Hall Gussies Up With Steven Alan-Designed Uniforms
 New York, October 27, 2008 (Hotel Chatter) - Thompson Hotels' Gild Hall at Wall Street seems to be weathering the economic downturn just fine - Libertine, their musky and manly Todd English-helmed restaurant successfully opened last month, and now the hotel staff gets to dress up in designer duds. Bringing a sliver of his classic, messy-refined style to the lodge atmosphere of Gild Hall, New York clothier Steven Alan will provide male and female uniforms for the first time in his history. He's no Gwen Stefani, but Steven's functional outfits will be able to stand up to her W Hotel designs any day.
The line riffed on the financiers who populate the neighborhood in creating a men's ensemble of a worsted wool blazer, button-down vest and slacks with a reverse seam. The woman's look is the so-called 'Banker's Dress,' and everyone dons a silk skinny tie.
We admittedly have no idea what a "banker's dress" is, but we're sure it will look great with the backdrop of Gild Hall's faux library lobby. No word on if hotel rates in the Financial District will be dropping in time with the Dow, but at least the hotel staff will be dressed like money.
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