What can the International Formalwear Association do for us some ask? Let’s break it down first International. Yes, international we have members from all over the world. Formalwear is simple. What about association? Association by definition means alliance, organization, friendship, or camaraderie for a shared common interest. Is that what we have here? Do we have a grouping of small business owners working for the good of others and of course themselves to strengthen an industry? Are we utilizing the amazing collection of minds with passion for the way we choose to make a living? You bet we are!

We have great people with even greater ideas to share. Your 2008 membership dues will now include this bi-weekly newsletter. We offer this format as an opportunity to read about new offerings and a way to hear about what may be working for other operators. Next time you consider what the IFA can do for you, consider what you can do for the group? We are waiting to hear from you! Rebeccamc522@aol.com

To become a member, visit the IFA website at www.formalwear.org.

Men’s Wearhouse in purchasing After Hour’s has closed their Jeffery Morton wholesale division. All orders not falling within the next few weeks will be cancelled. Letters were mailed to all current customers.



You still have time to make plans to join your fellow industry members in Nashville! Don’t miss out! Visit the EXPO26 page for more information. We hope to see you there!

For those willing to miss all the fun at EXPO26, the IFA is again taking the show on the road with three regional shows this fall. Whether you use them as a first look at what’s new for Spring 08 or second look to place orders, take the time to stay informed and attend.

GLITS (Great Lakes Independent Tuxedo Specialists)
Sunday, August 19 and Monday, August 20
Embassy Suites Chicago--Lombard
Click Here for registration information

West Coast Formalwear Collective
Sunday, September 23 and Monday, September 24
Radisson Suites--Buena Park (formerly Embassy Suites)
Click Here for registration information

East Coast Formalwear Collective
Sunday, September 30 and Monday, October 1
Embassy Suites Secaucus--Meadowlands
Click Here for registration information

"The problems of this world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were."
-- John F. Kennedy

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and conveniences, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
---Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

CSS Chaplin, Inc. / CSS Trading Inc.

Background information on the company’s beginnings and facilities
The company has two distribution facilities, 85,000 sq ft in Englewood (Denver) and 11,000 sq ft in Toronto, Canada. CSS was founded in San Jose, Ca. and shipped its first shirts in the spring of 1987.
The Canadian division was added in 1999.

Manufacturing
The majority of CSS products are manufactured in Korea, China, and Vietnam.

Key sales people and the areas they cover
Roger March covers Canada. Ph 905-812-5500 x223

Jerry Mashman covers
AL,AR,CT,DE,FL,GA,KY,LA,ME,MD,MA,MI,MS,NH,NJ,NY,NC,OH,PA,RI,SC,TN,
TX,VT,VA,DC,WV, and Puerto Rico. Ph 215-369-2875

Ken Pendley covers
AL,AZ,CA,CO,HI,ID,IL,IN,IA,KS,MN.MO,MT,NE,NV,NM,ND,OK,OR,SD,UT,WA,
WI,WY. Ph 303-721-6267

Main focus of sales
From their beginning roots in 1986, CSS has expanded from just three shirt styles to over 40 shirts plus rental coats, pants, and vests. In addition they offer a wide variety of hospitality apparel including kitchen clothing. Today, their main focus is to provide a formal wear specialist with a wide variety of products.

Why choose Chaplin?
CSS has built its business by offering rental quality products at value prices that help the specialist increase their bottom line. Their basic shirt inventory is the largest in the industry, and they are dedicated to continuing that practice with rental coats, vests, and pants.

How has the sales focus changed over the past few years?
In addition to the expansion of the rental product line, CSS has been focusing on the hospitality side of the uniform business. They now carry value priced merchandise for both the front and the back of the house for the specialist that wants to increase their volume and profit through diversification.

What is on the horizon?
CSS is expanding their rental coat selection beyond basic 1, 2, & 3 button coats to include some fashionably-styled coats. Also, the solid satin vest program is expanding from 5 colors to 17, they are adding 15 colors in a fancy pattern which will mix and match with solids, and they are also adding 5 colors in a very unique herringbone. All of these will have matching bow ties and windsor ties.

What does CSS sell that many people may not know about?
Probably the least known would be the kitchen apparel, i.e. chef coats, aprons, chef pants, hats, etc. Also it still surprising that there are those out there that aren't familiar with the CSS coat and vest lines for rental.

On a good year how many shirts move through the warehouse?
The exact number is a well guarded secret and as the saying goes, “If I told you I'd have to kill you.” Suffice it to say it is close to seven figures.

What product has CSS produced that surprised the company one way or the other on how it sold?
Two come to mind: Micro fiber shirts, and the fledgling vest line.

Thoughts on the future of the industry?
The industry is calming down some from the anxiety of the mergers and buyouts. Most of the people today have had some increases this year and seem to have a much more upbeat attitude than in years past.

Any advice for smaller operators?
Make sure you put out the best possible product you can even if it means having to update your inventory a little sooner than you have in the past. And above all else stress the importance of 'GREAT' customer service to yourself and your employees.

USA
CSS Trading Co., Inc USA
15580 E Hinsdale Circle
Englewood, Colorado 80112
USA
Telephone 800-422-1229
FAX 800-830-4125
E-mail: customerservice@csschaplin.com
CANADA
CSS Trading Co., Inc Canada
4090 A Sladeview Crescent, Unit 2
Mississauga, Ontario
L5L 5Y5 Canada
Telephone 905-812-5500x223
FAX 800-241-0852
E-mail: roger@cssformals.com

There are only 4 weeks left until EXPO26 in Nashville!
Is there a new product or service you’d like to promote before the show? Advertising options are available through the Formal Times Newsletter! Contact Formal Times for more information.

The Perfect Marriage For Your Business Needs

 
          John Kirkpatrick
Marry Me Program Coordinator

Take a look around, your business is as important to you as the finishing touches of your customer’s wedding dress or tuxedo. When selecting a business insurance program, you need coverage that protects you and your customer’s property.

The Marry Me business insurance program is designed specifically for retail, wholesale and manufacturing businesses in the Wedding and Formalwear Industry. Marry Me can protect you against business risks that are often not covered by most standard insurance policies.

Picture this, you’re altering your customer’s dress or tuxedo and then suddenly the fabric tears. The garment is now beyond repair and you must replace it. What do you do now? The Marry Me program can assist you in this situation as well as other workmanship needs. Ask a Marry Me agent about our special business insurance coverages:

*Non-Delivery *Extra Expense *Transit *Workers’ Compensation *Commercial Auto

The Marry Me program also covers peak season adjustments and property off premises while you are showcasing your formalwear at a tradeshow or simply delivering a finished piece to a customer.

The retail and manufacturing industry is full of misconceptions about what is actually covered by a standard insurance policy in regards to your customer’s property as well as your own property. Eliminate the anxiety of not being fully covered. Marry Me can protect you against unique business risks you face everyday.

The Marry Me team is comprised of highly trained advisors who are known leaders in the Wedding and Formalwear Industry. Marry Me remains committed to exceeding customer’s expectations when it comes to quality service and a complete understanding in meeting your business insurance needs.

Stop by Marry Me booth #207 and meet John Kirkpartick, Marry Me Program Coordinator and Dourine Isqiel, Customer Service Assistant, at the annual International Formalwear Association’s EXPO26 tradeshow in Nashville, Tennessee September 8th-10th.

Ask a Marry Me business advisor to review your current policy and see how this unique program can improve your business insurance coverage.

                               

Capax-Giddings, Corby, Hynes Lic. # 0144783
1-800-942-2729  http://www.aboutmarryme.com/
P.O. Box 3231 Modesto, CA 95353