Welcome to Late March!  With prom booking season upon us we all have new staff to train and very little time to do much except WORK. In this edition we offer an article on staff development, good communication, wants and offerings and a word from two of our manufacturers. Good luck out there!

Let us know how your season is shaping up and what you think. Email us at editor@formaltimes.com.

Whatever the size of your business from hundreds of employees to one or two being an effective communicator keeps crises to a minimum. It is important that communication is constant and clear. A supervisor’s frustration many times could be alleviated with good communication on what they want done. It is also important to realize that the typo of communication you use and words you choose have a direct impact on the understanding and the information your employees absorb. You must also realize that good communication is educational and motivating. Poor communication can encourage a bad situation or a breakdown in moral.

When possible, communication should both be in writing and verbalized. The written notice insures all are informed. The verbal form clarifies your intent and alleviates misunderstanding among staff members. A note that seems like a simple policy change for you may seem threatening to the staff reading it, if they are not assured of your exact intentions. Have you ever enacted a new procedure only to have everyone get all riled up over their perception of your intention??

It is also important to sometimes have one-on-one communication with your staff. A popular story is that of Sam Walton… Sam visited his stores at least once a year. He clearly understood the importance of communication and interacting.

You must realize that your attitude and your philosophies are always being observed by your employees. You are always communicating, even without saying a word…… Always send a positive, proactive and continuous improvement message. This can be done in company newsletters, memos, reports, as well as face to face interactions.

Observing and evaluating the level of communication in your office/store/plant is something you can do by listening carefully, and then, asking your team embers questions about their feelings and ideas for improving that communication.

Pay close attention to the communication between stores and between stores and production. Communication can be especially challenging between production and sales floor staff. Understanding the others job is critical and they must realize the level of that importance on how each can not succeed without the other!

Cross training your employees will assist in communication tremendously. During the slow season would be a great opportunity to have key personnel from each area work the others job. The old saying “To truly appreciate someone you must walk a mile in their shoes” will apply greatly here. Both groups will have a greater appreciation for one another’s job responsibilities and duties.

Lastly, and most importantly, it is interesting to note that good communication skills in your organization are felt by your customers. The level of communication and support within your operation will be felt and observed with in the first 2-3 minutes of the arrival of your customer!

Communication is the power behind effective employees converting potential customers to loyal patrons.

Whatever the size of your business from hundreds of employees to one or two being an effective communicator keeps crises to a minimum. It is important that communication is constant and clear. A supervisor’s frustration many times could be alleviated with good communication on what they want done. It is also important to realize that the typo of communication you use and words you choose have a direct impact on the understanding and the information your employees absorb. You must also realize that good communication is educational and motivating. Poor communication can encourage a bad situation or a breakdown in moral.

When possible, communication should both be in writing and verbalized. The written notice insures all are informed. The verbal form clarifies your intent and alleviates misunderstanding among staff members. A note that seems like a simple policy change for you may seem threatening to the staff reading it, if they are not assured of your exact intentions. Have you ever enacted a new procedure only to have everyone get all riled up over their perception of your intention??

It is also important to sometimes have one-on-one communication with your staff. A popular story is that of Sam Walton… Sam visited his stores at least once a year. He clearly understood the importance of communication and interacting.

You must realize that your attitude and your philosophies are always being observed by your employees. You are always communicating, even without saying a word…… Always send a positive, proactive and continuous improvement message. This can be done in company newsletters, memos, reports, as well as face to face interactions.

Observing and evaluating the level of communication in your office/store/plant is something you can do by listening carefully, and then, asking your team embers questions about their feelings and ideas for improving that communication.

Pay close attention to the communication between stores and between stores and production. Communication can be especially challenging between production and sales floor staff. Understanding the others job is critical and they must realize the level of that importance on how each can not succeed without the other!

Cross training your employees will assist in communication tremendously. During the slow season would be a great opportunity to have key personnel from each area work the others job. The old saying “To truly appreciate someone you must walk a mile in their shoes” will apply greatly here. Both groups will have a greater appreciation for one another’s job responsibilities and duties.

Lastly, and most importantly, it is interesting to note that good communication skills in your organization are felt by your customers. The level of communication and support within your operation will be felt and observed with in the first 2-3 minutes of the arrival of your customer!

Communication is the power behind effective employees converting potential customers to loyal patrons.

By popular demand we again offer Greg Goodwin’s letter to the newspaper for all readers to copy and relate to their area for the promotion of Formalwear in their own area!

FORMALWEAR INDUSTRY NEWS

For immediate release
March 22, 2008

To: Principals, Activity Directors

KEEPING PROM A FORMAL OCCASION

There is a rising concern within the formalwear industry that some school administrators may misunderstand the tradition of High School Prom attire. There is a growing concern of young girls dressing inappropriately for Prom, revealing too much for their age. The concern has somehow sparked the discouragement or even a ban on Tuxedos some Southern California high schools. This controversy has invited many young men to think it’s okay to dress down, way down for Prom in order to express themselves.

A Father of a high school girl told us of his nightmare story of his 17 year old daughter who proudly picked out her beautiful, colorful and quite traditional formal dress only to be greeted by her date arriving in blue jeans and long sleeve shirt with tails exposed. With camera in hand the opportunity to capture this life memory was shattered. His daughter ran to her room in tears, thus ruining what was to her dream Prom night. In this case the casual attire of today’s society has inappropriately infiltrated into one of America’s great traditions.

“Prom is an event that calls for formal attire such as a tuxedo for men and nothing else” according to Eric Miller, Counselor at Ribet Academy in Los Angeles. “Times have changed in general with the way people dress. But if there is one thing that should be a staple for decades to come, it would be prom and how everyone looks forward to getting dressed up. It’s part of their graduation into adulthood”, added Miller.

Today’s Tuxedos are contemporary and compliment girl’s dresses. Color plays a huge role in Prom allowing the students to match their dresses with their dates Tuxedos- it’s interactive, fun and allows for great personal expression while keeping the elegant tradition of prom intact.

One of the biggest myths always seems to be the cost of renting a Tuxedo. A student doesn’t have to look very far to find discount packages on Prom Formalwear. Traditionally across the nation, formal wear companies offer savings to prom goers at their busiest time of the year. This is the opposite of many industries where prices climb when the demand gets higher. This year we found the average tuxedo package to start at about $75, far less than the price of a Prom dress.

“We can’t loose sight of tradition” says Greg Goodwin, President of Friar Tux Shop, Southern California’s most established formalwear retailer. “Today’s tuxedos offer gentlemen a tremendous opportunity to express themselves in ways of color, styles and originality all while maintaining the integrity and respect for the occasion and their school.” For the last 5 years Friar Tux has been offering Free Tuxedos for Proms to high schools throughout Southern California. Each school in turn has the opportunity to award the free Prom Tuxedo as they see fit. Without any restrictions the school administrators can select the students who are most deserving. “We enjoy hearing the stories of how this little gesture meant so much to students, their Prom and the schools.” Says Goodwin.

Prom in the United States has been around since 1811. The name “prom” dates back to the late nineteenth century promenade ball. ”Not only is prom a tradition but it should be looked at as an accomplishment. Part of the reward of the 4 years that young people have put in” Said Chris Takeshita, Assistant Principal of San Gabriel High in San Gabriel California. “It is something that people talk about, even 30 years later with their friends and family. To break from tradition would only tarnish what has been built upon since the early 1800’s.

Proms are inspired by debutante balls, which are events that formally debut teenagers from prestigious families in the United Kingdom, where “Prom” is actually an entire season of classical concerts, held between July and September. In the early 1900s, Prom was just a simple tea dance for high school seniors. Proms as we know them thrived in the 1950s due to a post-war boom.

We owe it to our students, culture and our society to protect the tradition of such a wonderful life experience and all the photographs and memories that are associated with Prom.

For more information contact the International Formalwear Association 309-721-5450.

By popular demand we again offer Greg Goodwin’s letter to the newspaper for all readers to copy and relate to their area for the promotion of Formalwear in their own area!

FORMALWEAR INDUSTRY NEWS

For immediate release
March 22, 2008

To: Principals, Activity Directors

KEEPING PROM A FORMAL OCCASION

There is a rising concern within the formalwear industry that some school administrators may misunderstand the tradition of High School Prom attire. There is a growing concern of young girls dressing inappropriately for Prom, revealing too much for their age. The concern has somehow sparked the discouragement or even a ban on Tuxedos some Southern California high schools. This controversy has invited many young men to think it’s okay to dress down, way down for Prom in order to express themselves.

A Father of a high school girl told us of his nightmare story of his 17 year old daughter who proudly picked out her beautiful, colorful and quite traditional formal dress only to be greeted by her date arriving in blue jeans and long sleeve shirt with tails exposed. With camera in hand the opportunity to capture this life memory was shattered. His daughter ran to her room in tears, thus ruining what was to her dream Prom night. In this case the casual attire of today’s society has inappropriately infiltrated into one of America’s great traditions.

“Prom is an event that calls for formal attire such as a tuxedo for men and nothing else” according to Eric Miller, Counselor at Ribet Academy in Los Angeles. “Times have changed in general with the way people dress. But if there is one thing that should be a staple for decades to come, it would be prom and how everyone looks forward to getting dressed up. It’s part of their graduation into adulthood”, added Miller.

Today’s Tuxedos are contemporary and compliment girl’s dresses. Color plays a huge role in Prom allowing the students to match their dresses with their dates Tuxedos- it’s interactive, fun and allows for great personal expression while keeping the elegant tradition of prom intact.

One of the biggest myths always seems to be the cost of renting a Tuxedo. A student doesn’t have to look very far to find discount packages on Prom Formalwear. Traditionally across the nation, formal wear companies offer savings to prom goers at their busiest time of the year. This is the opposite of many industries where prices climb when the demand gets higher. This year we found the average tuxedo package to start at about $75, far less than the price of a Prom dress.

“We can’t loose sight of tradition” says Greg Goodwin, President of Friar Tux Shop, Southern California’s most established formalwear retailer. “Today’s tuxedos offer gentlemen a tremendous opportunity to express themselves in ways of color, styles and originality all while maintaining the integrity and respect for the occasion and their school.” For the last 5 years Friar Tux has been offering Free Tuxedos for Proms to high schools throughout Southern California. Each school in turn has the opportunity to award the free Prom Tuxedo as they see fit. Without any restrictions the school administrators can select the students who are most deserving. “We enjoy hearing the stories of how this little gesture meant so much to students, their Prom and the schools.” Says Goodwin.

Prom in the United States has been around since 1811. The name “prom” dates back to the late nineteenth century promenade ball. ”Not only is prom a tradition but it should be looked at as an accomplishment. Part of the reward of the 4 years that young people have put in” Said Chris Takeshita, Assistant Principal of San Gabriel High in San Gabriel California. “It is something that people talk about, even 30 years later with their friends and family. To break from tradition would only tarnish what has been built upon since the early 1800’s.

Proms are inspired by debutante balls, which are events that formally debut teenagers from prestigious families in the United Kingdom, where “Prom” is actually an entire season of classical concerts, held between July and September. In the early 1900s, Prom was just a simple tea dance for high school seniors. Proms as we know them thrived in the 1950s due to a post-war boom.

We owe it to our students, culture and our society to protect the tradition of such a wonderful life experience and all the photographs and memories that are associated with Prom.

For more information contact the International Formalwear Association 309-721-5450.

There are three main components in creating a first rate sales team.

1. Staff hiring and recruitment.
2. Specific training for each staff member on the functions of his/her particular job.
3. Training staff in the basics of how the business operates and how each staff member fits into the overall operation

The most important factor in the store’s success is the staff that makes up the organization. It has been said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In operating a formalwear store, this is particularly true. What you are trying to do is link together specific activities that, when done, result in viability for the business. Each staff member is a link in this chain. The survival of any business depends utterly and completely on the competence of each individual staff member.

Hiring the best candidate always feels like a gamble. The best of applicants does not always perform as expected. When possible a recommendation from a trusted person will usually offer the best contender. Checking references and accuracy of information given will help to establish if from the beginning you are being given the correct facts.

Specific training of each staff member for their particular job is vital. A manual helps greatly to be sure everything is properly covered to arm them with the information to confidently face the customer. A mentoring program is essential to learn how you want situations handled, from greeting the customer to closing a sale.

Training your staff on the basic operations of all parts of the store gives them the fundamental building blocks to expand upon and become a long time valued part of the organization. An employer who wants to empower a new staff member, supplies them with good basic background information on the company along with current information. Instilling confidence in a potential customers mind can be much easier when speaking with a confident knowledgeable staff member.

Think of a situation you have been in as a customer dealing with sales staff and the way you reacted to the answers to your opening questions. When potential customers ask: How long have you been at this location? Have you had this style very long? What is the most popular style you have? Does one of these look better on my type of build? What is the most formal attire I could wear? Can I get that with out the stripe on the leg and no shinny lapel????? On and on the questions that could be asked may go, but how will they be answered? I don’t know…Not sure, I just started….OOhh they all look good etc etc…. Arming your new staff especially with background information on your company, locations, formality and popularity of styles, and the simple difference between a tuxedo and a suit may give them that power of knowledge to create a relationship with the potential customer. That relationship as we all know can turn into thousands of dollars in their own event and a referral to friends.

We all have new “temporary” staff right now, but look around your store and think about how each of your key employees started with your company. Many times that part time staff turns into your sales leader. Good luck and happy training!

Let us know what you think and what works well for you with training. Email us at editor@formaltimes.com.

There are three main components in creating a first rate sales team.

1. Staff hiring and recruitment.
2. Specific training for each staff member on the functions of his/her particular job.
3. Training staff in the basics of how the business operates and how each staff member fits into the overall operation

The most important factor in the store’s success is the staff that makes up the organization. It has been said that a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. In operating a formalwear store, this is particularly true. What you are trying to do is link together specific activities that, when done, result in viability for the business. Each staff member is a link in this chain. The survival of any business depends utterly and completely on the competence of each individual staff member.

Hiring the best candidate always feels like a gamble. The best of applicants does not always perform as expected. When possible a recommendation from a trusted person will usually offer the best contender. Checking references and accuracy of information given will help to establish if from the beginning you are being given the correct facts.

Specific training of each staff member for their particular job is vital. A manual helps greatly to be sure everything is properly covered to arm them with the information to confidently face the customer. A mentoring program is essential to learn how you want situations handled, from greeting the customer to closing a sale.

Training your staff on the basic operations of all parts of the store gives them the fundamental building blocks to expand upon and become a long time valued part of the organization. An employer who wants to empower a new staff member, supplies them with good basic background information on the company along with current information. Instilling confidence in a potential customers mind can be much easier when speaking with a confident knowledgeable staff member.

Think of a situation you have been in as a customer dealing with sales staff and the way you reacted to the answers to your opening questions. When potential customers ask: How long have you been at this location? Have you had this style very long? What is the most popular style you have? Does one of these look better on my type of build? What is the most formal attire I could wear? Can I get that with out the stripe on the leg and no shinny lapel????? On and on the questions that could be asked may go, but how will they be answered? I don’t know…Not sure, I just started….OOhh they all look good etc etc…. Arming your new staff especially with background information on your company, locations, formality and popularity of styles, and the simple difference between a tuxedo and a suit may give them that power of knowledge to create a relationship with the potential customer. That relationship as we all know can turn into thousands of dollars in their own event and a referral to friends.

We all have new “temporary” staff right now, but look around your store and think about how each of your key employees started with your company. Many times that part time staff turns into your sales leader. Good luck and happy training!

Let us know what you think and what works well for you with training. Email us at editor@formaltimes.com.

We have information from two manufacturers about how things are going. First an announcement from After Six on spring deliveries, and a word from Doug Black of BlackGold Accessories on his excellent staff and the company in general.

After Six

After Six is proud to announce they have been on or before schedule on all of their spring deliveries. They also report they are in GREAT stock position for “in season” fill ins.

BlackGold Accessories

Suffice it to say that Blackgold is a robust and valuable supplier to the F/W industry. Each year we endeavor to push the envelope on fashion, bringing to this industry a needed perspective on trends. Manufacturing in the USA, we are the largest employer as far as suppliers go in this industry (with over 150 employees as of this date.) 

We are proud of the fact that we still manufacture in the US, we view it as an asset not a liability. When all of our competitors exported jobs overseas, we did not. Sure the costs are higher, but the inconsistent quality and lack of control in manufacturing 1,000 styles of vests offshore each season would negate much of those savings. 

Though we are not perfect, we stand behind every product we service. Unlike those who feed off of negativity and do not have the love of this industry in their blood, our 150 employees live, breathe and die for this business. Many have worked with us for over 20 years, some worked with our competitors before their jobs were exported overseas, some worked the retail side of the fence...but all of them work hard and are proud to be part of the Blackgold team. 

All of us at BG are thankful for the support we receive from the industry. For us the glass is never half full, it is always full. Which is why we are cautiously optimistic on having a great season. This is what we wish for all of our partners and the industry as a whole.

Thanks again,

Doug

We have information from two manufacturers about how things are going. First an announcement from After Six on spring deliveries, and a word from Doug Black of BlackGold Accessories on his excellent staff and the company in general.

After Six

After Six is proud to announce they have been on or before schedule on all of their spring deliveries. They also report they are in GREAT stock position for “in season” fill ins.

BlackGold Accessories

Suffice it to say that Blackgold is a robust and valuable supplier to the F/W industry. Each year we endeavor to push the envelope on fashion, bringing to this industry a needed perspective on trends. Manufacturing in the USA, we are the largest employer as far as suppliers go in this industry (with over 150 employees as of this date.) 

We are proud of the fact that we still manufacture in the US, we view it as an asset not a liability. When all of our competitors exported jobs overseas, we did not. Sure the costs are higher, but the inconsistent quality and lack of control in manufacturing 1,000 styles of vests offshore each season would negate much of those savings. 

Though we are not perfect, we stand behind every product we service. Unlike those who feed off of negativity and do not have the love of this industry in their blood, our 150 employees live, breathe and die for this business. Many have worked with us for over 20 years, some worked with our competitors before their jobs were exported overseas, some worked the retail side of the fence...but all of them work hard and are proud to be part of the Blackgold team. 

All of us at BG are thankful for the support we receive from the industry. For us the glass is never half full, it is always full. Which is why we are cautiously optimistic on having a great season. This is what we wish for all of our partners and the industry as a whole.

Thanks again,

Doug