Supplier Expert Brand Apparel (PPAI 267226) is celebrating its 25th anniversary on October 1. The company has grown from four employees, two apparel styles and less than 100,000 garments made annually to more than 100 employees and 200 apparel styles, with millions made each year.
“We decided we wanted to make a better shirt, an EXtra PERformance t-shirt. Thus EXPERT,” says Sion Shaman, president. “We also wanted to contribute to the active lifestyle market where people could get engaged in physical activities and live a better and healthier life.”
Shaman adds, “There is much more interest and need for products that are made in the USA. Technology has also played an important role, from design and manufacturing to customer service and shipping. Ecommerce is a driving force for the apparel sales of the future.
“In 1993, most people didn’t know what moisture wicking meant. Today, there are so many more fabrics and contents that simply did not exist 25 years ago,” Shaman said. “There’s also talk in many arenas about smart fabric and wearable technologies; products that can interact with human bodies and the environment. Nevertheless, the product must be trendy and fashionable; thus, fashion, function and fit. We can’t wait to see what the next 25 years brings. The future is going to be exciting.”
