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welcome to... bite-size As we look ahead to the summer and
get ready for ‘Back to School’ we know
this is one of the busiest times of year for schoolwear retailers. So here at Insight,
we’ve pulled together a selection of bitesized information to keep you up to date
on the latest industry news, opportunities and dates for your diary.
There’s lots to look at, so let’s get to it…
Insight into all things digital We’re very excited about the next edition of Insight which looks at all things digital for schoolwear retailers. Want to refresh your website? – we show you how to build a fantastic looking site with minimal fuss. Looking for inspiration? – we’ve advice and examples from retailers like you. Want to drive sales and customer traffic? – we explore how digital marketing can create effective campaigns, both in store and online.
Supply Chain Update We are busy preparing for the BTS season, and have passed one of our milestone dates, 1st May, successfully sending out a huge volume of stock to our customers. Our plans for bringing in stock early have worked well with us currently having some 20% more stock in our DC’s this year than last year but with further stock availability continuing to build during May as planned. However, the world’s supply chains have once again been disrupted by a combination of lockdowns in the Far East and the continuing disruption to shipping. For Banner this has affected some deliveries of overseas badged blazers but we are working with our factories to minimise the disruption and get the stock back to the UK, once made, as quickly as possible, including via sea, train and plane.
Know-How Seminars
Following the success of their Know-How seminars on schoolwear tenders, Banner are looking to run further events on topics that you’ve said are of particular interest. You also said you’d like the sessions to be more interactive with a chance to share ideas and experiences among fellow retailers so Banner are building that in too. Keep a look out for more seminar news from Banner.
Sustainable Back to School Basics...
Want to make this year’s Back to School more sustainable? Check your customer offer against these six simple steps to get the basics right. Look into stocking and promoting eco fabrics for all key items. Check that you’re minimising packaging and plastic bags. Find ways to offer second hand uniform where possible. Make it easy for customers to recycle pre-used items. Now is great time to get involved in your community – perhaps support a local event.
Industry Quick Reads Climate and Sustainability in Education Read about the Department for Education’s launch of their Sustainability and Climate Change Strategy and how it will increase environmental education within the UK’s school curriculum. Click to read
Eco Explained In case you missed it, bust through eco jargon in our latest Insight feature Eco Explained. Click to read
Writing Supply Contracts for Schools Make sure to check out some of the latest guidance from the Schoolwear Association that explores writing supply contracts for your schools. Click to read
Supporting Ukraine
Read the full story here
And last but not least we have news of how the industry is supporting refugees from Ukraine. In March Banner sent 3,000 garments to the UK charity Goods for Good who will see the garments reach displaced families.
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