Expanding Employee Apparel: Building an Online Store for Non-Uniform Brands

In many companies, employees are issued standard uniforms for their roles. However, what about those who want more? Whether it’s a high-quality softshell jacket for the winter, a performance polo for casual Fridays, or a stylish hoodie for everyday wear, employees often want to represent their company beyond their official work attire. The solution? A dedicated online store where employees can purchase company logo’d apparel on their own dime, with a wide selection from top brands not typically available through the standard uniform program.

Why Offer a Non-Uniform Apparel Store?

A custom online ordering platform for branded apparel benefits both employees and the company in several ways:

  1. Boosts Employee Morale & Engagement – Employees take pride in representing their workplace, and having access to quality apparel allows them to do so comfortably and stylishly.

  2. Strengthens Brand Identity – When employees wear company-branded garments outside of work, it increases brand visibility and strengthens the company’s identity within the community.

  3. No Additional Cost to the Company – Since employees purchase these garments themselves, companies can offer a broader selection without added expenses to their uniform program budget.

  4. Access to Premium Brands – Unlike traditional uniform programs, which may have specific brand restrictions, this type of store allows employees to purchase apparel from top-tier brands known for comfort, performance, and style.

Key Features of a Successful Non-Uniform Apparel Store

When setting up an employee-paid online apparel store, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure a seamless experience:

1. Diverse Product Selection

Employees should have access to a variety of garments, including:

  • Performance Polos & T-Shirts

  • Outerwear (Jackets, Vests, Hoodies)

  • Hats & Accessories

  • Business Casual Apparel

  • Seasonal & Specialty Items

2. User-Friendly Online Platform

A well-designed site should be easy to navigate, allowing employees to:

  • Browse products by category

  • View different color and size options

  • Personalize items with embroidered or printed logos

  • Place orders effortlessly

3. Seamless Payment & Ordering

The platform should offer:

  • Secure payment processing

  • Multiple payment options (credit/debit cards, payroll deduction, gift cards, etc.)

  • Transparent pricing, with clear indications of any discounts or bulk pricing benefits

4. Flexible Shipping & Pickup Options

Employees should have the ability to:

  • Ship orders to their homes

  • Pick up items from a central company location

  • Choose between standard or expedited shipping

5. Custom Branding Options

Companies can allow employees to choose from:

  • Multiple logo placements

  • Color variations to match their style

  • Optional name or department embroidery

6. Limited-Time Promotions & Exclusive Offers

Encouraging engagement through:

  • Seasonal discounts

  • New product launches

  • Special employee appreciation events

Implementation: How to Get Started

Launching a non-uniform employee apparel store requires collaboration with a uniform and branded apparel provider that can handle the setup, sourcing, and fulfillment. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Define the Product Catalog – Determine the types of items you want to offer and the brands that align with your company’s image.

  2. Choose a Platform – Work with a provider that can build a custom e-commerce site tailored to your needs.

  3. Set Up Branding Guidelines – Ensure consistent logo placement, color schemes, and embroidery options.

  4. Test the Ordering Process – Before launching, conduct a test phase with a small group of employees to gather feedback and make adjustments.

  5. Promote the Store – Announce the store launch through internal communications, emails, and company meetings to maximize awareness and participation.

Elevate Your Company’s Apparel Offering

By creating an online store for non-uniform branded apparel, companies provide employees with more choices while fostering brand loyalty and engagement. Hanover Uniform specializes in building custom ordering platforms that make this process seamless. Contact us today to learn how we can help you expand your employee apparel program with a high-quality, user-friendly solution.

 

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 at 10:32 am. Both comments and pings are currently closed.