Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/1148140
What are the different demands for baseball and softball caps? Kennedy: Customers want variety and our goal is to give that to them. Baseball is one of the most traditional sports there is, but we are seeing our customers want to really push the envelope when it comes to cool new, innovative fabrics and performance silhouettes. The demand is the same for softball. While we are seeing less of visors being worn on field, when softball teams order they want the same variety that we offer baseball in performance and breathability. Richardson: Women's softball is still dominated by visors and bands. But in men's softball we're seeing a little more street-style caps with alternate decoration methods. Baseball remains more traditional with Mid Pro shapes and direct embroidery. Hiskey: Both are performance driven, with lighter weight fabrics with stretch and perforation. Baseball is still driven by Stretch Fit silhouettes, while softball holds strong with visors. Where does the cap sale come in when a dealer is getting the uniform order? Hiskey: Because of the customization compo- nent the hat sale is no longer an afterthought, but a hand-in-hand conversation when dis- cussing the uniform and what choices are available to match home, away, fan and any other options. Kennedy: A good sales rep will work his entire head-to-toe uniform orders at the same time. By doing it early and all together it will help in delivering the complete package on time and possibly allow the ability take advantage of early-order incentives. Richardson: Often times the cap sale is at the end of the transaction to match the uniform and complete the package. But the cap has become a more piece of the package and mak- ing sure the cap and uniform match is critical. Are online team stores a big part of the cap business now? How do you see dealers approaching this? Richardson: It's getting bigger, but custom 28 Team Insight ~ July/August 2019 teaminsightmag.com Everyone wants it faster. Simplifying the customization part and using technology for designing and placing orders is key to delivering a custom made cap faster. APPAREL HEADWEAR