The garment decoration and branded merchandise industry is rapidly changing with new technologies, acquisitions, and market shifts. From innovative printing methods to major business mergers, these trends are transforming how print shops and decorators run their businesses. This recap of the latest industry news provides key insights to help you stay ahead in the competitive world of custom printing.
Headlines for October 2024:
- DTF vs. DTG: New Data On Printing Trends
- Hanesbrands Completes Sale Of Champion
- S&S Activewear Finalizes Alphabroder Acquisition
- Behind The Scenes At Ricoma Office HQ In Miami
- DTG & Screen Printing Hybrid 3.0 Series From Aeoon
- Custom Print-On-Demand Market To Hit $59.3B By 2033
- Coloreel Restarts Operations With New Ownership
- East Coast Port Strike Ends: Garment Decorators Breathe Easy

DTF vs. DTG: New Data On Printing Trends
DTF and DTG printing continue to evolve, with new data revealing distinct advantages and use cases for each method in the garment decoration industry.
- DTF printing excels in versatility, adhering to various fabrics with ease.
- DTG remains the go-to for high-quality prints with superior color vibrancy.
- Emerging trends suggest growth for DTF among small-scale and custom orders.
- Hybrid DTF and DTG setups are becoming popular for diversified product offerings.
Learn more – DTF vs. DTG: New Data On Printing Trends

Hanesbrands Completes Sale Of Champion
Hanesbrands has finalized the sale of Champion, refocusing its business strategy on core products while allowing Champion to expand globally under new ownership.
- Hanesbrands shifts its focus to core innerwear and activewear brands.
- The sale opens the door for Champion to strengthen its international market presence.
- Champion’s new ownership is expected to bring innovation and fresh strategies.
- This move allows both companies to concentrate on growth in their respective niches.
Learn more – HanesBrands Completes Sale Of Champion

S&S Activewear Finalizes Alphabroder Acquisition
S&S Activewear has completed its acquisition of Alphabroder, positioning itself as a dominant force in the wholesale apparel industry, offering expanded services to decorators.
- The acquisition creates a a vast one-stop shop for garment decorators.
- Integration will streamline operations and increase product availability.
- S&S Activewear to have a stronger distribution network, improving delivery times.
- Acquisiton to enhance relationships with garment decorators by offering more solutions.
Learn more – S&S Activewear Finalizes Alphabroder Acquisition

Behind The Scenes At Ricoma Office HQ In Miami
Ricoma opens the doors to its Miami HQ, showcasing its commitment to customer service, innovation, and industry-leading embroidery equipment.
- Ricoma’s HQ features state-of-the-art technology designed to enhance productivity.
- A dedicated support team ensures top-tier customer service and training.
- The Miami office doubles as a showroom, giving decorators hands-on access to equipment.
- Ricoma prioritizes both equipment innovation and educational resources for users.
Learn more – Behind The Scenes At Ricoma Office HQ In Miami

DTG & Screen Printing Hybrid 3.0 Series From Aeoon
Aeoon’s DTG-Screen Printing Hybrid 3.0 is revolutionizing the industry by combining the best of both worlds, offering unmatched print quality and versatility.
- The hybrid technology fuses the precision of DTG with the speed of screen printing.
- Ideal for high-volume runs while maintaining vibrant color quality and durability.
- Designed to reduce waste and improve efficiency in large-scale production environments.
- For decorators looking to expand into hybrid printing to meet customer demands.
Learn more – DTG & Screen Printing Hybrid 3.0 Series From Aeoon

Custom Print-On-Demand Market To Hit $59.3B By 2033
The print-on-demand industry is forecasted to skyrocket, reaching an impressive $59.3 billion by 2033, driven by advancements in customization technology and consumer demand.
- Projected growth of 26% annually as customization becomes key to customer experience.
- E-commerce platforms and technological innovations will fuel market expansion.
- Increased adoption of print-on-demand by brands and influencers to offer limited-runs.
- Sustainability initiatives in the industry are likely to play a significant role in future trends.
Learn more – Custom Print-On-Demand Market To Hit $59.3B By 2033

Coloreel Restarts Operations With New Ownership
Coloreel is back in action under new ownership, with a renewed focus on innovation in embroidery technology that can transform the future of thread coloring.
- Coloreel’s unique embroidery tech allows for on-demand thread coloring, reducing waste.
- The new ownership is committed to furthering product development and global expansion.
- Sustainability remains a core focus as Coloreel aims to minimize environmental impact.
- Fresh opportunities for decorators to integrate cutting-edge tech into their shop.
Learn more – Coloreel Restarts Operations With New Ownership

East Coast Port Strike Ends: Garment Decorators Breathe Easy
The East Coast port strike has finally ended, offering relief to garment decorators as supply chains resume normal operations, ensuring a steady flow of products.
- Delays in shipments had caused disruptions across the garment decoration industry.
- The resolution ensures timely delivery of garments and supplies to decorators.
- Decorators can now focus on meeting customer demand without extended wait times.
- The end of the strike provides stability as the industry heads into a busy holiday season.
Learn more – East Coast Port Strike Ends: Garment Decorators Breathe Easy
That's The Recap For October 2024
As the garment decoration industry evolves, staying updated on key trends and innovations is essential for success. From adopting new technologies like DTF and DTG to understanding the impact of major business moves such as the S&S Activewear-Alphabroder merger, these shifts offer exciting growth opportunities. In this recap, decorators can explore how embracing these changes can position their businesses for long-term success in a dynamic market.