Lands' End Business Outfitters Blog

After 16 years, her Lands' End Squall Jacket retires with honors.

Daring helicopter rescues. Planning sessions at misty, windy base camps. For 16 years, Debby relied on her Squall Jacket to ward off chills and showcase her spot as a member of Seattle Mountain Rescue. Now the coat is ready for retirement.

We first met Debby in the fall of 1996 (that's her in the top row, third from the left) when we took  this photograph. It appeared in our catalog along with a brief story about how this rugged group of volunteers came to select Lands' End Squall Jackets:

"We wanted a jacket for team building, something we could all wear on our own time, too. We got talking about functionality, looking nice, putting a logo on. I live in Lands' End clothes so I suggested the Squall," said Doug, who was Chairman at the time.

We gave each of the volunteers a new Squall for the photo. After a few noble attempts to prolong its life, Debby is ready to let her "old faithful" go. We found out about her jacket's service record when she posted this comment on our Lands' End consumer site:

"I reluctantly replaced my faithful Squall Jacket I've had for decades. It was given to my Mountain Rescue unit for posing for a Lands' End corporate catalog...The body and liner of the old jacket are still fine. The knitted sleeves were replaced and now the knitted waist has lost its elasticity. It's warm and fairly water resistant. Good for standing around a cold base camp while managing a mission. Too warm for running up a trail!"

Since Debby's work is far from done, we're sending her a new Squall.  "I think I'll stick with red. It's more visible." 

We wish you the best, Debby. Hope to hear from you in another 16 (or so) years.

QR Codes at Trade Shows - Quick Dos and Don'ts

QR Codes have been around for years. But it seems smart businesses outside of the techy types are starting to catch on to how successful they can be as a marketing tool.

Have you jumped on the QR Code bandwagon yet? 

For a great read on the subject, check out "12 Creative Ideas for Using QR Codes in B2B Marketing" which was published in the B2B Ideas@Work Blog. It covers the topic well, touching lightly on how to use QRs at Trade Shows.

We've actually helped a few customers take this approach a little further and would like to share our success stories. 

QR Codes at Trade Shows: Top 3 "Do this" Tips:

1. Make sure your QR code sends the user to relevant information. Consider a link to a video that helps promote your message. Or a direct link to your web site which further details the topic. If the code only takes the user to an email newsletter sign-up page, you're missing the boat.

2. Include the code on giveaways. What a great way to reinforce your message or reach people who didn't take the time to talk. Water bottles, pens, mugs, desk accessories...Consider screen printing your code along with or next to your logo.

3. Include your QR on any pre-show mailings, including event-sponsored guidebooks. Consider this tipping your hat a bit, or increasing interest. Visitors may come prepared with more questions.

QR Codes at Trade Shows: Top 3 "Don't do" Tips:

1. Don't wear your QR code. As much as we'd like to recommend this, wearing an embroidered QR code, while catchy, isn't practical. We tried it. Scanning is uncomfortable for the wearer and the guest. Stick to gifts they can take with them and scan later. Big and large on the back of a screen print t-shirt? That might work. 

2. Don't make it all about the code. QRs are the latest "shiny object" that marketers love, but remember, it's only a supporting tool.

3. Don't forget to brush up on the technology. Make sure your presenters know how to download the app on a variety of phones. Be ready to take a few seconds to offer assistance. Nice way to show your affinity for customer service.

Have plans to use QR codes in your upcoming trade show season? We'd love to hear from you.

 

Last-minute business gift buyers – here's help.

Tick tock. The party is almost here and YOU STILL haven't settled on gifts? Like you need any extra pressure, right?

Actually, you can relax. Really. Full exhale. We have three fantastic ideas. And the best part? They'll never know you waited until (ahem) the last minute.

GREAT GIFT #1: ThermaCheck Throw. Brushed soft on both sides. Plenty of room for your logo. Antistatic, antipilling finish keeps it snuggle-ready for years. It's yours without a logo for under $20. Add a little personalization (monogram initials, company logo) for a little extra. No minimums. No hassles. Just ho-ho-ho-happiness.

 

 

GREAT GIFT #2: Canvas Totes. Small, medium, large, open top, zip top - so many choices. Seriously strong. People hold on to these for years. And with good reason. They're great for crafty types, travelers, exercize devotees, commuters, downtown market shoppers... Prices start at $22.50 without a logo or monogram.

 

GREAT GIFT #3: Lands' End Gift Cards. It's like handing them the keys to the store. You pick the dollar amount, we'll send plastic cards in less than 48 hours. No shipping, no fees, no expiration date. If you're really in a crunch, consider our e-Gift cards. Work just as well and there's no mailing. Maybe they'll even applaud your "green" touch.

Finding great gifts that actually show how much they matter - that's a pretty great feeling. For you, and your recipients. You'll see. Shop for these gifts online at landsend.com/business or give us a call at 800-587-1541.

 

How a massage therapist turned her attention from humans to animals.

Imagine the thrill of watching an aching, arthritic dog stand and wag its tail again. Or a horse, previously too stiff to walk, take an unencumbered stroll around the paddock. "The joy at those moments, shared between the animal, their owners and me, is so powerful," says Dr. Annette Ramseyer, owner of Easing Paw Animal Therapy. Her Monrovia, California practice focuses on non-invasive, non-medicated, restorative therapy (Ttouch-Tellington techniques, Reiki, Massage Therapy) that helps keep animals healthy. Cats, dogs, horses, rabbits - animals large and small. Her services include Healing Touch for Animals^® a program developed by Carol Komitor. 

"Let's be clear, I cannot heal a dog with cancer. But what I can do is make the animal feel comfortable. My goal is to improve the quality of its life."

Annette turned her successful, "Easing Touch" human massage therapy business into "Easing Paw" about five years ago. "I've always felt a different sensation in my hands when working with animals. They seem to channel the energy between me and the animals."

Annette brings comfort to our silent companions, easing their pain, offering relaxation so they can return to being their true selves.

"Relaxation releases endorphins; joints are lubricated, circulation increases, oxygen intake is higher, blood flow is improved and nutrition is better absorbed," she explains. 

Annette encourages her pet owners to always consult with a veterinarian prior to massage. "I do not replace a doctor's services. But when I work with your veterinarian, in some cases, we've been able to reduce the animal's reliance on some medications. That's  a good thing for everyone."

About that great sweatshirt she's wearing... Annette  found out about Lands' End through her work with Healing Touch. "I like the fact that people see I'm affiliated with an international organization."

As a small business owner, her uniform must offer comfort, flexibility and help with self promotion. With no embroidery minimums, Lands' End is a practical, affordable choice.

If you're a pet owner in the Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, or Pasadena area, keep Annette's information handy. Her sensitive touch may just be the relief you both need.

Business gifts: the sensibility of stocking up now.

5 Holiday Business Gifts You Just Know Were Last Minute

 

5. Beautifully Gift-wrapped Project Request

4. Gift Certificate to Headhunter Service 

3. Postcard from boss in the Bahamas

2. Christmas wreath made of frozen Brussels Sprouts

1. Collector’s Edition DVD of footage from company security cameras

Wait, you actually like the people who share your vision (and coffee pot) 50 odd weeks a year. Business gifts are your chance to remind them just how much. And as the boss likes to point out, this is one job where success is the only acceptable result. You work with smart people. They can spot a throw-together gift faster than a misplaced line item on the expense report. So we've pulled together a few ideas that just might make you the talk of the after-work circuit: "Did you see the gift I received from the guys at work? I love it!" Yes, it's been known to happen.

 

For your cross-town commuters, avid winter walkers, the ones who always run out to pick up lunch (even when it's raining), or the few who are never warm enough. 

You really can't go wrong with ThermaCheck. Jackets, pullovers, hats, scarves, lighter 100, heavier 200, always antistatic, plush inside and out - our selection is vast.   

Opt for a cozy throw if you're short on time or don't have their sizes. Order a few extras to have on hand. Comfort never falls out of fashion, nor does your good gesture.

 

 

 

Your office is casual; lots of hands-on work. Those trucks don't unload themselves, right? Your crew has this teamwork ethic your competitors would love to duplicate. Celebrate!

Consider a top-quality Lands' End Mesh. It's designed to last and has a way of looking professional just about anywhere.

Or opt for an authentic work shirt - Chambray, Denim, a classy Roll-Sleeve or a bold  Twill.  

If you have an idea, but are not sure how to make it work, let us know. We're pretty great at finding solutions that fit your holiday theme, team and budget.