Lands' End Business Outfitters Blog

His favorite shirt for 20 years gets new life.

Traveling with a tailor is bound to give you some great material. 

Our makeover team had the pleasure of meeting Roger, owner of an incredibly worn, blue, button-front work shirt. Looking at it was like reading Roger's work story. "This paint stain here? That was two wall colors ago." Roger Halloway, director of facilities at World Bird Sanctuary, was proud to show us the label. "I've had this shirt for over 20 years," he said.  "Got it from Lands' End in the 80s and I've worn it ever since." Geralyn remembered the shirt:  "I think it's a Paintbrush Denim," she said. Geralyn's been with Lands' End for 25 years. "I remember it came in a bunch of colors." She was right. We found the shirt in a catalog dated 1987.  

Roger was proud of the fact that despite being butter-soft with wear, there were no holes in the fabric. "The only thing is this missing button. That's why I wear it over a t-shirt." 

While Roger was busy modeling his new makeover look, Deb, our tailor, pulled out her sewing kit. "I can fix that," she said and quickly removed a button from the cuff. Perfect fit for the placket. She pulled a comparable button from her kit to replace the one from the cuff. You should have seen Roger's face when he saw his old favorite. "It's good for another 20 years!" 

His makeover look was a thankful solution for days he'll be meeting visitors (see below). But as we left, we watched him go back to work wearing his old denim shirt, neatly buttoned.

 

Finding customer service in the airport.

It's hard to beat air travel for the sheer efficiency of it all. Hundreds of thousands of people zipping around the world in hours. I'm an infrequent enough traveler to still be enamored of the experience. People watching. Overhearing snippets of conversations. The buzz of business as usual. Tearful goodbyes, happy reunions.

But what I found most intriguing on this busy travel day was the perfectly wonderful examples of customer service. The check-in attendant who understood my pre-coffee confusion as to which way to properly insert my credit card. She didn't judge, she simply stepped from behind the counter and helped me with a smile. The bathroom attendant who tracked me down to return my coat. The between-flights pilot who pointed the elderly traveler to the right gate, then escorted her there. Pretty good finds for a frantic Monday. 

When a woman headed to a convention asked me where I worked, her response made me smile: "Lands' End? I just love that company. You have consistently high customer service." Yes, people still notice.

Have any run-ins with great customer service? Share your stories here. 

 

6am flight - who brought coffee?

Living two hours from the airport is never a concern until you're faced with frustrating your travel companions with a late arrival. Makes it an even tougher proposition when those travel companions happen to be coworkers, ready to face a five day, two city trip. 

I pride myself on being an efficient suitcase stuffer, but struggle with those last minute worries. What if it rains? What if I ruin my shirt in transit? What if my heel breaks, shoes get ruined, suitcase doesn't surface... And the list goes on. 

In 10 years of business travel, I've seen it all, from jet engine fires in flight, overbooked hotels, lost luggage and those dreaded wardrobe mishaps due to a collision with fellow coffee drinker. But it's all worth it for the thrill of seeing business travelers in action. And eventually meeting customers, from lifelong fans to new companies just bringing their brand to life. 

Starting Monday, we'll be on our way to give two great companies a uniform makeover. You'll have to check back in January for the big reveal. But in the mean time, stay tuned for updates from the road. I can type and clutch my travel mug at the same time. 

Have any great business travel stories? I'd love to read them.

33 business days and counting

It's office gift buying season. Have no clue where to start? You're not alone. Selecting gifts that demonstrate the "I value you" message can be a challenge. Here are a few tips from our resident experts:

Jolena Siegenthaler, national account executive:  "Don't make it work related. It's great to have the company logo, but the item shouldn't scream 'use this when preparing your next presentation.' Pamper your employees a bit. Give them a frame to display their family photo. Consider a wine kit to relax with after work. Or even a spa set. I think gifts that offer a break from the daily grind are always well received."

Matthew Meholic, senior national account executive: "My best advice is to follow the three U's - useful, unique and unisex - when collectively rewarding or recognizing the group. This is a safe way to ensure everyone feels valued. Here are a few of my favorite things: Budget under $10? Think earbuds in a case. They're great for the gym or slopes. Under $20? Thermal Bottles. Who doesn't appreciate a classy bottle to take to meetings. Under $50? Ballpoint and Rollerball Pen sets. Makes an impression on your clients and their documents!"

Need more ideas? Leave a comment. We'll get back to you right away.