Lands' End Business Outfitters Blog

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.

Office Holiday gifts are tricky business. Here's help.

Budgets are lean. Employees are asked to do more with less. Recognizing good work and thanking loyal customers has never been more important. We all get that. But how?

We've pulled together a few can't miss ideas to help you out. Got fifty people and a budget of about $5/each? Don't think frugal equals throw-away. It just takes a little thought and a plan.

Think flashlights. They're practical and useful, two things your team will appreciate. After the office party, hand them out with a note tied around each that says, "thanks for helping us find our way" or "your bright ideas never stop amazing me." 

Think drinkware. Warm wishes come easy with a sturdy mug. Add a packet of tea or cocoa. Hand them out at a skating party and you've created a memory marker. 

Think totes. Your department is full of soccer moms and dads. Bet there's camping enthusiasts, bicyclists, movie buffs...Start with a basic bag (complete with your logo). A few creative additions inside turns the reusable bag into thoughtful gift wrapping. And tells them you value their 5-to-9 time, too. 

Have some clever office party ideas to share? We'd love to read your comments. 

The Lands' End Approach to Promotional Goods

 

It's official: we are now ready to become your single, reliable source for quality apparel AND promotional goods. With this extension of our product offering, you'll find:

• Over 350 tasteful, professional styles hand-picked by our merchants
• Six new categories including drinkware, pens/writing, golf, screen print tees and more
• 40 new bags, totes and packs including some eco options
• Solutions for every budget from pens starting under a buck to Waterman® styles (great for executive gifts)

What you'll get from Lands' End Business Outfitters is something we found missing in the market: a great end-to-end customer service experience and our exclusive peace-of-mind promise: every product is Guaranteed. Period.® Simply stated, if you're not happy with your purchase for any reason, return it for a refund or exchange.

So please, visit us online today and check out the new products.

We're excited to be able to expand our service to our existing clients and make some new connections with this launch. We look forward to hearing your thoughts about both the products and the ordering experience. If you have any questions, just drop us a line at 800.478.8576 or add a comment below.

Thirst quencher or savvy marketing? Both.

How big of a brand splash can a logo'd water bottle have?

We were on-location at the beautiful Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, Michigan for a catalog photo shoot. The breeze from the prior day gone, the heat and Midwest humidity threatened to turn our laid back crew cranky. Enter the water bottles. The concierge who brought them was instantly elevated to hero status. Those bottles never left our side that day. And today - two years later - mine still sits on my desk, inducing momentary daydreams (ahem, creative inspiration breaks) of that trip. I keep it for bragging rights, too. Yes, I spent four days at Grand Hotel in 2007 – here’s the water bottle to prove it!

Promotional gifts have a way of making connections like that. Little memory markers.  Smart companies get that. And in just a few weeks, you'll be able to make your own client connections with 350+ quality styles from Lands' End. Pens, bags and totes, desk top accessories, golf necessities, eco-friendly alternatives and yes, water bottles.

 

In the meantime, please take a few minutes to share your opinion on this water bottle with our two-minute survey.