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I don't know about you, but I'm surprised that NS doesn't have a pretty big store. I'd buy loads of NS merch and I'm sure others would, I don't understand why they wouldn't have more items in
Mr.BishopTo be completely honest, we had a lot of stock in there over the last year and a lot less people than you'd think bought it.
Any insights as to why you haven't been buying loads of NS merch for the last 1.5 years?
Not answering for OP, but personally I didn't love any of the stuff in there last year. Sorry, that's my honest answer though. I didn't want to wear those hat's or shirts enough to buy them. I REALY want some NS clothing, I want to be able to rep the site on the hill, at school, when I go to ski movie premiers, etc... but none of that stuff was a style I would wear.
I think it's really cool that NS has a store, I just wish there was more gear and more options, come out with some sick stuff, maybe have a graphic designer do some work or have a contest in the forums to design a shirt and I'll buy it all up. Throw one of Gavin's awesome ski drawings on a shirt with an NS logo and I'll buy it in a heartbeat. Do some cool stuff with the llama, I think if NS made some really cool clothes they would be much more likely to get purchased. The (in my opinion) bland hats and shirts with the logo just didn't work for me, I didn't love the colors or the design.
Also, I feel like I saw pictures of an NS beanie that looked sick but never saw it in the store or anywhere else?
cydwhitNot answering for OP, but personally I didn't love any of the stuff in there last year. Sorry, that's my honest answer though. I didn't want to wear those hat's or shirts enough to buy them. I REALY want some NS clothing, I want to be able to rep the site on the hill, at school, when I go to ski movie premiers, etc... but none of that stuff was a style I would wear.
I think it's really cool that NS has a store, I just wish there was more gear and more options, come out with some sick stuff, maybe have a graphic designer do some work or have a contest in the forums to design a shirt and I'll buy it all up. Throw one of Gavin's awesome ski drawings on a shirt with an NS logo and I'll buy it in a heartbeat. Do some cool stuff with the llama, I think if NS made some really cool clothes they would be much more likely to get purchased. The (in my opinion) bland hats and shirts with the logo just didn't work for me, I didn't love the colors or the design.
Also, I feel like I saw pictures of an NS beanie that looked sick but never saw it in the store or anywhere else?
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I mean honestly to both of you we just totally fucked up the designs last year. We paid our regular design agency plenty of money to cook all that stuff up, ordered a fuck ton of it and it was a deadzone for sales.
Its hard to make a bad order and not blink an eye. Tonnes of money goes down the toilet, which is why its a bit on hold right now.
It is so easy to think that you can bang out a design when in reality people are actually pretty picky about what they wear.
Stickers, lanyards and all that simple stuff is easy to bring back - but we gotta really get the feel that there's still demand...
Umm, trying to remember off the top of my head what they were like, any way you can throw some of the pics from the store up, if not I'll do my best to remember and be back with a wall of text in like 15 minutes.
Ok, so I found pictures, I suck at embedding but here goes:
As I remember it there were three shirts, black, red, and olive. First off, the colors.... I PERSONALLY didn't like any of them that much. This is super personal but I wear mostly more neutral colors, I would have worn a more muted red, or a lighter green. I think black was a good idea though.
The logo is too big, and as the other thread has shown, that logo isn't the best. I personally like that logo a lot but it is just too big without offering anything cool. In general I want my shirt to tell a story, or be interesting, or at least a little detailed. It's fine to just throw one big logo across the shirt if it's a really good logo and if you just own it and do something simple and huge, I really don't dig the texture on the logo. In my opinion those shirts would have been better with just a plain white NS logo, would have bought the black one if the logo had been white with no texture.
I think the logo almost came across as a wannabe Nike with the elephant print, something about it felt almost fake thuggy, I think it was a combination of the size, the texture, and the colors that turned me off.
As far as shirts from websites that I own, I love this backcountry.com shirt that I can't find a picture of on the web now. It is almost a turquoise, heather blue and it has the backcountry goat on the chest, like where a pocket would go and then on the bottom of the side it has a big print of the back of a truck with backcountry stickers on the bumper. At first glance the shirt is super simple but it has instant brand recognition with the goat logo on the chest and the truck art is kind of a cool side benefit.
My favorite tshirt ever is this one:
It's simple, it's a really cool color, It has mountains, trees, a river, all my favorite things and it says something cool.
I am no graphic designer but I feel like people want gear that matches their perception of themselves. Our clothes tell a story about ourselves to everyone we meet. That's why I want NS gear, to be able to tell everyone I see, "hey, I'm with NS, the raddest site on the inter webs" I think if NS ran a contest where anyone could submit art for a shirt you could get some really rad stuff. The community aspect of it also would push sales. If, say, for instance Gavin Rudy won, I would buy a shirt, not just because it is NS but also because GR is rad, I like him and his work and I'd be stoked to buy and wear something with his art on it. I think this goes for any artist on NS. There is some really high quality work being done by skiers, let it shine!
As far as the hats, I don't know about the rest of NS but I don't really wear that style of hat. I either wear a beamy to ski in or some kind of flat brim trucker style hat. I do wear snapbacks but only when the logo is really cool. Again, it comes back to my perception of myself. I feel like wearing the old hat would have made me feel like some wannabe thug, not someone who enjoys getting rad on skis. would have been all over a black hat with a white NS though.
My favorite hat ever is this one:
It is a nice, neutral color, and that patch, to me at least, is soooooo rad! It is detailed it is skiing and it almost feels a little handmade. It is a little personal. If you made a hat with the llama and crossed sparks I would be all over it!
I mean, honestly I would say, look at what successful brands are doing in skiing right now, look at ski company's street wear, look at jiberish. They have done a pretty good job of tapping into the outdoors aesthetic that seems to sell well.
Sorry for the wall of text. I make no claim to being a graphic designer or knowing what the public wants, I'm just going off of what I see skiers wearing. Stoked to see where this goes!
You can keep it quick too! Its no secret to me that the last round of product was garbage. When things aren't good they don't sell... plain and simple. :)
Ok, these are my suggestions. Sick as sticker packets are a must. Sure you can mail NS and get a couple free shitty stickers, but imagine how sick it would be if you could buy better stickers. Maybe Saga x NS collab or something like that.
Ok, now to clothing. Look at the colours, keep the colours simple. How many people do you honestly see wearing coloured shirts? It's all black and white. So keep the colours basic.
I would love to see skiing related clothing but not blatantly splashing the NS logo. For example, this pizza shirt would be sick. Except made by NS. I also want to see Bishops Llama head with the spork.
Now snapbacks. The NS logo is sick but do you really want that large logo on your hat?
With this hat I'd put "newschoolers" where "RVCA" is and the "NS" logo where the "VA" logo is. And newschoolers slogan around where "balance of opposites" is written.
Beanies. 4BI9 has hit the nail on the head for a sick beanie.
Just a simple NS logo where 4BI9 is would look sick.
Maybe put a sticky thread about it and ask for suggestions. Free focus group.
All I know is the black on black NS logo shirt I got with my yearbook is the second most comfortable shirt I've ever worn (it was the most comfortable shirt ever until I got the 4bi9 palms shirt...that ones amazing).
BWalmerAll I know is the black on black NS logo shirt I got with my yearbook is the second most comfortable shirt I've ever worn (it was the most comfortable shirt ever until I got the 4bi9 palms shirt...that ones amazing).
Those didn't sell very well TBH.
In actual fact, basically anything we put out that only had the 'new' logo on it didn't sell for shit.
personally I'd like something with a bit....more to it, I don't want to wear a tee with just a logo on it all the time, some of the old stuff was better imo (think ns dino shirt, monkey stuff) Idunno, I think ski the east has the right concept in terms of apparel where they actually put some designs onto the stuff
nutz.personally I'd like something with a bit....more to it, I don't want to wear a tee with just a logo on it all the time, some of the old stuff was better imo (think ns dino shirt, monkey stuff) Idunno, I think ski the east has the right concept in terms of apparel where they actually put some designs onto the stuff
Oh I'm in no way trying to say they should just stick to a logo on the hip, but as a consistent item, because you can't go wrong with simplicity.
loganschnurHow did the Virtika collab end up selling? I actually really like the simplicity of it, and its soft.
Extremely well. Logo designs seem to be hit and miss... right logo placement and its a fucking timeless hit... wrong and its a disaster. Virtika ones totally killed it.
nutz.personally I'd like something with a bit....more to it, I don't want to wear a tee with just a logo on it all the time, some of the old stuff was better imo (think ns dino shirt, monkey stuff) Idunno, I think ski the east has the right concept in terms of apparel where they actually put some designs onto the stuff
Again - simplicity of a logo T can work great... but you're right that having more options can work really well - and has in the past.
Who knows... maybe you're going to be taking over the merch program and making it sweet again?
Ok heres my 0.02, since I feel like the shop could be a massive hit.
First off, there is that huge thread somewhere in SD with all the store suggestions. The easy stuff like coozies, lanyards etc wouldn't be hard to make. I think some small stickers would be cool as well, for putting on phones or other small stuff.
For the clothing, I agree with the posts above. I think a successful formula is having a chill colour, like a dull blue or black or green, and then have a medium-large graphic on the front of some cool, skiing (or llama) related shit, and then have a little NS logo on the side or something. Alternatively, have a shirt with a breast pocket and have a little logo on that. Keep it clean and simple, with easy colourways.
I think some of level 1s stuff is pretty sweet. Especially their hats, I own the cotton snapback personally, and it is really sweet. I actually like the colourways from this year, but I think they could have been a lot better. Llamas, skiiers or some other sweet graphics on the front, with an NS logo on the side.
With the logo, I think you should use the OG one, or maybe some other new one like from the thread, because quite frankly I'm not a huge fan of the current logo, although it is decent.
With other apparel, I think hoodies would be dope as hell. Even some simple cheep cotton hoodies, in a black or camo, with a little white/black ns logo would be dope. Take a look at the level 1 hoodies, and you'll see what I mean. Here is a good example of what I like: http://www.level1productions.com/product_detail.cfm?PID=32&CatID=36 simple, cool logo and sweet colours.
What happened to that big clothing drop that was supposed to happen, with all the camo tees and stuff? Some of that stuff seemed pretty cool, if I remember correctly.
I'm not sure I represent everyone with this, but I think my opinion is shared by the majority.
MLJOk heres my 0.02, since I feel like the shop could be a massive hit.
First off, there is that huge thread somewhere in SD with all the store suggestions. The easy stuff like coozies, lanyards etc wouldn't be hard to make. I think some small stickers would be cool as well, for putting on phones or other small stuff.
For the clothing, I agree with the posts above. I think a successful formula is having a chill colour, like a dull blue or black or green, and then have a medium-large graphic on the front of some cool, skiing (or llama) related shit, and then have a little NS logo on the side or something. Alternatively, have a shirt with a breast pocket and have a little logo on that. Keep it clean and simple, with easy colourways.
I think some of level 1s stuff is pretty sweet. Especially their hats, I own the cotton snapback personally, and it is really sweet. I actually like the colourways from this year, but I think they could have been a lot better. Llamas, skiiers or some other sweet graphics on the front, with an NS logo on the side.
With the logo, I think you should use the OG one, or maybe some other new one like from the thread, because quite frankly I'm not a huge fan of the current logo, although it is decent.
With other apparel, I think hoodies would be dope as hell. Even some simple cheep cotton hoodies, in a black or camo, with a little white/black ns logo would be dope. Take a look at the level 1 hoodies, and you'll see what I mean. Here is a good example of what I like: http://www.level1productions.com/product_detail.cfm?PID=32&CatID=36 simple, cool logo and sweet colours.
What happened to that big clothing drop that was supposed to happen, with all the camo tees and stuff? Some of that stuff seemed pretty cool, if I remember correctly.
I'm not sure I represent everyone with this, but I think my opinion is shared by the majority.
Cotton newschoolers hoodie would be hit, calling it now.
loganschnurCotton newschoolers hoodie would be hit, calling it now.
Alright, if Bishop needs specifics for this here is what I think I, and most of the rest of NS, would like:
Cotton hoodie, relatively baggy sizing
Colours available: deep but not too intense blue, burgundy, black, green and maybe white.
Have some dope graphic on the front of skiing related shit, have a bunch of dope rethought NS branding as well ( i dunno, maybe one of the new logos kicking around, or maybe go back to OG? either way, probably needs change although the current one is alright I guess. Needs to be really eye catching and cool)
If the logo is sweet enough, have a simple one with a logo about the size of a flat hand on the front middle.
BOOOM you've just made the awesomest product everyone.
No excuses for not making this one for the coming season bishop ;)
How long does the creation process take?
MLJAlright, if Bishop needs specifics for this here is what I think I, and most of the rest of NS, would like:
Cotton hoodie, relatively baggy sizing
Colours available: deep but not too intense blue, burgundy, black, green and maybe white.
Have some dope graphic on the front of skiing related shit, have a bunch of dope rethought NS branding as well ( i dunno, maybe one of the new logos kicking around, or maybe go back to OG? either way, probably needs change although the current one is alright I guess. Needs to be really eye catching and cool)
If the logo is sweet enough, have a simple one with a logo about the size of a flat hand on the front middle.
BOOOM you've just made the awesomest product everyone.
No excuses for not making this one for the coming season bishop ;)
How long does the creation process take?
Even a simple hoody like i bought a few years back (don't remember how far back maybe 3 years?) i wear it all the time and would love something like it again
picture for reference of my hoody (yes it is filthy)
Mr.BishopTo be completely honest, we had a lot of stock in there over the last year and a lot less people than you'd think bought it.
Any insights as to why you haven't been buying loads of NS merch for the last 1.5 years?
Real talk, your marketing is shit for the NS store. I think I was a member for like 2 years until I found out you had one. Say something like Member of the month will get some swag from the NS store as well.
Or host a contest where you say go look at the NS store tell us your two favorite things, and then tell us what we should add, and one or two winners will win those two things you picked, That will add traffic.
and sell a small amount of those newfuckingschoolers shirts that will get kids in the store.
Also partner with a ski company, sell some skis or other products to get people in there then pick up a NS hat along the way as well. YOU'RE SITTING ON A GOLD MIND OF FUCKING SKIER THAT WILL BY SKIS AND SKI PRODUCTS OFF YOUR TRUSTED SITE. yet you haven't capitalized on it. Look at bodybuilding.com that could have been you guys for ski gear if you threw some money into it.
Boston business analyst would have charged you 200,000$ for that analyst, I'll be nice and charge you guys about 3fity.
Mr.BishopExtremely well. Logo designs seem to be hit and miss... right logo placement and its a fucking timeless hit... wrong and its a disaster. Virtika ones totally killed it.
Again - simplicity of a logo T can work great... but you're right that having more options can work really well - and has in the past.
Who knows... maybe you're going to be taking over the merch program and making it sweet again?
I would be totally into this actually.... Gotta get some customer relations work in for my major anyways ahaha
Bassage.Even a simple hoody like i bought a few years back (don't remember how far back maybe 3 years?) i wear it all the time and would love something like it again
picture for reference of my hoody (yes it is filthy)
That is exactly what I had in mind. I would buy that hoodie. I think NS had some cool stuff when I first joined a couple years back, but I didn't know NS well enough back then to get any of it.
I think the hoodie above is fantastic. Personally I love logo shirts, but the placement is everything. I think on3p has killed it on shirt designs like the grizzlycorn shirt and the no boundaries one(http://shop.on3pskis.com/collections/goodsdivision/products/no-boundaries-t-shirt-white). I actually ordered stuff from the last batch and was 50/50 on it. I was really disappointed with the shirt. It was super heavy and just not that comfortable. The hat was on point though. I think you would stand to gain a lot if you did 5 panels or trucker mesh hats. The content on the shirt is important, but also the feel of it is really important to me. I want a soft shirt. I think it would be funny to have a shirt that has this on it: how do you get to chads gap from the bottom of alta? I think involving some newschoolers jokes or doing some throwback shirts would be awesome. I would also love a lanyard. Hope the feedback helps!
what if instead of just having "NS" branded stuff, the store expanded to carry all of the favorite companies used by NS'ers. I just know for myself that it's always a scramble trying to find a good site to buy off, whether it's Evogear, backcountry, etc. NS could dominate this market by offering all of the best gear in one place. Just an idea, but I'm really surprised this hasn't happened yet. Even give some incentive to sign up for NS when shopping, something like 5% off total purchase if you have an NS account.
It would be dope to bring back something, anything, I just need something NS branded to wear! I am shooting a rail jam this weekend and then my season really kicks off and I want to rep NS but I have nothing but stickers.....
