What is BAMbu?
BAMbu is the online company I would create that would specialize in sustainable graphic tees and other possible apparel.
Why BAMbu?
I chose the name BAMbu because the fabric that I want to use for my apparel is bamboo fabric (rayon made from bamboo).
So the name is a variation of the word 'bamboo'. The emphasis of the 'BAM' in BAMbu is actually an acronym for - Biological Abiding Material. I want to promote that bamboo is a very sustainable fabric that is fine and enduring in quality. Also, by playing with the spelling of the name and making it more contemporary, the name should appeal more to my target market.
So the name is a variation of the word 'bamboo'. The emphasis of the 'BAM' in BAMbu is actually an acronym for - Biological Abiding Material. I want to promote that bamboo is a very sustainable fabric that is fine and enduring in quality. Also, by playing with the spelling of the name and making it more contemporary, the name should appeal more to my target market.
What is my target market?
My target market will be:
- Male; age range of 28-35
- Single or partnered
- College educated and working in a white collar job
- Annual income of $65,000 - $80,000; price point: Upper Moderate/Better
- Resides in urban cities; San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, and Chicago
- Hobbies/Interests include recreational sports, traveling, fine dining, politics and volunteerism
An overview of my target market is I want to target the males between the ages of 28-35. This is a point in their lives where they're finally finding out who they truly are after having 'fun' in their early 20's. This is the youthful maturity point of wanting to be more environmentally friendly in their lifestyle choices and they have the means to do it with an education and white collar job. I'm targeting urban cities because these cities are filled with the most culture that inspires these men to be more playful in their fashion choices.
- Male; age range of 28-35
- Single or partnered
- College educated and working in a white collar job
- Annual income of $65,000 - $80,000; price point: Upper Moderate/Better
- Resides in urban cities; San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, and Chicago
- Hobbies/Interests include recreational sports, traveling, fine dining, politics and volunteerism
An overview of my target market is I want to target the males between the ages of 28-35. This is a point in their lives where they're finally finding out who they truly are after having 'fun' in their early 20's. This is the youthful maturity point of wanting to be more environmentally friendly in their lifestyle choices and they have the means to do it with an education and white collar job. I'm targeting urban cities because these cities are filled with the most culture that inspires these men to be more playful in their fashion choices.
Sales Channels
I've made the decision that I will not open any physical stores. All sales and distribution will be made via online with four shipping warehouses - one in CA, IL, TX and NY. The reason why I don't want to open physical stores is to cut costs on the energy put in to maintaining the stores. I believe the costs will be cheaper in leasing a warehouse than it is to lease a store. This will also save in packaging materials by not having to distribute my apparel to stores.
With successful online marketing, I believe I can be successful with having an online only outlet. However, if there is much success and demand in the future, I would open up limited amount of stores in key metro areas, built of recycled-only materials.
All marketing will be done via online advertisement, press and online social media. I will refrain from using print publications to lessen the consumption of paper, regardless if it's recycled or not.
With successful online marketing, I believe I can be successful with having an online only outlet. However, if there is much success and demand in the future, I would open up limited amount of stores in key metro areas, built of recycled-only materials.
All marketing will be done via online advertisement, press and online social media. I will refrain from using print publications to lessen the consumption of paper, regardless if it's recycled or not.
Community Outreach
3% of profits will be donated to sustainability promoted and endorsed organizations.
Why bamboo fabric?
Bamboo fabric (rayon from bamboo) is one of the most sustainable fabrics out there right now. In terms of softness, quality and sustainability, it is a lot better than using cotton fabrics. But what makes it great? There are MANY things such as:
- grows faster than cotton and doesn't need pesticides and herbicides to thrive
- for unbleached bamboo, chemicals are minimal to process the fibers to yarn
- has antibacterial properties that are still retained even after processing
- unlike cotton, doesn't produce odor created by bacteria and human contact after wear
- qualities consists of being lightweight, excellent wicking and insulation
As you can see, bamboo has a lot of great qualities that make the fabric better than cotton. By using bamboo instead, graphic tees can be much more sustainable and the consumption of energy and materials will be lessened.
- grows faster than cotton and doesn't need pesticides and herbicides to thrive
- for unbleached bamboo, chemicals are minimal to process the fibers to yarn
- has antibacterial properties that are still retained even after processing
- unlike cotton, doesn't produce odor created by bacteria and human contact after wear
- qualities consists of being lightweight, excellent wicking and insulation
As you can see, bamboo has a lot of great qualities that make the fabric better than cotton. By using bamboo instead, graphic tees can be much more sustainable and the consumption of energy and materials will be lessened.
For more information on bamboo fabric, visit: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-bamboo-fabric.htm