How to Create an Unboxing Experience That Builds Brand Loyalty Your packaging is more than just a box, it’s your brand’s first physical impression. If you're not thinking about it early, you're risking delays, legal issues, and missed opportunities to connect with your customer. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down why your apparel brand’s unboxing experience could be the secret weapon for brand loyalty, customer retention, and operational efficiency. From mandatory care content labels to QR code innovation and sustainable packaging, Rachel walks through every detail you need to consider. If you've ever been caught off guard by last-minute packaging decisions, or haven't considered them at all, this episode will change the way you think about and develop your brand. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: The Gift of Packaging 00:26 The Importance of Packaging in Apparel 00:51 Challenges in Packaging Development 02:49 Creating a Memorable Unboxing Experience 04:01 Care Content Labels: A Must-Have 05:50 Masterclass: Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands 07:02 Alternative Care Instructions Methods 09:15 Global Care Label Requirements 13:16 Hang Tags: More Than Just Labels 17:53 The Board: Your Strategic Advantage 19:11 Tissue Paper and Bags: The Debate 22:50 Boxes: A Premium Packaging Option 25:13 Making Packaging Special Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ unboxing experience, brand loyalty packaging, apparel care labels, hang tags strategies, sustainable packaging tips, QR code garment labels, customer retention hacks, branded boxes ideas, tissue paper branding, personalized thank you notes, avoid packaging delays, fiber content requirements, wash instruction labels, global care labeling, compostable bags apparel, premium unboxing guide, rachel ericson podcast, business of apparel episode, e-commerce packaging, 2025 brand experience

Come With Me to Do A Live Press Briefing for The Business of Apparel and Unmarked Street! From corporate burnout to leading an apparel education movement — Rachel goes completely off-script in this special live press briefing episode! For the first time ever on the show, Rachel is joined by Ella Ripley Rodriguez, Unmarked Street and Business of Apparel’s marketing assistant, to flip the script and walk her through an unscripted, behind-the-scenes press interview. You’ll hear Rachel’s raw reflections on leaving a high-paying fashion job, starting her own agency, and building The Business of Apparel into the go-to mentorship platform for serious apparel founders. Rachel and Ella go into everything from the most common mistakes startup brands make, to leadership lessons, to why she believes slow growth is the key to real sustainability. If you’re building an apparel brand or even just dreaming about it, this episode is not to be missed! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Business of Apparel Podcast 00:13 Special Announcements and Meet Ella 01:37 Rachel's Career Journey 02:36 The Birth of Unmarked Street and Business of Apparel 04:45 Unique Value of Business of Apparel 06:28 Masterclass and Mentorship Programs 07:57 Advice for Aspiring Apparel Entrepreneurs 12:17 Challenges and Leadership Lessons 21:44 Community and Mentorship Importance 30:03 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ apparel entrepreneurship, fashion startup journey, corporate burnout recovery, Unmarked Street founder, slow growth strategies, apparel brand mistakes, leadership in fashion, mentorship for designers, sustainable clothing business, product development tips, industry secrets revealed, group coaching apparel, Rachel Ericson interview, live press briefing, fashion agency building, hire slow fire fast, community support entrepreneurs, apparel education platform, overcome startup challenges, 2025 fashion trends

The Smart Way to Offer Black Friday Discounts Without Killing Your Margins Slashing prices this Black Friday? Stop and listen to this first. If you’re discounting without a margin strategy, you’re sabotaging your brand. Here's how to sell smarter. In this episode of The Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel is getting into the nitty gritty of strategic discounting, helping apparel founders avoid the biggest profit-killing mistake of the holiday season. Whether you're running markdowns on dead stock or bundling bestsellers, this episode walks you through how to use your line planning worksheet (grab yours at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/gift) to calculate margins and protect your bottom line. Rachel shares her color-coded margin system, what numbers to target for DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) vs. wholesale, and how to avoid falling into the red zone. Get ready to make this season not just busy, but profitable! How to Build Your Line Plan Podcast Episode: https://youtu.be/6hzqe8DI5dc Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Business of Apparel Podcast 00:12 Black Friday and Cyber Monday Strategies 01:18 Strategic Discounting for Inventory Management 04:48 Understanding Profit Margins 05:25 Masterclass and Membership Introduction 13:53 Final Tips for Black Friday and Cyber Monday 17:09 Conclusion Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/ unmarked street,business of apparel podcast,Rachel Erickson,fashion business,fashion business podcast,apparel business,fashion industry,Unmarked Street,Business of Apparel,apparel brand,Cyber Monday apparel marketing,cyber Monday,The Smart Way to Offer Black Friday Discounts Without Killing Your Margins,how to discount without losing profit,apparel pricing strategy,holiday sales for fashion brands,how to offer black friday sales,black friday sales tips

BFCM (Black Friday Cyber Monday) doesn’t have to mean burning your margins or chasing discount chaos. This episode of The Business of Apparel gives you a smarter, more profitable path. Today, Rachel talks about creating a sustainable, profitable strategy for Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Whether you're stocked and ready or still catching up, this playbook is your essential guide, ranging from inventory planning to messaging, email workflows, gift guides, and post-sale engagement strategies. We also cover what to do if you're choosing not to participate in BFCM and how to own that narrative with integrity and positivity. This isn’t about doing what everyone else is doing. It’s about doing what works for your brand. In this episode, you’ll hear: - BFCM logistics & inventory planning - Alternatives to deep discounting - Crafting intentional messaging & policies - Email marketing and automation ideas - Gift guides, style guides, and bundling - Planning now for next year’s success - Navigating BFCM if you opt out Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

AI is reshaping how customers shop and how founders build. From virtual try-ons to AI-assisted sketching and content workflows. Today, Rachel shares how to use it wisely without sounding like a bot. In this episode of the Business of Apparel Podcast, Rachel breaks down the most practical ways apparel brands can leverage AI today, on both the consumer side (virtual try-ons that change how people buy) and the operator side (faster sketching, tech packs, and content support). She shares real tools she’s testing or watching (On-Brand PLM, NewArc, Canva, Riverside Co-Pilot, Google Gemini), clear boundaries for accuracy and voice, and a warning: brands that ignore AI will fall behind, but brands that outsource their voice to it will, too. In this episode, you’ll hear: - Virtual try-ons and how they’ll impact conversion on brand sites - AI in design: flat sketches, colorways, early 3D, and PLM workflows - Tech-pack experimentation and where AI helps vs. where it still struggles - Using AI for marketing (SEO titles, captions, content calendars, brainstorming) - Maintaining authenticity with AI - Social Media platform shifts toward original content with AI saturation Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Most apparel brands think a product page just needs a few photos and a price tag, but that thinking is costing you sales. In this episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel breaks down the real anatomy of a product page that converts, from visual storytelling to size guides that slash return rates. She walks through exactly what makes a product page not only beautiful, but profitable. You’ll learn how to strategically craft imagery, write descriptions that sell through emotion, and use tactics like bundling, reviews, and fit guides to reduce friction and increase conversion rates. Launching your store or looking to optimize for the holiday season? This episode is packed with expert advice you can apply immediately! In this episode, you’ll hear: - The psychology behind why people buy from a product page - How to create shot lists for better photo & video planning - Writing descriptions that emotionally connect and sell - Sizing charts vs. fit guides — and why you need both - Increasing trust with customer reviews and testimonials - Strategic placement of CTA buttons and urgency messaging - Mobile vs. desktop design considerations for product pages Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Think finding a manufacturer is as easy as a Google search? Think again. In this episode of The Business of Apparel, Rachel breaks down the crucial process of sourcing and interviewing manufacturers the right way, so you don’t waste thousands of dollars or end up with unsellable inventory. With 25+ years in the industry and real experiences from members inside her mentorship program The Board, Rachel shares very crucial steps to compare vendors, calculate true unit costs, negotiate MOQs, and protect your brand with a solid vendor agreement. If you're sourcing your very first production run or switching vendors to reduce tariffs, this is the guide you must follow to keep your margins clean and your operations smooth. In this episode, you’ll hear: - How to start the manufacturer sourcing process strategically - Using your extended network to get real vendor recommendations - Understanding minimum order quantities (MOQs) and their impact on budgeting - Breaking down different types of costing: CMT, FOB, and DDP - Why vendor agreements are non-negotiable for protecting quality - Navigating tariffs and freight costs in today’s global apparel market Sign up for the Secrets Behind Billion Dollar Apparel Brands Masterclass here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/secrets Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/

Wondering if TikTok is the right move for your apparel brand? Or is it just another distraction? This episode breaks it down with real advice rooted in what actually works for small product-based businesses. In this episode of The Business of Apparel podcast, Rachel expands on a hot topic raised during a recent office hours session: Should your brand be on TikTok? We're taking a clear-eyed look at the pros and cons of joining the TikTok bandwagon. You’ll get guidance on consistency, scheduling tools, native posting strategies, platform-specific content tips, and, most importantly, how to align your social strategy with your target customer. Plus, hear about our $17 masterclass (normally $47) and how to join The Business of Apparel Board for weekly coaching and community-driven strategy. In this episode, you’ll hear: - The pros and cons of launching a brand presence on TikTok - The importance of content consistency over chasing every trend - How to determine which platform is right for your audience - Leveraging scheduling tools like Later.com - Why a clear customer profile drives your entire strategy - How to make social media work even with limited time - Sneak peek at the Business of Apparel Board membership & live office hours Join The Board here: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com Purchase the Business of Apparel Online Course: https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com/course To visit her website, go to: www.unmarkedstreet.com. Like, comment & subscribe to my channel and learn more at https://www.thebusinessofapparel.com We can’t wait to hear what you think of this episode! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with us: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unmarked-street/ https://www.instagram.com/unmarkedstreet/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076027998346 https://twitter.com/UnmarkedStreet https://www.pinterest.com/unmarkedstreet/