Looking Ahead: Niche Market Review, Part 2

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We’re continuing our review of Niche Markets from our look back at episode 200 with a jump forward. This week, Terry and stand in Erich Campbell will share some new niche markets making the scene, share their insights on the practice of focussed marketing, and likely tell some stories about sales. Join us as we revisit, rethink, and refresh some of our past ideas while discussing how today’s technology and trends impact niche market opportunities. Plus, we’d love to hear from YOU—what niche markets are thriving in 2025?

Our regular listeners know this, but 2 Regular Guys are all about garment decorating, a bit of fun, and no rants, lectures, or selling. 2 Regular Guys was not created for our employers but for our industry. Since February 2013, The 2 Regular Guys have been the first and the most listened-to garment decorating industry podcast on this planet! We are humbled by all of you tuning in each week. We work hard to bring you information that will improve your business and our industry. Take a look at our incredible weekly guest list, and you’ll understand where this industry goes for news, interviews, and the heartbeat of garment decorating. Thanks for listening!

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News

If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to info@2regularguys.com. Use the subject line “Weekly News.”

Dad Joke

(I have a decorated apparel joke today)

Terry: Did you know if you turn a canoe over you can wear it as a hat?

Yeah, because now it’s cap-sized

(BAMMMMM!!)

Niche Markets Looking Ahead

Terry: Here are some new niche markets that have emerged or expanded significantly since 2017, driven by industry trends, technology advancements, and post-COVID shifts. Thanks Aaron for starting this list for us.

Terry: Subscription Box Apparel

The subscription box industry has exploded, with niche-focused boxes for everything from pet lovers to eco-conscious consumers. Offering exclusive, limited-edition apparel as part of a subscription model can create ongoing revenue.
DTG & DTF printing makes it easy to produce small, unique runs with full-color designs.
Larger runs once you’re established may lend itself to screen printing or more commercial DTF.
I know of one company with a subscription list of 13,500 shirts a month.
Is the market saturated? I don’t know? How great are your graphics and ideas??

Erich: Creator & Influencer Merch

Social media influencers and content creators need their own branded merchandise, but many don’t want to manage bulk inventory. Print-on-demand services powered by DTG and DTF allow creators to launch merch lines with no upfront costs, capitalizing on trends instantly. (We’ve also seen the rise of creators leaning on traditional apparel decorators because of their desire to control garment and print/embellishment quality – amb3r creative – Mention phil defranco?)

Terry: Remote Work & Digital Nomad Apparel

With more people working remotely, there’s demand for comfortable, branded apparel that reflects the remote lifestyle—fun slogans, community-based branding, and hybrid work culture themes.
Think “Zoom Call Champion” hoodies and “WFH Crew” tees.
Van Life, RV Life ← perfect customer who doesn’t have the ability to do their own fulfillment

The FUNdamentals of Business Success Book

Erich: E-sports & Gaming Communities

Competitive gaming and streaming platforms (like Twitch and YouTube Gaming) have exploded, creating massive communities around games and streamers. Custom esports team jerseys, streamer merch, and event-based apparel are in high demand. DTF allows for detailed, vibrant designs perfect for gaming aesthetics. (Jerseys & All-Overs)

Terry: Mental Health & Wellness Apparel

The conversation around mental health has grown, and many people want clothing that reflects self-care, mindfulness, and positive affirmations. Brands that support mental health initiatives or partner with nonprofits can create impactful, purpose-driven apparel.
Today, customers want to hear your story
Telehealth
We’ve had two companies at least on this show that employ a majority of staff on the spectrum

Things that came out of the pandemic that are going strong

Cocktails to go ← Cocktails to Go? Call 555-GO DRINKS

Robot deliveries

Online education ← people still want to identify

Voting by mail

QR codes

Solopreneurship ← I won’t be left in this position again

Online stores

The Secret Sauce

We serve up bite-sized tips for our #regulators to instantly spice up their decorated apparel business. Just like the perfect wing sauce, these quick tips can transform your business experience, adding flavor and depth to your operations. Each video in this playlist is a nugget of wisdom, carefully selected for its potential to bring immediate value to your work. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started in the decorated apparel industry, dip into our ‘Secret Sauce’ for insights that can help you soar.

OTHER EVENTS

Small Business Saturdays – Saturdays at Noon Central Time and then available to watch any time.
Rising Tide Talks! – Wednesdays at 5 PM Central Time and then available to watch any time.
Master of Success Inner Circle – Bi-Weekly Mastermind Groups on top of the industry-leading business training.
Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Atlas Screen Supply in Chicago March 15-16.
Complete Screen Printing Business Course with Workhorse Products in Phoenix, AZ, February 1-2
The Take-up with Erich Campbell – Fridays at 2:30 Mountain Time
Demystifying Next Level Digitizing Online Training from Erich Campbell
Understanding Emblems Learn from Erich Campbell about digitizing for patches.