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We’re diving into the archives for Episode #586! This week, Terry and Aaron take a trip back to April 7, 2017, Episode #200, where they shared 200 Niche Markets for garment decorators. A lot has changed since then—COVID reshaped businesses, new trends emerged, and DTF printing disrupted the industry—so how do those niche markets hold up today? Which ones are still goldmines, and which have faded away? 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!
Your business’ SVPs—Strengths, Values, and Passions—are the foundation for long-term success. When aligned with these, you can move from feeling overwhelmed by daily operations to gaining clarity and control.
News
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Dad Joke
Aaron: Be patient with geologists.
They have their faults.
Niche Markets
Aaron: Terry we got in the way back machine and went back to 2017. https://www.2regularguys.com/200-niche-markets/ This was a little bit of a play on a seminar you were teaching at the time called 52 niche markets in 52 minutes, and we had some fun with the fact, we all know you didn’t get to 52. Since it was our 200th episode back then we wanted to celebrate. We were talking about the show for today, and we have not done a Niche show for a while.
Terry: Yes, so we thought it would be good to look back at some of those niche ideas and discuss any updates, changes or new perspectives on them based on what has happened in 7 to 8 years. 2 things happened since this list was compiled – Covid and DTF transfers.
1. Marijuana Dispensaries
- Legal cannabis markets have expanded significantly since 2017, making branded apparel a huge opportunity. Dispensaries now focus more on lifestyle branding, and DTF has made it easier to produce vibrant, small-batch designs.
2. Event Staff
- With live events making a strong comeback post-COVID, there’s a resurgence in demand for event staff shirts. DTF allows for quick, on-demand customization.
3. Promotional Products Distributors
- With businesses prioritizing brand awareness more than ever, high-quality, low-minimum promotional apparel has become essential. DTF makes it easier to fulfill small orders without screen setup costs.
4. Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties
- Social media and custom experiences have driven demand for unique, high-quality event wear. DTF allows for intricate, full-color designs, making this a hot niche.
5. Fishing Charters
- Outdoor recreation saw a huge boost during the pandemic. Charter companies increasingly look for apparel that enhances the customer experience, and DTF makes printing on demand for customers easy.
6. Corporate Awards & Recognition Wear
- Employee engagement has evolved, with many companies using branded gear for retention and team-building, especially for remote workers. Short-run customization is easier than ever with DTF.
7. Boutique & Resort Wear
- Personalized and exclusive resort apparel is booming with the rise of travel post-pandemic. DTF allows for high-end, small-batch production without requiring bulk inventory.
8. Gymnastics & Youth Sports Events
- Youth sports are back in full swing, and teams seek easy, quick-turnaround options for custom apparel. DTF enables full-color, fast customization without high setup costs.
9. Local/Regional Artists
- The rise of print-on-demand platforms and DTF allows artists to monetize their work on apparel without needing bulk inventory, offering a viable revenue stream.
10. Car Clubs & Shows
- Custom vehicle culture continues to thrive, and enthusiasts love limited-edition, high-detail apparel. DTF enables intricate, full-color prints that capture the essence of their cars.
Aaron: Here are five new niche markets that have emerged or expanded significantly since 2017, driven by industry trends, technology advancements, and post-COVID shifts:
1. 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. DTF printing makes it easy to produce small, unique runs with full-color designs.
2. 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 DTF allow creators to launch merch lines with no upfront costs, capitalizing on trends instantly.
3. 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.
4. Esports & 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.
5. 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.
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.
Trade Shows
- Graphics Pro Expo Irving, TX – March 6-8, 2025
- Marketing Better in 2025: Grow Profits with Clarity and Connection – February 8, 2025 at 11 AM
- Impressions Expo Atlantic City, NJ – March 20-22, 2025
- Summit of Success – April 10-12, 2025 | Coteau des Prairies Lodge | North Dakota
- DAX Nashville Farm Bureau Expo Center, Lebanon, TN – May 9-10, 2025
- Fast Track Your Success: Halve The Time to Achieve Your Goals – May 9, 2025 at 2 PM
- How To Master Pricing: Pricing For Profit – May 10, 2025 at 12:30 PM
- DAX Chicago Schaumburg Convention Center, Schaumburg, IL – May 30-31, 2025
- Graphics Pro Expo Indianapolis, IN – June 19-21, 2025
- DAX Twin Cities Hilton Doubletree, Bloomington, MN – August 1-2, 2025
- Graphics Pro Expo Long Beach, CA – August 21-23, 2025
- Graphics Pro Meadowlands, NJ – September 12-13, 2025
- Impressions Expo Dallas, TX – October 2-4, 2025
- Printing United Orlando, FL – October 22-24, 2025
- Graphics Pro Charlotte, NC – November 6-8, 2025
All dates and events are subject to change
