Discussions of camouflage conjure up many images, such as bowhunters atop stands, waterfowlers hunkered in blinds and fashion-forward ladies in trendy swimsuit cover-ups.

Wait. What?

It’s true. You can find great camo patterns on some of the country’s leading fashion apparel, thanks to a partnership between Realtree and Big Strike Inc., a Los Angeles company that designs and manufactures casual and career junior lifestyle garments for women. That synergy might have seemed preposterous years ago, but to Big Strike, it’s a natural.

“With the growth in popularity of the hunting lifestyle through social media and TV series, Realtree apparel became a household name,” said Monica Morales, account executive with Big Strike. “We took this emerging trend and combined it with our growing fashion graphics line to create a Realtree line that incorporates the traditional camo prints with fashion-forward graphics and silhouettes.”

Morales said the marriage of camo and fashion is more than a passing craze. Instead, it illustrates a widespread way of life and the desire to make a statement reflecting that.

Realtree has become a lifestyle not only for the hunter but the entire family. Everything from apparel to household items are now being influenced by this lifestyle and purchased to portray this. By adding fashion trends into this product, it is now being bought not only for the lifestyle but also the cool factor.

Monica Morales, account executive with Big Strike

Some folks might wonder how trendy camouflage designs will hold up in the constantly evolving world of fashion. Morales said brand loyalty and a deep-rooted passion for the outdoors lifestyle will keep the market viable.

We at Big Strike strive on creating a competitive fashion-forward business.  As the fashion trends shift, we will find new and innovative ways to incorporate Realtree camo into the ever-changing fashion market.

Staying in touch with consumers is vital to success in any industry but especially critical in fashion. A commitment to communicate helps Big Strike stay ahead of trends and drive the market.

Customer feedback is extremely important. We gather this information from various sources, including social media, retail sales, buyer feedback and trend shopping through various retail channels.

As the manufacturer, we spread our message and brand potential to our retail buyers, who then broaden it to the customers through social media and retail advertising. As a licensee of Realtree, we also provide product samples for trade shows and various partnerships, which in return advances our reach to a wider customer base.

 

Monica Morales, account executive with Big Strike

 

Of course, the camo-fashion synergy wouldn’t be possible without great partners, and Big Strike has found that with the country’s No. 1 camouflage company.

Prior to becoming a Realtree licensee, we were not present in the camo apparel business. Realtree has allowed us to enter a niche that was once out of our reach but within our customer base. It also allowed us to open up an entirely new channel of distribution within the sporting goods stores, including Bass Pro, Cabela’s, Gander Mountain (and others).

What are you doing to put your products and services in front of this huge group of 21 million hunting enthusiasts? If you’d like to explore new avenues, Realtree can help. Check out these case studies of companies who have expanded their distribution and sales through the power of  licensing with Realtree.  If you’d like to do the same get in touch with us and let’s talk.