Reformer Pilates is the latest buzzword in the fitness industry, with new studios opening up worldwide to accommodate a growing demand. And, as leaders in top-notch branded merchandise and retail furniture solutions, WBC recently attended a networking event, hosted by online directory reformerpilates.com, to talk about partnership opportunities.
Primarily known for supplying solutions for the food and drinks industry, you may be wondering what our kind of offerings have to do with being body beautiful. But you’d be surprised. Because, whether you sell deli products or help people sculpt their physique, building your brand is where it’s at.
With multiple uses and cited as one of the best promotional tools of the century, tote bags have the potential to change the face of your business. So, if you’re about to launch your own studio, here’s why they’ll add muscle to your marketing.
How branded totes can offer increased visibility in a booming fitness industry
Health has become a global focus, driving the sporting industry on an upward trajectory and giving rise to exciting new fitness options. Of those, Reformer Pilates saw a 57% increase in online searches since December 2024, with the number of studios predicted to double before the year is out.
On top of that, some existing ventures have reported 67% more client visits, and research shows that approximately 70% of UK fitness enthusiasts prefer it to regular Pilates or yoga.
While this is excellent news for those embarking on what looks to be a profitable career, quick growth also means stiff competition. So, if you want to raise the bar and get your brand seen, you need to think outside the box.
Now considered an asset for sporting organisations and brands, personalised fabric bags offer a versatile approach to increasing exposure. And we can explain why:
Customisation is easy
Whether you go for a fun overprint (which can be ready for delivery in under ten working days) or are planning something bespoke, totes have ample space for branding (on both sides), making them one of the best walking billboards in town.
They’re practical
Choose the right style and your clients will have space for their gym kit, water bottle... and probably a snack, so from a functional point of view, they meet every expectation.
Eco-friendliness is a given
Our particular totes are made from quality sustainable materials and can be recycled, adding even more bang for your buck. This is further enhanced by their long-term durability... so you know they won’t be hitting the landfills any time soon!
They offer high visibility
From heading to your studio for an intense workout to rushing to work on the tube, your patrons are bound to take their favourite tote with them. Which means that your logo, messaging and details will be on display 24/7.
They don’t cost a bomb
With a trackable return on investment (ROI), these little marketing ninjas are value for money and lessen the need for bigger and bigger advertising budgets.
How to put personalised fabric bags to good use
Aside from making them available either online or at your studio, branded totes can be distributed in several different ways:
- Offer them as goodie bags at events – they were a huge hit at the reformerpilates.com gathering.
- Get them printed for seasonal promotions and make them available to your longest standing followers as a loyalty benefit.
- Tap into the power of ecommerce by selling them on Pilates merchandising websites.
- Collaborate with sponsors or influencers and design something that will go viral on all your social media platforms.
- Use them as a package for your seasonal gifting campaigns and create an unboxing experience that will never be forgotten.
Whichever route you go, you’ll be well on your way to putting your business in the spotlight.
Bespoke design options that will up the ante
Although it’s a longer process, creating a bespoke bag for your brand has its benefits and will ensure that your merchandising is next level. These guidelines will make your tote stand out from the crowd and set the industry bar:
- Opt for a larger size to accommodate all of your clients’ apparel and accessories.
- Put in a zip to help keep its contents safe.
- Think about adding a large internal pocket for those energy boosting after-gym nibbles.
- An external pocket will create extra space for a water bottle while keeping excess moisture off any clothing.
- Include both small and long straps so that it can be carried over the shoulder or in one’s hand.
- Make sure that you choose sustainable fabric like recycled cotton or sturdy denim. It’s a best practice decision that will highlight your environmental consciousness.
While we have a wide collection of readymade bags that will meet many of these specs, designing one that’s exclusively yours is always a bonus.
How WBC can help you flex your merchandising muscle
From getting to know your brand to guiding your choices, we offer the full package when it comes to personalised totes, meaning that we’ll:
- offer you low minimum orders
- give you access to our design team free of charge
- send you a mockup before you go to final print
- get your overprinting and delivery sorted within 10 working days.
However, with lots of innovative products available to you, we can also:
- Help you find the right BRIX® modular furniture units to maximise your studio space.
- Recommend brandable gifting ideas that will support your seasonal campaigns.
We take pride in our partnerships and strive to offer the best service in town, so call us today and let’s get the (exercise) ball rolling!
