Pleasant surprises come in all forms. I had the pleasure of watching a product being custom made for me, and though it’s been done before over the years, it was a breath of fresh air to see an art like this taken to a new level without losing its style.
I didn’t give the Flexy store in the mall much attention when it first appeared. Custom embroidering and printing for apparel and accessories has not been part of the usual mall experience lately. The first time I got anything printed on a shirt was when I was still in elementary school, and that was at a mom-and-pop store in the then still thriving downtown shopping district. In my teen years, the malls had tee shirt shops, but usually the printing was blob shapes in Cooper font. Not very original. This store, however, has digital technology, enabling an immense selection of custom options in both vinyl transfer and embroidery.
So what took me inside? First, somebody was already in there buying something, giving me time to look and learn. Second, I had just officially named my writers group and thought I’d look into getting the name on a shirt. The man ahead of me got a front and back custom shirt with lettering and logos, and the price was reasonable. I watched as the experienced associate behind the counter set up a huge sheet of vinyl in a specially designed machine, and the elements of the design were transferred by computer and etched into the sheet. With a custom tool rivaled only by those in a dermatologist’s office, the associate peeled away the selvage, leaving perfectly etched elements on a sticky sheet ready to center on the shirt. No sliding peel-away paper and little risk of error. In less than twenty seconds, the shirt was printed on both sides, and the Associate folded it into a neat package that would have impressed decluttering expert Marie Kondo, slipped it into a bag and the happy customer was on his way.
My experience was just as pleasant, as we looked through images for the shirt and figured out how to place the elements and in what colors (anything from bright neon green to basic navy). While I watched my creation come to life, a line formed and he had four new customers. The place has popularity, and the right mix of new and retro to make the tee wearing public take notice.
Not only was the buying experience a positive one, but the customer service was above expectations. The associate treated me like I mattered, he didn’t rush, and he kept his work space tidy. More mall store employees could learn from him.
So I have a one-of-a-kind shirt. For now. Wait until I tell my friends.
associate peeled away the waste, leaving perfectly cut letters
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