Looking Ahead: Niche Market Review, Part 2

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! 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. Take the SVP Business Alignment Assessment News If you have anything newsworthy you would like us to share, please email details to [e-mail]. Use the subject line “Weekly News.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxlZWii_1P8 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 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.