HK Economic Times: Emphasizing Soft and Comfortable Materials in Winter Apparel | Warming Textile Brand Utilizing Silver-Coated Yarn for Chargeable Heating
(This is a news report in Chinese. The following is the translation.)
As the temperature in Hong Kong suddenly dropped, many women rushed to purchase warm clothing. However, for some, the primary purpose of items like neck scarves and cold hats is fashion coordination rather than warmth. Despite the mild cold, they spent around HK$2,000 on these accessories.
KnitWarm, a local brand specializing in heat-conductive smart textiles, is actively pursuing brand collaborations and expanding into international markets. They anticipate a 60% to 70% increase in business volume this winter compared to last year.
Caroline, a freelancer, shared that she spent over HK$800 on warm clothes and leggings during the seasonal transition. "I have poor blood circulation, and my extremities tend to get cold in winter, so I bought base layers to keep warm." She prioritizes comfort, emphasizing that the fabric should be soft and not cause discomfort.
Office worker Ms. Yang mentioned spending around HK$2,000 on cold-weather clothing, including scarves, hats, and shawls. "I traveled to Japan, where it's cold, and I view these items mainly for fashion rather than warmth." She emphasized considering factors like brand, style, and comfort, especially for scarves, as poor-quality materials can be uncomfortable around the neck.
KnitWarm, a brand specializing in heat-conductive smart textiles, was founded in 2018. Co-founder Stephen explained that their technology involves using silver-coated yarn knitted between fabrics. These textiles can be heated using a power bank, with adjustable temperature and timing. The fabric is durable, foldable, and can be washed after detaching the cable.
Products are categorized into three segments to emphasize health benefits.
Co-founder Stanley elaborated that their products are classified into three main categories: travel items like the EyeMask and 4-in-1 Warmer Blanket Cushion; wellness products including the Smart KneeSleeve, WarmerShoulder, and CalfSleeve; and warm wear like the UrbanJacket, 3-in-1 Beanie, and CrossOver Scarf.
During Hong Kong's scorching summer, with temperatures exceeding 30 degrees Celsius daily, product sales drop to 40% compared to winter. To boost sales, they focused on wellness products, particularly in summer promotions. "Heat can alleviate pain. In the past, patients used hot towels or water bottles, but they cooled quickly or didn't cover the entire painful area," explained Stanley. Their wellness items are sleek, elastic, and maintain a constant temperature, offering enhanced convenience. Collaborating with physiotherapists, the brand showcases and sells these products in clinics. "Last summer, sales of healthcare products increased by 50% compared to the previous year," noted Stephen.
Participating in competitions has yielded increased exposure, with orders surging by 35% post-pandemic.
To boost sales, KnitWarm ventured into overseas markets, facing initial challenges. Stephen recounted, "We unveiled KnitWarm products in Hokkaido in late 2019, followed by launches in European department stores. Unfortunately, shortly after, the pandemic intensified, forcing store closures and halting sales."
Rather than waste time, they actively engaged in international competitions. Their efforts paid off with over 60 awards, including the prestigious Red Dot Product Design Award. "Competing not only promotes but also elevates brand visibility." The seeds sown during the pandemic are now yielding results, with orders rising by 35% as travel and migration resume.
Showcased at a retail outlet in Central Market
Acknowledging the use of silver-coated yarn, Stanley concedes that KnitWarm's products are not budget-friendly. "Consider our heated EyeMask priced at HK$780. Compared to Japan's disposable steam eye masks, which cost just a few dollars, ours are pricier." However, KnitWarm's products are reusable. With daily use, they can last at least 5 to 6 years, promoting environmental friendliness. "While there may be minor wear and tear, our products remain usable and don't harden upon cooling." The founders emphasized the natural antibacterial properties of silver-coated yarn, highlighting its safety. To allow customers to experience product quality firsthand, they will be showcased at a retail store in Central Market.
Excited about expanding collaborations and diversifying applications
Looking ahead, KnitWarm's co-founder, Stephen, envisions forging partnerships akin to GORE-TEX, broadening the application of their technology across various sectors. "We recently teamed up with Chicks to launch a Seamless Pouch Strap Warmer."
Anticipated surge in business volume this winter
Expanding into international markets is also a key focus. They've been approached by foreign manufacturers interested in integrating heating fabrics into electronic devices. "While our focus has been on human-centric products, the technology can be adapted for other purposes too. One client is exploring its use in warming baby bottles, among other applications."
Innovation remains a priority for KnitWarm, with plans to introduce 4 to 5 self-branded products annually. Post-pandemic, their business has seen significant growth, with projections of a 60 to 70% increase in winter business volume compared to last year.
source:
https://paper.hket.com/article/3692981/
https://paper.hket.com/article/3692980/
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