2 minute read
NEW DESIGN FEATURE PROMOTES SUN SAFETY IN NQ
BY GEORGIE DESAILLY
Local business, Design Works Apparel, are thinking outside the box in an attempt to promote the importance of sun safety with their new website feature, which enables customers to design personalised sun shirts on their devices.
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The new feature was launched at their 'Design Your Own Apparel' event in August where locals came to test out the product and create their own sun shirts. Owner of Design Works Apparel, Dahé Wie, hopes the custom design feature will encourage consumers to make smart choices and protect themselves from the harsh North Queensland UV rays.
“By offering the ‘Design Your Own Shirt’ feature, customers can easily choose their own image and font options, create a custom design on their device, and test different scenarios before the final confirmation,” explains Dahé.
“It is time-efficient, offers a fun project for users and a sense of achievement from designing their own shirt from scratch, but most importantly we hope it encourages sun smart choices as people are often more inclined to wear the sun shirt they designed.”
The business, which first started as a market stall, now resides in the Woolcock Centre and designs a range of sun safe clothing in vibrant colours and bold designs. Dahé says she and her partner Dave started the business after identifying a gap in the market for sun safe shirts that were unique, quick dry and lightweight.
“The only accessible UV protective clothing before us were shirts with fish prints or dull plain designs,” she continues.
“The response from the consumer market was great and we started shops in shopping centres, eventually expanding to Mackay and an online store servicing Australia wide. Now we have merged into one megastore in the Woolcock Centre and send orders nationwide and occasionally export.”
The popularity of their vibrant designs has seen them collaborate with various local businesses, including the likes of Support Local Townsville, to help spread the importance of wearing sun protective clothing.
“Living and enjoying the outdoors in North Queensland where UV is extremely high means there is a necessity for sun safe clothing,” says Dahé.
“Collaboration is a great marketing method to reach further audience bases, and by working with companies that align with our brand, we have been able to send stronger messages regarding our identity and mission in spreading the importance of sun safety.”
SUN SAFETY
2 in 3
AUSTRALIANS are diagnosed with skin cancer BEFORE THE AGE OF 70
These figures are even higher in Queensland.
the Facts:
More than 95% of skin cancer cases are caused by unprotected exposure to UV radiation from the sun, MEANING IT’S A
NEARLY ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE CANCER.
Melanoma rates are higher in people aged over 45 who experienced sun damage in their youth.
