How to Find an Activewear Manufacturer on Par with Gymshark: Insights from Rise Sportswear

In the competitive landscape of fitness apparel, Gymshark has emerged as a standout brand, known for its innovative designs and robust supply chain. For businesses aiming to emulate Gymshark's success, understanding its operational strategies and partnering with a manufacturer that offers similar capabilities is crucial. Rise Sportswear, with its comprehensive OEM/ODM services, positions itself as a prime candidate for brands seeking to replicate Gymshark's achievements.

Gymshark: A Blueprint for Success

Founded in 2012 by Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan in the UK, Gymshark began as a small venture selling fitness supplements. Transitioning into apparel, the brand quickly gained traction, achieving sales of approximately £480 million in its recent fiscal year and expanding its reach to over 180 countries.

• Ben Francis, a 19-year-old university student and Pizza Hut delivery driver at the time, launched Gymshark from his parents' garage in Bromsgrove, England. With a £1,000 investment in a sewing machine and screen printer, he began crafting gym wear that combined American bodybuilding aesthetics with European tailoring. His grandmother taught him to sew, enabling him to produce the initial garments himself.

• The brand's breakthrough came in 2013 at the BodyPower Expo in Birmingham. After investing all of Gymshark's earnings into a booth and producing the Luxe Tracksuit, the product went viral on Facebook, generating £30,000 in sales within 30 minutes. This success prompted Francis to leave university and focus on Gymshark full-time.

• Francis leveraged social media and influencer marketing, partnering with fitness influencers to promote Gymshark. This strategy catapulted daily sales from $450 to $45,000. By 2015, Francis stepped down as CEO to focus on marketing and product development, allowing the company to grow even more rapidly.

• Today, Gymshark is valued at over $1.5 billion and operates in over 230 countries. The company has expanded beyond online sales, opening permanent stores in London and Dubai, with plans for further global expansion. Francis emphasizes the importance of staying true to the brand’s core values while innovating and adapting to changing market trends.

• Ben Francis' journey from a university dropout to a self-made billionaire exemplifies entrepreneurial resilience and innovation. His commitment to quality, community engagement, and strategic marketing has transformed Gymshark into a leading fitness apparel brand, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

A significant factor in Gymshark's growth is its strategic partnerships with logistics providers like DSV and Beckmann. These collaborations have enabled the brand to manage complex supply chain requirements and meet growing international demand efficiently.

Emulating Gymshark's Supply Chain Excellence

Gymshark's approach to logistics involves consolidating shipments from manufacturers across nine origins to distribution centers in key markets, including the UK, Belgium, Australia, Canada, and the USA.  This strategy ensures timely delivery and customer satisfaction.

Moreover, the brand's commitment to sustainability is evident through initiatives like the "Shared Fitness" program, which collaborates with supply chain partners to uphold ethical and environmental standards.

Rise Sportswear: Your Partner in Activewear Manufacturing

For brands aspiring to mirror Gymshark's success, Rise Sportswear offers tailored solutions:

Comprehensive Customization: From design to packaging, we provide end-to-end customization to align with your brand identity.

Flexible Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs): Whether you're a startup or an established brand, our scalable MOQs cater to your specific needs.

1) Heat Transfer Printing: Starting from as low as 10 pieces, heat transfer printing is ideal for small batches and intricate designs. This method doesn't require plate making, making it cost-effective for limited runs.

2) Screen Printing and Embroidery: These traditional methods typically require a minimum order of 50 pieces. The need for plate making and setup processes makes them more suitable for medium-sized orders.

3) Special Techniques and Complex Designs: For unique processes or highly intricate designs, the minimum order quantity is usually set at 100 pieces. The complexity and customization involved necessitate a higher MOQ to ensure production efficiency and quality.

Global Logistics Support: Leveraging a network of international partners, we ensure efficient distribution to your hand.

Sustainable Practices: Committed to eco-friendly manufacturing, we adopt practices that minimize environmental impact.

By partnering with Rise Sportswear, you gain access to a manufacturing process that emphasizes quality, efficiency, and sustainability—key elements that have propelled brands like Gymshark to global prominence.

Take the Next Step

Embarking on your activewear brand journey requires a manufacturing partner that understands the intricacies of the industry. Rise Sportswear is equipped to support your vision, offering services that align with the standards set by industry leaders.

Contact us today to discuss how we can bring your activewear brand to life.