To celebrate the launch of The Uniform Buyers’ Network on 6th April 2022, the PCIAW® joined Nisha Muire, Uniform Program Manager, Air Canada, to share knowledge on design, tendering and uniform procurement.
How much experience do you have in procuring professional clothing?
About 5 years in professional clothing – although prior to that I did work in producing/manufacturing fashion lines.
How did you get to be involved as the Associates of the Uniform Buyers’ Network?
Starting a buyer’s network was something I had been thinking about and planning for a while. Then, when I was introduced to Yvette and she had the same idea, we realised it was a good fit. Whereas I had been intent on creating an Airline Uniform Buyer’s network, Yvette’s broader scope made more sense.
A professional uniform is a living garment that is constantly undergoing improvements to better meet employee and operational needs.
What do you find is the most challenging aspect of the procurement process?
Marrying form, function and feasibility. Creating a garment that looks good, fits within operational standards, is easy to move in, is durable and makes employees feel good about how they look is no small feat! What I’ve learned is that a professional uniform is a living garment that is constantly undergoing improvements to better meet employee and operational needs.
What do you look out for most when choosing the right supplier?
We looked for someone who was willing to listen to us and to work with us to capture what we wanted in our uniform. We also wanted someone who was flexible and had the IT infrastructure necessary to meet and adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape.
What do you hope to learn from the Uniform Buyers’ Network event?
I’m hoping to learn more about circularity in a garment’s life cycle and how best to reduce textile waste in professional clothing.
How much emphasis do you put on the design process for corporate branding?
We consider our entire uniform to be representative of our brand. Our logo is used to provide an accent where needed or as a design element, but our goal was to make our teams instantly recognisable in an airport as being Air Canada employees.
Don’t miss Buying Uniforms in the Age of Net Zero, the definitive networking webinar for procurers of professional clothing!
