Why I created the Merino Polo
The MerinoPolo was born out of a passion to see Australian wool consumed in a market that has proven long term demand and continuity. Something desperately missing in the wool market where short-term trends dictate raw wool price volatility.
Polo shirts have gained immense popularity for a number of reasons. Firstly, they offer a perfect balance between casual and formal attire, making them incredibly versatile. Whether you're heading to the office, going for a round of golf, or simply hanging out with friends, a polo shirt can be dressed up or down to fit the occasion.
Another reason for their popularity is their timeless and classic style. Polo shirts were first popularized by tennis player René Lacoste in the 1920s, and since then, they have become a staple in many wardrobes. Their simple yet elegant design, with a collar and buttoned placket, gives them a polished and refined look.
Having witness so many advancements in wool processing I was extremely confident that I could make the perfect polo shirt using merino wool, either 100% Australian merino wool or adding a little ‘something else’ to enhance the known qualities of merino wool.
There are reportedly 400 million polos sold each year in the western world. Imagine if we could tap into that. Would certainly add more value to woolgrowers’ income than selling socks to China men! In Western Australia alone our top ten companies employ more than 10,000 people each. Most of these companies have their own branded polo shirts for the employees to not only be comfortable in the workplace but to also advertise their respective companies. Rather than purchase off the shelf, poorly made, throw away synthetic polo shirts these organisations could tick some of their ESG commitments investing in a high-quality polo shirts that are made from naturally grown Australian merino wool that will not end up in landfill. And if they do. Wool is 100% biodegradable.
To appeal to budget conscious procurement departments my polos needed to be attractively priced. My model is based on large production runs and very low margins. Like I said, my motivation is wool consumption and a future for woolgrowers. I’ve learnt a lot since beginning this journey into wholesale / retail. My success and sustainability is going to be purely based on infiltration of the corporate market.
So…If you want my “Woolvolution of the work place” to really grow legs then I’m recruiting you all to spread the word. If you know a business, have a contact in big biz or just anyone who NEEDS to be wearing merino wool please, please, please introduce them to TheMerinoPolo.
The goal is to get to 1 million polos per year. If this is achieved, then I can then look at direct supply chains with long term contracts with woolgrowers. The ultimate goal to reward dedicated wool growers for their expertise and commitment to growing the highest quality merino wool.
Polo shirts have gained immense popularity for a number of reasons. Firstly, they offer a perfect balance between casual and formal attire, making them incredibly versatile. Whether you're heading to the office, going for a round of golf, or simply hanging out with friends, a polo shirt can be dressed up or down to fit the occasion.
Another reason for their popularity is their timeless and classic style. Polo shirts were first popularized by tennis player René Lacoste in the 1920s, and since then, they have become a staple in many wardrobes. Their simple yet elegant design, with a collar and buttoned placket, gives them a polished and refined look.
Having witness so many advancements in wool processing I was extremely confident that I could make the perfect polo shirt using merino wool, either 100% Australian merino wool or adding a little ‘something else’ to enhance the known qualities of merino wool.
There are reportedly 400 million polos sold each year in the western world. Imagine if we could tap into that. Would certainly add more value to woolgrowers’ income than selling socks to China men! In Western Australia alone our top ten companies employ more than 10,000 people each. Most of these companies have their own branded polo shirts for the employees to not only be comfortable in the workplace but to also advertise their respective companies. Rather than purchase off the shelf, poorly made, throw away synthetic polo shirts these organisations could tick some of their ESG commitments investing in a high-quality polo shirts that are made from naturally grown Australian merino wool that will not end up in landfill. And if they do. Wool is 100% biodegradable.
To appeal to budget conscious procurement departments my polos needed to be attractively priced. My model is based on large production runs and very low margins. Like I said, my motivation is wool consumption and a future for woolgrowers. I’ve learnt a lot since beginning this journey into wholesale / retail. My success and sustainability is going to be purely based on infiltration of the corporate market.
So…If you want my “Woolvolution of the work place” to really grow legs then I’m recruiting you all to spread the word. If you know a business, have a contact in big biz or just anyone who NEEDS to be wearing merino wool please, please, please introduce them to TheMerinoPolo.
The goal is to get to 1 million polos per year. If this is achieved, then I can then look at direct supply chains with long term contracts with woolgrowers. The ultimate goal to reward dedicated wool growers for their expertise and commitment to growing the highest quality merino wool.
