In this vendor spotlight, Corina Biton, the founder and president of BloqUV, shares her inspiring journey from sunburned beach runner to creator of a successful sun-protective apparel brand. With a focus on style, comfort, and most importantly, protection from harmful UV rays, BloqUV has become a go-to choice for golfers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Join us as we delve into the story behind BloqUV, their popular products, commitment to quality, and exciting new ventures.
AGM: What inspired the founding of your company?
CB: I quit my corporate job and started running on the beach everyday wearing a long sleeve cotton shirt. After 10 months I had spots on my arms and upper body – went to the dermatologist to learn that it was sun damage. And that the sun penetrates through your clothes. I went out and purchased sun protective tops and they were terrible fabric, prints and frumpy- so in 2009 I decided to start BloqUV.
AGM: What’s your most popular product, and why do you think it’s been so successful?
CB: Our number seller has been in our collection since 2009 – 15 years – 24/7 crew neck. For golf our top sellers are our mock zip tops (loose or relax fit/men and women)
AGM: What trends are currently shaping the golf apparel industry?
CB: Merchandise is more lifestyle than sport specific. What is worn at golf course is being worn for other everyday activities – not just for golf
AGM: What’s the next big thing for your brand?
CB: BarkUV – sun protective tops for dogs.
AGM: What marketing strategies have proven most effective for your brand?
CB: Wholesale trade shows are very important to our business as well as monthly wholesale newsletter for our distributors.
AGM: What partnerships or collaborations are you most proud of?
CB: We are showcasing our 2nd collaboration with Jantzen swim. BloqUV business is solid colored merchandise. We partnered with Jantzen and used their prints on our BloqTek Fabric.
AGM: What strategies do you recommend for merchandising your products effectively?
CB: Our product is lightweight and soft. We recommend hanging the garments in a way that showcases the style and allows the customers to feel our fabric
AGM: What’s your process for selecting materials for your golf apparel?
CB: All of our fabrics have to pass an independent laboratory UV test to make sure all fabrics achieve UPF 50+. Our brand predominantly uses our proprietary BloqTek fabric. The fabric UV protection does not wash away with launderings, provides moisture wicking and quick dry. Our fabric can be used on the golf course followed by a swim. Our fabrics are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation.
AGM: What message would you like to leave with AGM members about your brand and products?
CB: BloqUV is a lifestyle sun protective brand created in 2009. Our garments are recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation – BloqUV fabric is tested by an independent UV laboratory by color, wet and dry. We have UPF colors on each color of our collection. Our brand provides basic styles for our customers outdoor lifestyle. In addition to golf our brand is used for tennis, swimming, surf, boating, hiking, horseback riding and more.
BloqUV’s dedication to sun protection, style, and comfort, makes them a valuable asset to any golf pro shop. To learn more about BloqUV visit https://bloquv.com/ or reach out to Corina Biton at cbiton@bloquv.com.
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