Superior Uniform Group, Inc., the image apparel company, announced today that two of its customers, Hilton Hotels (Hotels Multiple) and Ruby’s Restaurant Group (Restaurants - Multi Units), took home winning trophies from this year’s National Association of Uniform Manufacturers and Distributors (NAUMD) Image of the Year (IOY) Award ceremony.  The Image of the Year Awards, held on March 6th at the Rio All Suite Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, recognized leaders in the corporate uniform and image apparel industry.  This is Superior’s fourth straight year claiming an Image of the Year win.
 
Judges evaluated each of the submissions using the following criteria:
• Overall design excellence of the program;
• Harmonious design within the environment where the outfits are worn and utilized;
• Innovativeness of the overall design;
• Effectiveness in meeting the image goals of the end-user;
• Innovative use of fabric, design and accessories to build an image fitting the corporation’s needs.

Superior’s design and merchandising team collaborated with Hilton executives on creating an apparel program that achieves both elegance and functionality. Hilton wanted an image program that incorporated their sustainability goals – focusing in on key environmental commitments of sustainability and full-circle recycling.  They also wanted their image program to create a high level of employee satisfaction by being both comfortable and sophisticated.  Since each property employs many different positions, they used color to create a serene yet elegant palette, blending natural tones with classic black accents.  Superior’s Appel & Brooks brand of eco-friendly suiting, housekeeping, and maintenance garments was easily customized for Hilton’s tastes and reflected the grand style of the Hilton brand.

“We’re excited to work with a company like Hilton that promotes sustainability throughout its hotels,” said Janice Henry, Vice President of Design. “Not only did we work to provide options that embodied the luxurious upscale image of Hilton, but the eco-friendly garments don’t require professional laundering either, which minimizes the use of chemicals during cleaning and reduces our carbon footprint on the earth.”

The Ruby Restaurant Group operates Ruby’s Diners in Southern California, Pennsylvania, Nevada, New Jersey and Missouri. While the basic eye-catching decor (bright red vinyl booths with white Formica tables, soda fountains and colorful 1940’s poster art) and menu remain the same, creative touches are added to many of the Ruby’s Diners by developing modified themes to fit the local area.  Ruby’s goal was to bring back the retro, nostalgic feel of the 1940’s era.  Superior was able to do that with a fun, flirty apparel program.  The servers outfits consist of candy striped dresses, old-fashioned ‘soda jerk’ hats, classic 40’s bowties, and white diner shirts. 

“Ruby’s combines amazing food, themed décor, and music to create a great dining experience,” said Janice Henry, Vice President of Design.  “Their uniform program recalls a simpler time in American culture, when families came together to eat, talk, and have fun.  What more could you ask for?”
 
ABOUT SUPERIOR

Superior Uniform Group, Inc., established in 1920, is one of America's foremost providers of fine uniforms and image apparel. Superior manages award-winning apparel programs for major corporations.  They are leaders in innovative uniform program designs, global manufacturing, and state-of-the-art distribution.   Superior, through their subsidiary “The Office Gurus” is also a near-shore premium provider of cost effective bilingual  contact center and office solutions.

Superior's financial strength and resources support a customer's diverse needs while embracing a "Customer 1st, Every Time!" philosophy and culture.  Their commitment to service, technology, quality and value-added benefits separates them from the competition in each of their seven primary markets: Healthcare, Hospitality, Food Service, Retail Employee I.D., Government Service, Private Security, and Rental Service.  For more information please call (800) 727-8643, or visit their Web site at: www.superioruniformgroup.com.  The Office Gurus (www.theofficegurus.com) enhances the overall customer experience for their strategic partners’ internal and external customers.
 

 Source: Company release, Seminole, FL, March 10, 2010