Monarch Brands Development Center
Case Studies
New Product Development
EconoMop
Situation
A microfiber looped flat mop may last 500 launderings when handled with care. However, a laundry owner found that microfiber flat mops quickly became ineffective due to their customer’s inability to care for them properly. Mops routinely disappeared after walking home with employees or were thrown out after cleaning. When mops returned, they were frequently matted with heavy grease and damaged from misuse.
Solution
If mops last one-fifth of their potential lifecycle, you can use less expensive materials to construct the mop. The traditional microfiber flat mop uses microfiber fill layers to provide a semi-rigid structure. We replaced the fill layers with foam to save money. The outer layers use the same split 80/20 Polyester/Polyamide scrubbing surface, which is just as effective. However, the cost to replace the mop is reduced by 1/3.
Results
Today, Economop sales rival the microfiber-filled flat mop. Interestingly, the Economop has not cannibalized the line. Facility management departments with more control over mop use purchase the microfiber-filled mop as it lasts longer. Laundries do not have the same transparency, so purchase the more economical alternative.
Product Line Expansion
Mesh-Back Pocket Mops
Situation
While canvas-backed pocket mops hold the mop frame more securely than traditional Velcro® mops, they take longer to dry. A local university system’s Facilities Maintenance Department challenged us to develop a mop that performed better in the wash to close the deal.
Solution
Monarch Brands developed a mesh back alternative working with maintenance department heads. The resulting mop dried quicker and fit tighter than the canvas alternative. The coup de grâce came when our sourcing department could import the mop cheaper than the university’s current source.
Results
Monarch Brands won the bid and still retains a close relationship with the customer. We import both mops for our catalog and have gone on to develop more products based on the university’s needs. (see Wall Washing System).
New Product Development
Magellan Green Towels
Situation
A hospitality catalog company (with whom we white label several guest towel lines) had a dilemma. Another supplier was faking the eco-friendly aspects of a towel they purchased for a specific hotel group. The replacement towel must be of superior quality, have green or socially conscious elements, and cost less than their existing product.
Solution
Monarch Brands developed the OEKO-TEX certified Magellan Line. The towel met national franchise hotel specs for quality plush deep-ply fibers, decoration, and price. We built a commercially durable towel with double-sewn hems. Finally, we distinctly branded the towels for ecologically aware consumers.
Results
This towel is still in circulation with our anchor customer and hotel chains across the country. We’ve recently noticed an uptick in the towel purchased for vacation rental property owners looking for a high-quality bulk hospitality towel built for repeated use and abuse.