Make & Mark (France): selling solutions, not just T-shirts
Printcity (Belgium): a trusted relationship
When Théo Girard joined Make & Mark six years ago as an intern, the company was still a small operation producing phone cases and embroidery. Today, it has evolved into a full-service branding and merchandise agency, offering everything from textile decoration and promotional products to graphic design and web development. “Clients want simplicity,” Théo explains. “Rather than coordinating multiple sup- pliers, businesses increasingly prefer a single partner who can guide them from concept to delivery. “Our customers can see and feel our products in our showroom, so they know what they’ll get before they leave,” says Théo. “There are no unpleasant surprises. They choose, we order, we receive the apparel the following day, and the day after the client can pick up the order.” An important pressure point is price. “Clients want Balenciaga quality, but not the Balenciaga price.” Advice: “Balance innovation with realism. Embrace new technologies when they prove their value, not simply because they are new.”
After 45 years in business, Printcity has become one of Belgium’s most established textile decoration specialists. With screen printing, embroidery, transfers and packaging all managed in-house, the company prides itself on maintaining control over every stage of production. For Jirky Thys, success begins with trust. The showroom plays a central role, allowing customers to touch fabrics, compare fits and see exactly what they are buying before production begins. Despite technological change, Jirky believes human relationships are becoming more valuable, not less. “We don’t sell products,” he says. “We’re advisers. We help customers find the right solution within their budget. We also invest heavily in sustainability, from certifications and energy-saving measures right down to the toilet paper. When clients notice our efforts, their trust grows.”
Advice: “Whatever you do, do what gives you energy. Stay curious, keep learning and be open to feedback.”
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Théo Girard: “The pressure point is deadlines. In the event sector for example, delivery dates are non- negotiable. Will the deliveries arrive on time? Will the quality be right? We had an incident with a batch of bags that turned out smaller than the previous batch. We arranged a solution fast, but we lost money on the project.”
What keeps them awake at night?
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