Retailers across the country are getting steamed- and they couldn't be happier about it. That's because they're using a professional clothes steamer and saving time in the process. The most valuable commodity in retail operations is time. The owner of an independent store wears a lot of hats in a given day- manager, clerk, greeter, accountant, stocker, and customer service representative just to name a few. So they're constantly on the lookout for ways to lighten the burden, and save more time. One place they're finding a solution is in commercial garment steamers.

A professional garment steamer can actually cut a retailer's ironing time by as much as 90%. For some retailers, it may even eliminate ironing from their vocabulary. Steamers remove wrinkles in a fraction of the time that a traditional iron takes, and they pay for themselves just in the time they save.

When shopping around for a professional garment steamer, buyers should keep an eye on two things- start-up time and running time. This will vary from model to model based on the wattage of the particular unit. Depending on individual needs, the running time and start-up time could be very important.

Generally speaking, there are two types of steamers: large commercial clothes steamers and smaller handheld clothes steamers. The first step is determining which one is right for your particular needs. Here are some things to consider about each:

Commercial Clothes Steamer: A reliable professional clothes steamer should be standard issue in every retail apparel store. They are workhorses when it comes to efficiently getting wrinkles out of any kind of fabric. However, commercial clothes steamers are a bit bulky and will take up some storage space. They're not as lightweight or easy to use as the handhelds, but their performance is unbeatable.

Handheld Garment Steamer: Obviously, the convenience of a handheld clothes steamer is very appealing. It is easy to use, it can be stored anywhere, and it is affordable. If it is used now and then for shorter periods of time, a handheld garment steamer will be perfect. But if it is going to be used for long periods of time on a regular basis, the commercial steamer is going to be the best bet.

Garment steamers are as important in the retail apparel industry as a cash register. Regardless of which style of steamer is selected, it is important to have one and to train the store's staff on using it properly.