This year’s Counselor Top 40 is defined just as much by who isn’t on the list as by who is. On the supplier side, alphabroder (asi/34063) – along with its many predecessor companies – had been a mainstay at the top for decades. But you won’t see it this year: The company, with reported $2 billion in 2023 revenue, was acquired by competitor S&S Activewear (asi/84358) in the biggest deal in promotional products history. It’s a sign that consolidation is continuing at the highest levels of the industry.
In putting together this year’s Top 40, the Counselor editorial team obtained certified financial information and conducted research and interviews to vet the figures – including deeper inquiries when firms reported significant growth or declines. We also spoke with companies about their top goals this year, and how they’re handling tariff difficulties.
Speaking of which, it’s clear that Counselor Top 40 firms – like all promo companies – aren’t immune to the effects of tariffs. Yet, these businesses are proving their resilience, adapting to uncertainty while continuing to deliver for customers and partners. Check back next year to see how they’ve emerged from this latest challenge.
