Disney has been crushing it with heritage themes in movies lately, with instant classics like “Moana” and “Coco.” So, it makes sense that the attention to detail it uses for its flicks would carry over into the merchandise at its theme parks, like the Dia de Los Muertos items it rolled out for the Mexico pavilion in Epcot this week…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
PPAI Responds to Senator’s SWAG Bill
Following the news of Iowa Senator Jodi Ernst’s SWAG Act, a proposed bill that would prohibit government entities from using taxpayer dollars for advertising (including buying promotional products), PPAI sent out a statement to the industry urging them to voice their opposition. “While it might be tempting to limit the purchase of promotional products in…
Read MoreNCAA’s Move to Let Athletes Make Money From Their Names and Images Could Mean More Merch Opportunity
The NCAA is finally going to let student-athletes to profit off of their names and images being used in profitable ventures. Do you remember the old NCAA football video games, where you’d have to play as QB No. 3 even though you knew darn well that it was Arnaz Battle? Or you’d buy a Maryland…
Read MoreNike’s New CEO Isn’t An Apparel Guy (But That Might Not Matter)
Under Armour isn’t the only apparel giant making changes at the top. While Under Armour has been in the news after CEO and founder Kevin Plank stepped down from his position (while remaining involved in a new capacity), you might have missed that Nike’s top executive Mark Parker is leaving at the same time. Due…
Read MoreGen Z Is Waging War on Baby Boomers With Meme-Influenced Apparel
Gen Z and Baby Boomers are natural enemies. Both generations love to rip on each other online, and sometimes in real life. Finally fed up with Boomers calling younger generations lazy and entitled, Gen Z has been retaliating the way it knows best: memeing at them. That’s how “OK boomer” was born, and now apparel with the phrase is selling big…
Read MoreIowa Senator’s ‘SWAG Act’ Looks to Ban Federal Government Promotional Products Purchases
Iowa senator Jodi Ernst is introducing legislation to prohibit federal government agencies from using tax dollars on promotional products and advertising except in special circumstances. Citing the $1.4 billion spent annually on public relations campaigns, Sen. Ernst wants to curb government spending on “mascots” and promotional products items through the bill, called the Stop Wasteful…
Read MoreWhat Will Under Armour Look Like Without Kevin Plank as CEO? (Probably Not That Different)
Last week, Under Armour announced that its founder and CEO Kevin Plank is stepping down from the position. Plank’s position will be filled by current chief operating…
Read MoreThe Golden Rule(s): 4 Keys to Five-Star Customer Service
We talked to Jeff Bourland, owner of Proforma Southwest, to find out what works when it comes to managing sometimes demanding customers, turning challenges into successful sales, and customer service do’s and don’ts. Bourland has been in the industry for more than 20 years, so it’s safe to say he knows a thing or two about good customer service…
Read Morealphabroder Back Up and Running After Malware Attack
After suffering a malware attack on its order processing and shipping systems, alphabroder announced that it is fully operational again for U.S. customers. The supplier said it has “no evidence that any customer data or account information was compromised or accessed by this malware”…
Read MoreNevada GOP Releases ‘Witch Hunt’ T-shirt, Tote Bags for Fundraising Push
In the latest edition of political parties and politicians using merchandise to take a direct shot at opponents, Nevada Republicans are looking to raise funds with a “Witch Hunt” T-shirt and tote bag. The design features cartoonish versions of four prominent Democrats riding broomsticks…
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