President Trump today followed through on his threat, issued earlier this week, that the U.S. would increase U.S. tariffs to 25 percent on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports. In response, China expressed its “deep regret over the development,” and threatened to retaliate. This type of back-and-forth has been the M.O. of the trade war.…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
Natty Light Wants an Intern to Create Swag, Drink on the Job
Natural Light and promotional products enthusiasts, have we got news (and better beer recommendations) for you: Natty Light, the low-calorie pilsner from Anheuser-Busch and favorite among college sports tailgaters, is looking for an intern—seemingly a young one based on the language it used in the ad—to do a bunch of marketing tasks, including creating “sick…
Read MoreNow Cal Poly Students Hate Their School’s New (Expensive) Logo
At this point, has a university changed its logo and received positive feedback? You’ve got schools like University of South Florida, which tried to abandon their very-college-sports horned U logo in favor of something you’d see on a bank statement. USF students rightfully freaked out, and the university decided to abandon the logo, eating about…
Read MoreMitch McConnell Is Selling Cocaine-Themed T-shirts
Who do you think is the least likely person to incorporate cocaine into their own personal brand image? If you answered Pope Francis, you’re probably right. But we’re talking about Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is a close second in terms of probably not being a drug kingpin. But those who pay attention to politics might…
Read MoreThe Dodgers Broke an MLB Record for Promos, But It’s Not Free of Controversy
The Los Angeles Dodgers broke a Major League Baseball record for most tickets sold to a special event game, all thanks to the promotional item scheduled for the event. The team is hosting Mexican Heritage Night tonight when they finish their series against the Atlanta Braves, and the special ticket comes with a voucher for…
Read MoreCharles River Apparel Welcomes Jen Kruger and Bryan Mercer to Sales Team
Charles River Apparel, Sharon, Mass., announced the additions of Jen Kruger and Bryan Mercer, both as Midwest sales representatives, to Charles River’s growing sales team. Both Kruger and Mercer have more than 15 years in the industry working with clients in the Midwest. …
Read MoreSignet Inc. Returns to QCA Advisory Council
Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), Chicago, has expanded its Advocacy Council with the addition of Memphis, Tennessee-based Signet Inc. The Advocacy Council (previously known as the Distributor Advocacy Council) is comprised of industry advocates who are leading the way for brand safety through the responsible sourcing of promotional products. ADvocates recognize QCA as the standard by…
Read MoreTrump Threatens to Increase China Tariffs to 25%, Add $325B More to List
President Trump announced yesterday that the U.S. will increase tariffs to 25 percent on $200 billion in Chinese imports, effective Friday. During trade talks at the end of 2018, Trump promised that the current 10 percent tariffs could increase if the sides couldn’t reach a deal by March 1. That deadline was extended once, but with the sides still unable to come to terms, it appears the long-threatened 25 percent rate will now go into effect…
Read MoreBurger King’s New ‘Real Meals’ Are Silly, But They Have a Good Message
For a long time, themed kids’ fast food meals were dominated by the Happy Meal. It became a catch-all term for neatly packaged meals that kids liked. Other restaurants tried, but nothing had the longevity or brand awareness domination of the Happy Meal. Burger King is trying its best, though, to face off against the…
Read MoreThis Inch-Thick Phone With an 18,000 mAh Battery Was a Colossal Crowdfunding Failure
One of the biggest complaints people have about their cellphones is that, inevitably, the battery loses its ability to hold a charge. Avenir Telecom, a European telecommunications provider, tried to save us from that struggle by crowdfunding a new, Energizer-branded phone. The problem was the phone was comically, insufferably large…
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