Scooters—once thought of as the forgotten child in the bicycle and skateboard family that only had a place in the hearts of children and Google employees traveling throughout the office in a display of high tech whimsy—have grown up. Like any evolution or maturation, the scooter is a far cry from the simple, rattly, metal…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
Gameboy’s 30th Anniversary Spurs Merchandise Sales
Kids these days are spoiled by video games that look like real life. They’re so used to astonishing graphics that video games are even making retro-style games as a novelty. Isn’t that fun? Those of us who can remember the days of accepting that a few grayish blobs are a man, a monster, a dirt…
Read MoreA Distributor Remembers an NFL Promotion That Made a Difference
When a promotional campaign gets its intended brand impressions for the end-buyer, pretty much any distributor would say it’s a success. But when a promotion can do some real good in the world and create a positive affect for people, it’s even more special. Greg Schwartz, vice president of sales for Hot Cards, Cleveland, had…
Read MoreSouthern Plus Acquires Aqua Sheen Brand, Assets
Southern Plus, Hartwell, Ga., announced that it has acquired the Aqua Sheen brand and its assets for an undisclosed amount, and will sell Aqua Sheen’s rainwear products as an extension of Southern Plus’s current product offering. “We’re excited to continue the legacy of the Aqua Sheen brand and to be able to offer customers rain…
Read MorePromotional Product Price Fixing Investigation Yields Fifth Guilty Plea
A fifth promotional products professional has entered a guilty plea in an ongoing investigation of price fixing. The companies involved had conspired to fix the prices of branded items such as wristbands, lanyards, temporary tattoos and buttons. The latest guilty plea came from Akil Kurji, owner and president of Gennex Media. According to the U.S.…
Read MoreWhat’s Really Going On With This ‘Worklife’ Staples Rebrand?
Staples just rebranded, giving itself an aesthetic makeover and billing itself as “The Working and Learning Company.” It has a new logo, with the staple now front and center. It’s all very 2019 and very Silicon Valley buzzy…
Read MoreNew York Times Partners With Everlane for Earth Day Apparel
For traditional print media outlets, creating merchandise has become a popular means of marketing themselves and earning some extra cash in uncertain times. It’s not just limited to smaller alternative publications. Legacy brands like the New York Times have been right alongside newer, nontraditional media outlets like Buzzfeed and Vice when it comes to creating…
Read MoreWhy This Sustainable-Apparel Subscription Service Has a Long Waiting List
The last few years have been all about subscription services. We sign up for services that deliver shaving equipment, cleaning supplies and pet toys on a regular basis. They’re great because we don’t have to do anything but check the mail, but the problem is they do accumulate a bit of waste. That’s why Kristy…
Read MoreMarine Corps May Add Umbrellas, Earrings to Uniforms
The U.S. Marine Corps uniform board is considering changes to the marine uniform, including the addition of (optional) umbrellas for male Marines and silver earrings in dress uniform for female Marines. According to Marine Times, female Marines were always permitted to carry or use small black umbrellas while in dress or service uniforms, and male…
Read MoreHouston Astros Fan Sues Team Over T-shirt Cannon Injury
We’ve been saying for a while that T-shirt cannons are the most fun and exciting means of delivering free T-shirts to fans at sporting events. But it’s impossible to…
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