The Biden Administration is taking steps to combat supply chain issues, specifically ocean shipping. In a White House statement, the administration announced a plan designed to ensure that ocean freight companies “cannot take advantage of U.S. businesses and consumers.” The White House said a large part of the problem is that three…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
From Artists to Museums, Branded Merchandise Is Booming in the Art World
Art museums and artists are doing more to blend retail and appreciation through branded merchandise. Want proof? Look no further than a recent ArtNet op-ed by Elliot Safra, titled “Why Artist and Museum Merchandise Is the Next Major Growth Category for the Ever-Expanding Art Market”…
Read MoreWendy’s Creates ‘Morty’s Mayhem’ Pop-Up in Las Vegas With Special Signage, Merchandise and More
For March Madness, Wendy’s has once again collaborated with Adult Swim for a special “Morty’s Mayhem” pop-up event. Previously, Wendy’s had transformed a restaurant into “Morty’s,” complete with special signage throughout the experience. This time, Adult Swim and Wendy’s will similarly deck out the restaurant and give customers the chance to win branded merchandise…
Read MoreFC Barcelona Will Advertise Music Artists on Jerseys Thanks to Spotify Deal
FC Barcelona will play next season with Spotify’s logo on the front of their shirts, but for certain games, the popular music streaming service might give way to specific artists looking to advertise on one of the most celebrated jerseys in sports. Spotify might shine a spotlight on artists like Shakira, The Weeknd and more by putting their names and logos on the shirts…
Read MoreFTC Takes Action Against CafePress for Alleged Data Breach ‘Cover Up’, Fines Former Owner $500K
The FTC announced yesterday that it has taken actions against CafePress following an alleged data breach and subsequent “cover up.” As part of the proposed settlement, CafePress will need to implement information security programs, the former owner of CafePress must pay $500,000 to small businesses affected by the breach…
Read MoreStarbucks Will Begin Phasing Out Single-Use Cups This Year, Switching to Reusable Cup Program
In a massive sustainability effort, Starbucks announced a new initiative that includes phasing out single-use paper and plastics and introducing a reusable cup program in six markets around the world. The company said that by the end of next year, customers in the U.S. and Canada can use their own personal reusable cups at Starbucks, including at the drive-through and for mobile orders…
Read MoreChili’s Celebrates 47th Anniversary by Launching Online Merch Store
Ah, yes, the 47th anniversary. A classic milestone worthy of celebrating. In marriage terms, the 47th anniversary is the amethyst anniversary. But, to Chili’s, it’s the branded merchandise anniversary. This past Sunday, Chili’s unveiled its new e-commerce shop, joining the growing ranks of fast food and fast casual restaurants that have embraced online stores…
Read MoreChina’s Worst COVID Surge Since Early 2020 Is Again Disrupting Shipping, Manufacturing
China is currently facing its largest COVID outbreaks since the start of the pandemic as the Omicron variant surges throughout much of the country. As expected, the Chinese government has responded with aggressive lockdowns, including in shipping and manufacturing hubs, which will likely contribute to additional supply chain delays just as things looked to be improving…
Read MoreNBA Legend Reggie Miller Keeps ‘Stealing’ Wendy’s Promotional Apparel From Commercial Shoots
NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller is once again hitting the commentary booth for the NCAA Tournament this year, and is again working with Wendy’s for some tie-in ads, where he’s had to wear some specially made branded products like robes, pajamas and slippers. Some of those items might just have ended up in Miller’s backpack at the end of the shoot…
Read MoreWhat Is USPS Connect, and How Will It Help E-Commerce Sellers?
To compete with private shipping companies like FedEx and UPS, the U.S. Postal Service has to adapt to the times and create new programs that appeal to shippers, namely small businesses that focus on e-commerce. Its latest effort is an ambitious new service called USPS Connect, which offers various perks geared toward small businesses…
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