With coal tripling in price and mining volumes dropping, coal-fired power plants in China are rationing electricity or shutting down—and with them the factories that depend on them for energy. A sales director at a Zhejiang cotton texting printing firm said her company ordinarily has a 15-day turnaround time to fulfill orders. That window is now 30 to 40 days…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
New Gore-Tex Material Is Thinner, More Sustainable
W.L. Gore & Associates just developed a new Gore-Tex material that is thinner, but still waterproof, windproof and breathable. It’s slated for a fall/winter 2022 release, and will be used by companies like Adidas, Arc’teryx, Salmon, Dakine and Patagonia…
Read MoreA24 Created 150 Real Swords as ‘Green Knight’ Promos (and Sold Out Immediately)
In A24’s “The Green Knight,” Gawain is given Excalibur by the king himself to engage in combat with the Green Knight of the movie’s title. In real life, you can get the sword for $450. Or, you could have, if you acted in time. They sold out pretty much immediately on the A24 store…
Read MoreArby’s Released Sweats That Were Smoked by BBQ Pitmasters
To coincide with the release of its new Country Style Rib Sandwich, Arby’s is releasing a line of sweatpants and sweatshirts that were actually smoked just like the meat and then vacuum sealed so they’ll still smell liked smoked meats when you wear them. The limited line is (of course) sold out…
Read MoreDave & Buster’s Dropped a 40 Ft. Branded Banana on the Street to Show How Big Their TV Screens Are
Dave & Buster’s, trying to make sure that we all understand just how huge their “Wow Wall” 40-foot TV screens are, took the “banana for scale” meme to new levels by placing a giant, branded, inflatable banana on Hollywood Boulevard. There’s also a virtual component for those outside of Los Angeles…
Read MoreYear-End and Holiday Promotions: Tips, Product Ideas and Advice From Suppliers
Nick Lateur, director of national accounts for specialty brands at HPG Brands, said that the best time to start thinking about year-end and holiday gifts would have been “like, a month ago.” That’s true—but there’s still time if you act fast and know what’s selling. Here are some ideas for year-end and holiday promotions…
Read MoreH&M to ‘Challenge’ the Branded Merchandise Market Via ‘Creator Studio,’ On-Demand Printing
Creator Studio, a new project by H&M, will first work with musical artists to run merchandise stores. The company will lean on its supply chain and global network, as well as its significant on-demand printing capabilities, to “challenge the market of branded merchandise around the world”…
Read MoreMerch by Amazon Sellers Say the Platform Is Full of Scammers Stealing Designs
Merch by Amazon, the tech giant’s print-on-demand merchandise platform that, among other things, allows approved artists to upload their own designs, has a scam problem. The platform has reportedly become rife with scammers downloading other people’s designs and selling them as their own work…
Read MoreNew NHL Jerseys Feature 50% Recycled Material and ‘Dimensional Embroidery’
In an effort to make this upcoming season a little more eco-friendly, the NHL announced a league-wide jersey change to Adidas ADIZERO Primegreen sweaters, which are made with a minimum 50% recycled material. They also feature a decoration technique called “dimensional embroidery.”
Read MoreFord Is Making Merchandise Moves as It Looks to Expand Into Lifestyle Brand
Ford, following in the footsteps of Ferrari, is increasing its non-automotive merchandise in an effort to create a wider ranging brand. The company just hired Alexandra Ford English, great-great granddaughter of Henry Ford, to the newly-created position of global brand merchandising director…
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