You might recognize Merchbar as the company that partnered with Spotify and YouTube as they implement e-commerce platforms within their sites or apps. LiveXLive’s partnership with Merchbar will include items like apparel, vinyl records, posters, accessories and more for artists on the platform…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
Florida Suppliers Provide Tropical Storm Elsa Updates
Tropical Storm Elsa made landfall on Florida’s Gulf Coast this morning, and is expected to bring heavy rain and wind as it moves north across the state. The storm briefly strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane last night, according to CBS News, but weakened back to tropical storm status as of this morning. Promotional products…
Read MoreSupply Chain Issues Now Causing Problems for Custom Apparel Orders
We’ve covered supply chain issues in detail, but until recently, they’ve mostly impacted promotional hard goods. The apparel supply chain tends to have more country diversification, insulating it from some of the issues facing hard goods, which are mostly made in China. That’s no longer the case…
Read MoreResearchers Develop Face Mask With Built-In Sensors That Test for COVID
Researchers at MIT and Harvard have developed a new face mask that could greatly benefit medical workers by detecting COVID-19 within about 90 minutes. The development has implications beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, as the sensors reportedly could detect other viruses with some adaptation…
Read MoreContainer Shipping Prices Have Now Quadrupled Compared to 2020 as Delays Become the New Norm
In February, we reported that the average cost to ship a cargo container had risen 80% since just three months prior. That rate put it at triple the cost compared to the start of 2020. Now that rate compared to 2020 has more than quadrupled, as Drewry Shipping Consultants Ltd. rated the price to ship…
Read MoreBAMKO Names Jake Himelstein President as Philip Koosed Joins Superior Group C-Suite
Superior Group of Companies, parent company of BAMKO, reported today that it has promoted BAMKO founder Philip Koosed to chief strategy officer of SGC. Jake Himelstein, formerly chief operating officer and chief financial officer for BAMKO, will step into Koosed’s role as president of BAMKO…
Read MoreCollege Athletes Are Already Gearing Up for Merchandise After Supreme Court NCAA Ruling
After the Supreme Court’s ruling, some states are allowing college athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. There’s already a boom in student-athletes filing trademarks for logos or incorporating their name onto existing product lines. It’s even playing a part in recruiting now, too…
Read MorePen Company of America Makes Two Acquisitions, Including Previously-Closed Garland Writing Instruments
Pen Company of America (PCA) announced the acquisition of Garland Writing Instruments and Ben-Art Manufacturing in two separate transactions. The Garland acquisition is most interesting, because the pen supplier permanently closed in October due to challenges brought on by the pandemic…
Read MoreWhy This Apparel Wholesaler’s Hoodies Have Reached Global Cult Status
The Wall Street Journal just called a sweatshirt from Camber USA, a small apparel wholesaler, the “world’s best hoodie.” Obviously, that title is wholly subjective and certainly open to argument. But, the sweatshirt’s reputation with buyers speaks for itself. What makes it so popular?…
Read MoreWhy Some Major U.S. Sports Stadiums Are Switching to All-Aluminum Drinkware
Stadiums and arenas are back open for games and concerts, but things in the stands might not feel totally the same ever again. At least, if you’re in some particular arenas and stadiums, you might notice that your drink is in an aluminum cup, rather than plastic. That’s part of an initiative from Ball Corp., the manufacturer best known for…
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