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…
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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 MoreCan’t Find T-shirt Stock? Try These 8 Ways to Save the Order
The T-shirt has long been one of the most popular promotional products. But not even the mighty tee is immune to supply chain challenges. As everyone struggles to piece together orders and track down inventory, the good news is there are some things distributors and decorators can do to improve their chances. Here are eight ideas…
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 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…
Read MoreFederal Judge Orders Promo Supplier to Pay $189,756 in Back Wages, Damages
American Made Bags LLC has been ordered by a federal judge to pay $189,756 in back wages and damages to 48 employees. Two federal investigations uncovered multiple illegal pay practices, according to a Department of Labor release. The first investigation found that the supplier misclassified some employees as independent contractors and did not pay them accurate overtime wages…
Read MoreBAMKO Reports 65% Non-PPE Sales Increase for 2021, Total Sales Up 6.8%
BAMKO announced that its fourth quarter 2021 net sales increased 41% and annual net sales increased 65% over the previous year. These figures don’t take PPE sales into account. The company also reported that its promotional products net sales increased 6.8% to $215.8 million, which includes an increase of $77.4 million in core branded merchandise…
Read MoreHow to Make Your Small-Distributor Status a Competitive Advantage
Whether you are afraid you can’t compete with big online sellers or you think you have nothing to worry about, the fact is that the market has changed. If you’re afraid you can’t compete because your business is too small, this can actually be your superpower. Here are seven things small promo distributors can do to attract their ideal customers…
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