Preshrunk and with a tightly knit garment face, Alstyle Apparel’s Full Zip Hood 9 oz. Fleece is well-designed to survive the day-to-day onslaughts of teenagers. Available in nine different colors, the hoodie also features a double-ply self-fabric lined hood and ribbed cuffs and bottom hem.
Read More
With a classic-yet-fashionable design, the Port Authority R-Tek Fleece Full-Zip Jacket from SanMar is sure to keep clients warm and happy. The jacket is made from 13 oz. anti-pill fleece, includes elasticized cuffs and waistband, and is available in black, brown, gray heather, midnight heather and navy.
Read MoreOn June 14, Los Angeles-based clothing manufacturer American Apparel issued a statement in response to allegations by Gawker.com that it hires retail employees based on their physical attractiveness. American Apparel’s response is directly reproduced below:
“A Statement about Hiring from American Apparel
In light of recent erroneous online coverage of American Apparel’s hiring and retention policies we are issuing this brief statement to clarify:
American Apparel does not hire or retain applicants based on ‘beauty.’ Our main priority is finding people with a strong sense of style who can inspire customers as they make selections from our extensive line.
Read MoreMidlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc. has reported financial results for the first quarter ended May 31, 2010.
For the quarter, consolidated net sales increased by $9.9 million, or 7.6 percent, from $130.8 million for the quarter ended May 31, 2009 to $140.7 million for the quarter ended May 31, 2010. Print sales for the quarter were $67.8 million, compared to $71.7 million for the same quarter last year, or a decrease of 5.4 percent. Apparel sales for the quarter were $73 million, compared to $59.1 million for the same quarter last year, or an increase of 23.5 percent. Overall gross profit margins (“margins”) increased from 23.7 percent to 30 percent for the quarters ended May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2010, respectively. Print margins increased from 26.4 percent to 30.3 percent, and Apparel margins increased from 20.4 percent to 29.7 percent, for the quarters ended May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2010, respectively. Net earnings for the quarter increased from $6.6 million, or 5.1 percent of sales, for the quarter ended May 31, 2009 to $13 million, or 9.3 percent of sales, for the quarter ended May 31, 2010. Diluted EPS increased from $0.26 per share to $0.50 per share for the quarters ended May 31, 2009 and May 31, 2010, respectively. The company, during the quarter, generated $23.7 million in EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) compared to $14.3 million for the comparable quarter last year.
Read MoreAs part of the strategic integration of Norwood Promotional Products and BIC Graphic operations, BIC Advertising & Promotional Products (APP) began an evaluation of business opportunities related to the Auburn, Indiana-based Messenger operation in the Fall of 2009. Several options were evaluated, including the sale of the business.
Read MoreBridgeport, Connecticut-based Prime Line’s president and CEO Rick Brenner teamed with Arnold & Porter attorney Jennifer Karmonick to present a seminar on product safety and the impact of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) on our industry at PROMOTIONS EAST two weeks ago in Atlantic City, NJ. The purpose of the seminar was to educate suppliers and distributors about how they can protect themselves and their customers through a better understanding of state and federal product safety legislation.
Read MoreAs part of its second annual Case Study Challenge, which kicked off on June 21, City of Industry, California-based Sweda Company has officially begun the search for the most innovative distributor project story–and if it’s yours, it could be worth up to $5,000 cash plus an added bonus of a $2,500 credit memo for applicable distributor employers.
Read MoreDayton, Ohio-based distributor Shumsky Enterprises continues to grow as it seats Gary Ball as president of all business units. “Gary’s passion is in developing efficient, profitable companies through team development, mentoring and coaching, allowing me to focus on my passions–new business development and new product ideation,” said Michael Emoff, CEO and owner of Shumsky Enterprises.
Read More
Yesterday, April 29, the New York Times reported that Leslie Buck, designer of the famous Anthora paper coffee cup, pictured top-right, passed away. The whole article can be read here, and I recommend giving it a look. It’s a pretty interesting read, covering not only Buck’s fascinating life, but also how a design that is just perfect for its market can take off and develop a life of its own.
Read More
This morning (April 21) the Wired.com blog Geekdad reported on an online store that sells entomologically correct insect plushies. The stuffed animals at the aptly named “Weird Bug Lady” store are created by a zoology student at McGill University who will soon be pursuing a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology and entomology at the University of Connecticut.
Read More