GatewayCDI Holds Spring Sales Meeting

GatewayCDI, a promotional products and incentive company based in St. Louis, held their biannual sales meeting this May.

Salespeople from across the nation flew in to take part in the three-day conference. GatewayCDI hosted a vendor fair featuring preferred suppliers, and ran an off-site strategic sales seminar with a focus on Facilis, GatewayCDI’s sales platform.

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2010 Best Sellers Catalog Released with Free Digital Version

On June 24, 2010, Philadelphia-based Promo Marketing announced the release of the 2010 Promotions & Rewards Best Sellers catalog and free e-catalog version to all qualified distributor sales people.

In conjunction with the printed edition, Promo Marketing is also providing a free digital version and custom URL to all distributors.

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The Americana Company Launches New Catalog

The Americana Company, a West Coast distributor of imprintable sportswear based out of Gardena, Calif., released its new catalog this month. In addition to T-shirts and fleece, the 116-page book includes athleticwear, sport shirts, jackets, children’s apparel, hats, bags and aprons. The wholesaler has also increased inventory levels and has expanded its one-day shipping area.

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SanMar–Port Authority R-Tek Fleece Full-Zip Jacket

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.

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American Apparel Responds

On 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.

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Ennis Inc. Reports Results for the First Quarter Ended May 31, 2010

Midlothian, 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.

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BIC APP Announces Sale of Auburn, Indiana-based Messenger Operation

As 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.

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