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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Prime Line’s Rick Brenner Discusses Product Safety at PROMOTIONS EAST

Bridgeport, 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 More

Sweda’s Second Annual Case Study Challenge

As 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 More