The bond between the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Los Angeles Lakers is strong. The band has written lyrics and songs about the team, and bassist Flea frequently attends games. So, it’s about time the Lake Show repaid the band for its loyalty, eh? Before the end of the regular season, the Lakers created special co-branded T-shirts that celebrated the Chili Peppers’ new album…
Read MoreKym Frese, TAS, Joins Raining Rose Promos as Central Region Account Executive
Raining Rose Promos, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, recently announced the hiring of Kym Frese, TAS, to serve as central region account executive. In her new role, Frese serves as the inside sales rep for the central region of the U.S., working closely with Midwest Sales Executive Jon Hicks and Multiline Rep Ben Norris in Texas and the surrounding states…
Read MoreBoom or Bust: Did the Promo M&A Explosion Happen Like We Thought? (Plus, Things Buyers and Sellers Should Know)
This time last year, the print and promo industry seemed poised for an explosion of M&A activity as the business fallout from the pandemic became clearer. Did it happen? Plus, recapping the big acquisitions from the last year, predicting where industry M&A will go next, and things to consider if you’re buying or selling…
Read MoreMixie Celebrates Grand Reopening
Mixie, HPG Brands staff and customers celebrated the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of the supplier’s upgraded 60,000 sq. ft., state-of-the-art facility, located in Eagan, Minnesota. Staff and guests convened in the new health and wellness product showroom for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by guided tours of the facility in action…
Read MoreUniversal Unilink Announces Recipient of 2022-23 Karl Fowler Scholarship
Universal Unilink, the purchasing association based in Greenville, South Carolina, recently introduced Tess Sanford as the recipient of its 2022-2023 Karl Fowler scholarship. Karl Fowler is close to the heart of the Universal Unilink family. He is the unofficial goodwill ambassador for Universal Unilink and son of founders Allan and Gayle Fowler. Karl’s autism gives him…
Read MoreBAMKO Acquires Distributor Guardian Products
BAMKO, Los Angeles, announced today that it has acquired substantially all of the assets of Guardian Products, the distributor based in Norcross, Georgia, effective May 1, 2022. Guardian Products specializes in the automotive dealer market, complementing BAMKO’s December 2021 acquisition of Sutter’s Mill Specialties, which also specializes in that market…
Read MorePanera Bread and T-Pain Team Up for a Merch Collaboration (With an Interactive Twist)
Panera Bread enlisted T-Pain for a limited run of merchandise to commemorate its new Chef’s Kitchen Sandwiches. Following along with other restaurants that have used a streetwear drop model, Panera also is working with the shopping platform NTWRK for a “Day of Craveable Drops.” Possibly the most interesting item is one called the “Deliciously Luxe Drip Kit”…
Read MoreStranger Danger
“Stranger danger” is a warning that all people you don’t personally know (strangers) can potentially be dangerous. There are lots of strangers giving advice these days. On social media, on YouTube, in your emails and more. Lots of free advice. But who are these folks, and should you follow their advice? My strong suggestion is…
Read MoreTouchstone Merchandise Group Adds Marty Engel as Executive Vice President of Sales
Touchstone Merchandise Group, Mason, Ohio, announced the addition of Marty Engel as executive vice president of sales. “This is an exciting time for our business and stakeholders,” said Derek Block, founder and CEO of Touchstone. “Touchstone has experienced incredible growth, and with that has presented several opportunities for leadership growth for our…
Read MoreThe Power of High Quality Media in E-Commerce
“Brands need to be authentic and real; they also need to keep in mind that two-thirds of consumer online shopping decisions come down to the photos they see,” shares Liz Giorgi. As co-founder and CEO of Soona, Giorgi found a way for companies to create fast and affordable professional content online. Listen to her story and valuable advice here…
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