Carlsbad, California-based Callaway Golf recently announced it has reached an agreement with Miami-based Perry Ellis International to design, manufacture and distribute Callaway golf and sportswear apparel in the U.S., Canada, Latin America and the Caribbean.
Read MoreNike Knockoffs Seized at Seaport (Women’s Wear Daily)
More news on the counterfeit circuit. Honestly, the most interesting part of this article, at least to me, is that the shoes (if they were legit) would have been worth $1.8 million dollars. However, the shipment was valued at $381,740. That’s quite a discrepancy. In times like these, it’s clear no one can afford to a) fall victim to counterfeiters and b) knowingly traffick counterfeit goods. Most of all, I think this probably falls under the heading of, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” (Women’s Wear Daily)
Read MoreSanMar to Carry Columbia Sportswear
Seattle-based SanMar Corporation, a leading supplier of imprintable apparel and accessories, today announces a final addition in their fall lineup of brands, which will now include Columbia Sportswear Company.
Read MoreIn the Army Now
Hit Promotional Products—Military Cap
Military cap styling has grown in popularity over the past few years and it doesn’t seem to show signs of slowing. With a higher crown (the portion that covers the head) and a flatter bill (no explanation necessary), the style embodies the urbanwear aesthetic that has been taking the fashion world by storm. This style is simple, yet maintains the adjustable back, which is essential for a promotional item meant to fit the unmeasured masses. Plus, there’s space to pull a ponytail through, which gives it unisex appeal.
(800) 237-6305
www.hitpromo.net
Stay on top of the most recent fabric technologies.
T98 Dynamic, a recent development from Thermore, a Milan, Italy-based company specializing in thermal insulation, is designed to act as a gatekeeper between the body and the wild whims of Mother Nature. As explained by Apparel magazine, the fabric “is made from a special blend of polyester fibers and temperature-sensitive polymers.” In essence, its construction creates thermal “gates” which close when temperatures drop and then reopen to release unwanted heat when the mercury rises.
Read MoreImmigration Crackdown Shifts Focus to Employers (The Wall Street Journal)
Just this week, American Apparel was given notice by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that 1,600 of its 5,600 factory workers may or may not be illegal. This article discusses a new move by the Obama administration to begin holding companies responsible for employing illegal immigrants, as opposed to the workers themselves. Though American Apparel is not the only company feeling the heat, it’s particularly interesting given the company’s “Legalize L.A.” campaign that focuses on the treatment of immigrant workers. Stay tuned. (The Wall Street Journal)
Read MoreEnsure your supplier partners know the rules.
When looking to get into the collegiate wear market, there are a few more variables at stake for distributors that might not necessarily exist with other sectors. When one of her distributor customers got the license for three universities, Kippie Helzel, vice president of sales for Erie, Pennsylvania-based CPS/Keystone, had to sign on more than one dotted line to secure the order. University logos are guarded closely, and there are defined rules regarding how they can and cannot be used—apparel and hard goods alike. “They had to send us a lengthy document to sign … to acknowledge the license was proprietary, that we couldn’t make changes to the logo,” she explained.
Read MoreCourt Takes Case Over Licensing of NFL Apparel (Breitbart)
This one caught my eye probably because of the recent article I did for PM’s June issue on trademark licensing in the collegiate wear market. There are so many rules and regulations to be had for this sector (and clearly, other big-time entities such as the NFL), it pays to be sure you’re dotting all your i’s, crossing all your t’s, and in this case, not violating any pesky things known as antitrust laws. (Breitbart)
Read MoreTry new imprinting methods for logos that pop.
According to Jason Krakow, vice president of Caps Direct, Overland Park, Kan., the company has made a name for itself thanks to the whole host of special-effect printing in its repertoire. “We are having a lot of fun with liquid metals, laser-cut appliques, screen printing and sublimation,” he said. These imprinting methods mimic retail styling more closely so there’s an increased chance promotional headwear will be worn again and again. Krakow also pointed to unique trims and accents as ways to embellish the hat itself, including distressing and vintage washes.
Read MorePop the Hood
Bella—Fleece Raglan Hoodie
When it comes to the heavyweights of fan apparel, it’s not the foam finger or T-shirt that takes the title. It’s the hoodie. Walk to your nearest athletic arena and count how many hooded sweatshirts you see. It’s the official uniform of tailgaters and bleacher creatures across the country. True to form, Bella takes a standard and makes it fashion-friendly (from shapeless to stylish!) for the ladies. This version is preshrunk for that coveted side-skimming silhouette and is crafted from a comfy, single fleece knit for even the chilliest game days.
(877) 727-2001
www.bella.com