Moisture-wicking fabric wins the performance-wear popularity contest. APERSON ONLY has to consider the steadiness of antiperspirant and umbrella sales in this country to know that, from a comfort standpoint, an overabundance of moisture just isn’t OK for the average human. Maybe it’s simple biology. Orangutans—primates with whom we share around 95 percent of our genetic makeup—are known to craft rain hats out of leaves. But regardless of how clever these friendly apes might be, they’ve yet to come up with any solutions for the sweating thing. Such know-how can only be a byproduct of that last 5 percent of uniquely Homo sapien
Read MorePromotions That Really Make Sense
THERE’S NO OTHER industry that appeals to and satisfies the five senses quite like the promotional products industry. If a treat is needed to sweeten a business deal, there is no shortage of companies offering up the right confections. If a tune is required to spread good will, a selection of suppliers can be found on the playlist. The five senses of sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell battle for equal airtime in an industry that’s all about getting customers’ names out there. Following, industry suppliers offering products representa-tive of each sensory category share their take on why their items are the most
Read MoreWho in the World is Ned Ludd?
MAN OR MYTH, fact or fiction, Ned Ludd is oft-cited as the inspiration for the Luddite movement of early 19th century England. A supposed simpleton, Ludd was fabled to have destroyed two automated looms, epitomizing and inspiring the coming Luddite revolt against the machinery of the industrial revolution. The Luddites believed technological advances hurt their livelihood—as automated machines required fewer artisans—and rallied to slow their progress, smashing equipment in the name of the working man. Centuries later, the Luddite movement survives, often referred to as neo-Luddites, who rally against computers, cell phones and other gadgets that can be considered the automated loom of the
Read MorePromo Marketing Interviews Top 10 Distributors
1 Bensussen Deutsch & Associates (BD&A) Woodinville, WA www.bdainc.com Principal: Jay Deutsch, CEO “TAKING THE BULL BY THE HORNS” PM: In your opinion, what does it mean to be a top distributor? JD: It means we pay attention to our clients’ objectives. It means creating effective and cohesive merchandise programs that provide a tangible, useful and personal connection to our clients’ brands. It means providing the most comprehensive suite of merchandise services, and backing them with the best people around. PM: What has been your strategy for success? JD: BD&A’s strategy for success is proven processes, unmatched
Read MoreEmbellish: THE TRUTH
DON’T ANGER OPRAH. Despite the fact the point’s been hammered home to us mere mortals ever since Ms. Winfrey took over the world, memoirist James Frey still believed he could “enhance” a few pesky details with his formerly Winfrey-approved tale, “A Million Little Pieces.” We all know what happened next. He’s on the express train to obscurity. And the ticket is not round-trip. For better or (more often) worse, embellishment gets things noticed—after all, the National Enquirer staff has to eat, too. Luckily for the honest-living promotional industry folk, the power can be harnessed for good. Chosen with the right amount of care,
Read MoreDrink and Drive Sales
VARIETY MIGHT VERY well be the spice of life, but as seasoned chefs can confirm, too much of a good thing often ruins the pot. The perfect accompaniment deliciously complements, without overpowering, a main course. Not unlike the contents of the kitchen spice rack, “Drinkware comes in many different sizes, colors and price points, so it makes a perfect option in almost every distributor presentation,” said Brian P. Padian, vice president of inside sales at Tustin, California-based Logomark. Yet, in creating success-ful drinkware promotions, distributors can benefit from the discretion, foresight and planning of the most elite culinary artists to find the right
Read MoreDon’t Trade This for the World
HE INDUSTRY OFFERS distributors a variety of goods that can help them help their clients make the right moves before, during and after a trade show. Following are three steps informed distributors should take to ensure their clients’ shows are a success every time. BEFORE—Create a buzz with pre-show mailings. According to Eric Johnson, vice president of marketing and development at Halls & Company, Brooklyn Park, Minn., creating a buzz before the show is the first step in ensuring a great trade-show experience. He said sending a pre-show mailing containing half of a promotional product to a predetermined customer list, for example,
Read MoreProforma Owner Freiberg Helps Keep Local Red Cross Afloat
Susan Freiberg, owner of Proforma ABF Direct, based in Turnersville, N.J., is helping the Gloucester County Red Cross’s executive director Laura Steinmetz “bag” the local branch’s financial troubles. Freiberg, with Proforma ABF Direct resources at hand, is donating 500 beach tote bags to the Gloucester County Red Cross. The bags will be given out in return for a $10 donation. After all the bags are given away, the local Red Cross branch will be $5,000 closer to its mandatory goal of raising $70,000 in order to stay open. One of the oldest chapters in New Jersey, the Gloucester County Red Cross collects more
Read MoreCounterPoint Taps Short-run Market with Lower Minimums
CounterPoint, an industry-leading counter mat supplier based in Las Vegas, announced a reduction in the minimum order for a selection of its most popular products. The company’s heavy- and medium-duty, hard surface Vynex and its fabric surface, Origin’L Fabric 3 MM, now both have a minimum order of 50 pieces reduced from 250 pieces (contact company for product sizes available at reduced minimums). “We decided to reduce the minimum order size in order to make our counter mats readily available to smaller advertisers,” said Ed Hamilton, president of CounterPoint. “Meeting the needs of our customers is a priority and this change, coupled with
Read MoreChocolate Inn Releases Distributor Catalog Early
Freeport, New York-based Chocolate Inn announced its 2008 catalog would be available for distribution on May 15, three months earlier than in previous years. The catalog has many new chocolate products and packaging options, including the new Executive Wood Box promotion. President David Miller stated, “We usually distribute our new catalog in mid-August but made an aggressive effort to distribute it earlier this year to assist distributors with sales presentations.” For more information on Chocolate Inn, visit www.chocolateinn.com or call (800) 526-3437.
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