John Cena and the WWE created a themed merchandise bundle that included apparel, caps, autographed pictures and an exclusive NFT. They created 1,000—with Cena involved in the design process—thinking they’d sell out quickly. In reality, they ended up selling just 37. “This idea failed,” Cena said. But why?…
Read MoreCustom Watches, Netflix Plush Toys and NFTs: Merch Enters Orbit Aboard SpaceX Launch (for Sale Later on Earth)
SpaceX just sent four non-astronauts into orbit, with the promise of more commercial trips in the future from other companies like Virgin Galactic. But the trip didn’t just include the lucky crew members—it also included merchandise from the voyage’s sponsors, like stuffed toys promoting a Netflix show and custom space-themed watches from IWC…
Read Morecommonsku Hires Anna Nguyen as Director of Product Management
commonsku, a Toronto-based promotional products business and sales software, has hired industry veteran and former distributor Anna Nguyen as director of product management. Nguyen was most recently a former partner and the chief operating officer at Monarch, a Chicago-based distributor…
Read MoreThe Problem With Jim Beam (a Lesson for Promo Businesses)
In the world of promotional products, many make the mistake of trying to be like Jim Beam, thinking that simply because “everyone” buys branded merchandise, everyone is a potential client. But trying to be everything to everyone is a precarious position that undermines your brand…
Read MoreMaple Ridge Farms Launches 14 New Charcuterie Boards in Response to Rapid Growth of This Market
Maple Ridge Farms, Mosinee, Wis., announced the addition of 14 new charcuterie boards to its already-expansive line-up of cheese packages. Many of Maple Ridge Farms’ cheeses have been awarded gold medals in competitions throughout the world, and all cheese packages include a branded serving board or slate plate. Its premier gift features four cheeses that…
Read MoreCharles River Apparel Releases New Outerwear Made From Recycled Polyester
Charles River Apparel, Sharon, Mass., has introduced two new outerwear styles that reflect its commitment to developing sustainable products: the Lithium Quilted Hooded Parka for women and Lithium Quilted Hooded Jacket for men, both made of 100% recycled polyester, an eco-friendly fabric made using the yarn of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles. PET is a…
Read MoreOnline Prices for Apparel Have Increased More Than Any Other Consumer Product Category
According to data published by CNBC, the historical average change in online prices for apparel was -1.08% from 2015 to 2019. In August of 2021, the price of apparel online rose 15.52%. To compare, the next-highest rate was nonprescription drugs, which saw an increase of 4.66%…
Read MoreOur 5 Favorite Promotional Products of the Week: Fashionable LEGO Sets, Geico Ice Cream and More
The NFL season always brings some fun promotional products, like that Coors Light weighted blanket we wrote about a few days ago. We’ll keep our eyes peeled for more football-related promos. But, in the meantime, here are five other promotional products that caught our eye this week…
Read MoreThis Apparel Company Is Turning Air Pollution Into Screen Printing Ink
Pangaia, the apparel brand, has taken the sustainable sweatshirt to new heights by using screen printing ink made from air pollution. The stylish comfortwear line already uses minimal ink for small logos on its products. And what little ink it does use is made from turning carbon emissions into what the company calls “Air-Ink”…
Read MoreWhy You Should Keep Sales Forecasting and Budgeting (Even If It Feels Impossible)
While sales forecasting and budgeting can be a draining process with so many unknowns right now, the positive side is we are now taking a new and closer look at our businesses than during “normal” years. We are spending more time strategizing and being reflective of our businesses and our own careers…
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