Researchers in Australia’s national science agency think they’ve found a way to tweak the molecular code of cotton so that it grows in all different colors. So far, they’ve created cotton in red, gold, purple and black in petri dishes, and hope to create reproducing plants in the near future. The implications for apparel manufacturing are pretty huge…
Read MoreSurvey Indicates These Major Industries Are Increasing Their Marketing Budgets
In a Merkle survey of industries such as health care, retail, finance, tech and nonprofit, 52 percent of respondents overall said they’ve increased their marketing spend over the last few months. For promotional distributors, this may be an indicator of the verticals that are able to spend some money again…
Read MoreThe ‘Eggs In One Basket’ Problem
We’ve all heard the expression “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” However, there are many people who let their quality of life rely too much on one factor. This becomes glaringly apparent during a financial downturn. Quality of life factors include: · Financial / Career · Family / Friends · Physical health ·…
Read MoreHALO Hosts ‘Connect2020’ Virtual National Sales Meeting
HALO Branded Solutions, Sterling, Ill., recently concluded “Connect2020,” the company’s virtual national sales meeting. The two-day event included sales training, supplier trend sessions and evening happy hours—including a “virtual progressive dinner” featuring company executives and their families serving, a five course dinner and supplier “dine-arounds” with small groups of staff, and support staff meeting with…
Read MoreApple Accused of Sourcing Employee Uniforms From Factories Connected to Forced Labor
Apple is facing criticism after shipping records revealed that it sourced apparel from a Chinese company facing U.S. sanctions for using forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. The apparel was most likely uniforms for Apple Store employees. The timing is especially poor, as Apple CEO Tim Cook recently told Congress that he would not tolerate…
Read MoreGemline Announces Partnership With Gardening Brand Modern Sprout
Gemline, Lawrence, Mass., announced yesterday a strategic partnership with Chicago-based Modern Sprout to bring a collection of smart, simple, sustainable indoor and outdoor gardening products to its growing product portfolio. Modern Sprout uses the logic of hydroponics redesigned to create beautiful, space-savvy products. Its company mission is simple: un-complicate indoor gardening. Since its founding, Modern…
Read MoreHPG Combines ‘Foodie’ Appeal and Hard Goods With Batch & Bodega Brand Launch
HPG this week announced the launch of Batch & Bodega, a new brand that brings the supplier into the food gift category, bundling exclusive edible products from across the country with popular hard goods from HPG’s catalog to create unique kits. Customization is a huge part of these “batches,” and customers can choose design elements like high-end retail packaging and handwritten notecards for added personal detail…
Read MoreThese Are the Most Effective Face Mask Types (According to New Study)
There has been little debate among public health professionals that widespread mask use is crucial to slowing the spread of the coronavirus. Where there has been some debate, though, is over the most effective face mask types outside of the approved medical-grade varieties. Which of the many available face coverings protects most against transmission of the virus? We finally have some data…
Read MoreStarbucks Has a New Line of Back to School Inspired Merch (With Some Great Designs)
Back to school season is here! While it may look a lot different this school year with classes being held virtually, in-person or a mix of both, students and teachers will still be purchasing some of the usual back to school essentials. To add to the mix, Starbucks just released a line of cups and merch inspired by school supplies…
Read MoreGeiger Hosts First Virtual Galleria Education Conference
Geiger, Lewiston, Maine, hosted its annual Geiger Galleria education, networking and sales conference on July 28-29 virtually for the first time. The motto for this year’s event was “Push Harder, Climb Higher, Go Farther.” Almost 300 salespeople and associates from around the country and the U.K. attended each day to learn new sales tactics, network…
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