The legalized cannabis market, through hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) goods alone, stands to generate $22 billion by 2022. (That’s before you even factor in legalized recreational marijuana and related goods.) That makes now a good time for promo distributors to look into selling products that pay homage to marijuana culture. So says Eric Rubin, the president…
Read MoreThe Biggest Name in Fashion Is … USPS? Forever 21 Branded Apparel Collection Says So
Apparently, USPS no longer stands for the United States Postal Service. Instead, it stands for Undeniably Snazzy Popular Style. (We tried). That’s because Forever 21 recently teamed up with USPS for a new branded apparel collection, and it is actually getting a ton of buzz. Recently, Forever 21 has had success releasing apparel collaborations with…
Read MoreReport: Sycamore Partners, Staples’ Private Equity Owner, Wants Out
Bloomberg reported that Sycamore Partners, the private equity firm that bought Staples Inc. in 2017, is now looking to withdraw most of its cash investment through a recapitalization effort, leaving Staples with about $1 billion in additional debt. The firm could also consider an IPO that would allow it to exit the investment altogether…
Read MoreGonzaga Gets Promo Apparel Boost After Jimmy Kimmel ‘Feud’
We are deep into March Madness at this point, which means most of our brackets have been metaphorically and sometimes literally torn to shreds (especially if you’re this editor—thanks for nothing, Yale). The Sweet 16 kicks off tomorrow, and there’s one team that continues to dominate: Gonzaga. If you’re like us, you typically only hear…
Read MoreTHREADX and PRINTING United Demonstrate a Growth Path for Apparel Decorators
In mid-February, 154 apparel decorators gathered in San Diego for THREADX. The event, hosted by SGIA, was designed by apparel decorators, for apparel decorators. Terry Combs and Aaron Montgomery, industry vets and hosts of the 2 Regular Guys podcast, called it “Woodstock for decorators.” So, what exactly are these events? PRINTING United, SGIA’s evolutionary expo…
Read MoreQCA’s Distributor Advocacy Council Expands With The Addition Of Ethical Swag
Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), Chicago, has expanded its Distributor Advocacy Council (DAC) with the addition of Sydney, Nova Scotia-based Ethical Swag Inc. The DAC is made up of industry advocates who are leading the way for brand safety through the responsible sourcing of promotional products. Distributor Advocates recognize QCA as the standard by which industry…
Read MoreDunkin’ and Saucony’s Boston Marathon Promotional Running Shoes Sold Out, Fast
We will never find ourselves short on traditions in the U.S., and we are always eager to add a few more to our list. Thanks to a partnership between Dunkin’ and Saucony, it is starting to look as if we can come to expect an annual sneaker release in conjunction with the Boston Marathon. For…
Read MoreA Small Spanish Soccer Club Is Battling DC Comics Over Bat Logo
If we’ve gleaned one thing from watching the numerous “Batman” films over the years, it’s this: Gotham City stole architecture ideas from Pittsburgh and Chicago, and coming at Batman usually ends with at least one broken bone. While Spanish soccer club Valencia CF didn’t actually come at Batman or DC Comics, it’s defending itself over…
Read MoreRaining Rose’s Lisa Waggoner Achieves Industry Certification
Lisa Waggoner, national sales representative for Raining Rose, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has earned the certification of Master Advertising Specialist (MAS) administered by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Individuals such as Waggoner with a PPAI certification have attained a high standard of professional competence, knowledge and experience. The MAS certification…
Read MoreTesla’s ‘Merch Madness’ Event Proves Even Employees Really Want Tesla Merchandise
Elon Musk has not only revolutionized the way we look at cars. Through his various companies, he’s done a lot of work to change the way we look at just about everything: space travel, train systems and, yes, promotional items. Musk’s business ventures have brought us promotional “totally not flamethrowers,” surfboards and more, and usually…
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