Lithium Ion batteries have become a crucial component in modern technology. Items like smartphones, chargers and toys use the batteries. But, given their volatility, they’ve received a hefty amount of criticism. Some scientists have developed new ways to make them safer. Now, in the case of a scientific team at Rice University, they’re working on…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
SCOTUS Denies Louis Vuitton’s Appeal Over Parody Bags
Louis Vuitton seemingly does not know when to give up. Ready for some backstory? Here’s some backstory: February, 2016: LVMH, the umbrella company that owns Louis Vuitton, lost a case against parody bag company My Other Bag. December, 2016: Louis Vuitton took the case to appeals court, and the Court of Appeals for the Second…
Read MoreS’Well Partners With Swarovski for $1,500 Water Bottle for Charity
S’Well water bottles are all the rage right now. If you find yourself in a gym or yoga studio, chances are you’ve seen some fitness-focused people toting around one of the stylish drinkware items. S’Well is upping its style game in a big way, thanks to a partnership with Swarovski and the Breast Cancer Research…
Read MoreGoogle Considering Third-Party Smartphone Accessory Certification Similar to Apple
Apple has put a lot of stock into its proprietary Lightning port. It’s not only the primary charging port for its iPhone and iPad products, it’s also the new headphone jack. Apple has chosen this proprietary piece of hardware over the arguably faster, and more universal, USB-C technology, and has made it difficult for third-party…
Read MoreMcDonald’s Responds to Strange Demand for ‘Mulan’ Promotional Sauce
The time is 1998. The hit Disney film “Mulan” has just been released, and McDonald’s, looking to cash in on the film’s connection to Chinese culture, is releasing a limited edition Szechuan sauce for Chicken McNuggets. It’s almost as awesome as Eddie Murphy voicing a cute little dragon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGRDCRuPklc As most time-sensitive promos go, the…
Read MoreCan Amazon’s Booming Private Label Sales Numbers Help Us Predict Promo Trends?
There’s no dancing around the issue anymore: Amazon is the biggest e-commerce powerhouse in the game these days, and its capabilities are increasing almost by the day. It’s been on the cutting edge of automation, delivery services, grocery shopping and countless other categories. Recently, it’s dipped its toes in the apparel market by creating its…
Read MoreBritish Political Party’s New Logo Looks Suspiciously Similar to Premier League Logo
The UK Independence Party (UKIP), the right-wing political party that pushed for the United Kingdom to vote to leave the European Union, has rebranded its image. Previously, the party’s logo was a purple Pound symbol, but now, it will use a purple lion’s head. That’s not too noteworthy on its own: The U.K., especially England,…
Read MoreZen Magnets Petitions CPSC to Allow Safe Magnet Toys
Zen Magnets, creator of the Buckyballs toys, has been at the center of controversy after the item, which includes small magnets, was recalled. After that, the company found itself in hot water in December for…
Read MoreHome and Beauty Goods Outperform Apparel in Retail Sector
Retail trends are a great indicator of what end-users are looking for. Distributors are always looking at popular items in the retail space, and using that information to craft ideas for their clients. While apparel has long been a leader in both retail and promotional products, new information shows that retailers are starting to focus…
Read MoreEuropean Outdoors Company Takes Environmental Awareness to Next Level
Companies in the promotional products world have been taking significant steps to aid environmental efforts. Many are producing safe, reusable water bottles. Apparel companies are focusing on sourcing and manufacturing items ethically. In the case of German outerwear Brand Vaude, which exists solely in the B2B world, focusing on a green supply chain is one…
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