You probably didn’t know this (or maybe you do — no judgment from us), but July 14 was National Nude Day. To help observers celebrate with a rigorous hike, Bear Naked Granola created a special product to cover a hiker’s private area with a bag of granola, while still keeping in the spirit of the…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
Convergence Corner: How One Distributor Turned a Sourcing Problem Into a Solution
There will almost always be hiccups in promos. Heidi Weber, marketing executive and owner at GF Advertising knows this. What started as a problem, with cardboard for a branded kit out of stock with no delivery date in sight, ended with a promotional campaign that looked even better than she originally envisioned.
Read MoreTrader Joe’s Is Suing Worker’s Union Over Merchandise Trademark
Trader Joe’s United, the union representing Trader Joe’s employees, has been selling merchandise like apparel, buttons, bags, and coffee mugs as a means of raising funds. However, the grocery store chain is now claiming that the union is infringing on its copyright by using certain imagery and markings on the products.
Read MoreOur Favorite Women’s World Cup Promo Merchandise (So Far)
The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off next week in Australia and New Zealand. It seems like the men’s tournament just ended yesterday, but we’re pretty excited for more international excitement. And, in addition to the action on the pitch, we’re looking forward to seeing how promotional products and print installations play a role in…
Read MoreHow Urban Outfitters Is Using AI to Predict Buyer Trends and Customer Demand
Artificial Intelligence platforms like Midjourney have plenty of implications for apparel designers. You can theoretically plug in an art prompt and end up with a printable image in minutes, if not seconds. Urban Outfitters is showing how AI can be used for more of the behind-the-scenes and business side of things, using AI platform o9…
Read MoreThe University of Arizona Is Using Apparel Recycling to Teach Students About Apparel Demand and Marketing
University of Arizona students are turning old Wildcats football jerseys into updated apparel, and influencing a new upcoming apparel line in partnership with the university that will turn recycled jerseys into new pieces and accessories. Arizona Replay, as the project is being called, is a collaboration between the university’s Marketing and Brand Management department and…
Read More7-Eleven’s 7/11 Birthday Line Gets Some Things Right (Like Paper Products), but Apparel Misses the Mark
7-Eleven’s birthday collection includes apparel and other birthday-ready products like gift bags and balloons. While it gets some things right, some of the apparel seems too focused on one day of the year, and only appeals to a small audience, rather than a long-lasting and wide-ranging apparel promo.
Read MoreKFC’s Shady Rays Sunglasses Show Fast Food Promos Don’t Have to be Cheap-Looking
KFC, which has already done things like a fried chicken bouquet kit and finger sporks, is eschewing some of the goofiness of its recent promos for a partnership with Louisville-based sunglasses company Shady Rays.
Read MoreFanatics’ ‘Merch Madness’ Event: 30 Cities and $20M in Apparel Giveaways
During Fanatics’ ‘Merch Madness’ event, the company (along with some celebrity helpers) gave out more than $20 million worth of branded apparel and merchandise. Also, founder Michael Rubin hinted at how physical products will play a role in this company’s digital future.
Read MorePittsburgh Contracts Local Printer for Officially Licensed City Merchandise
The city of Pittsburgh is launching its first officially licensed merchandise line, in collaboration with local printer CommonWealth Press. According to Pittsburgh Magazine, the “Printed in Pittsburgh” merchandise is co-branded with both the city and CommonWealth Press; includes T-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, stickers, pennants, and drinkware; and will contribute a percentage of revenue to the city’s…
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