Even in the age of streaming service saturation, Netflix is pretty much synonymous with home viewing. But the company has been pushing its branded merchandise in new ways lately, first by introducing an online store with products created by world-class designers. Now, it’s launching a dedicated shop on Walmart’s website for Netflix merchandise…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
NCAA Will Allow ‘March Madness’ Branding for 2022 Women’s Tournament
Starting in 2022, the NCAA women’s basketball tournament will get to use the “March Madness” branding that was previously reserved for the men’s tournament. The move comes after criticism over the two tournaments in 2021, which critics say heavily favored the men in terms of branding, advertising, training facilities and even the swag that players received…
Read MoreA&W’s Super-Expensive Apparel Drop Is Designed to Break Even and Build the Brand
At this point, it’s no longer front-page news that a fast food restaurant has created merchandise that goes beyond a T-shirt here or a tote bag there. The streetwear and capsule era of food marketing is here. What does stand out among stories like this is when these products fetch enormous prices, like, say, a $715 pair of bedazzled boots from A&W…
Read MoreMore Manufacturing Slowdowns as Chinese Factories Face Power Plant Shutdowns, Electricity Rationing
With coal tripling in price and mining volumes dropping, coal-fired power plants in China are rationing electricity or shutting down—and with them the factories that depend on them for energy. A sales director at a Zhejiang cotton texting printing firm said her company ordinarily has a 15-day turnaround time to fulfill orders. That window is now 30 to 40 days…
Read MoreNew Gore-Tex Material Is Thinner, More Sustainable
W.L. Gore & Associates just developed a new Gore-Tex material that is thinner, but still waterproof, windproof and breathable. It’s slated for a fall/winter 2022 release, and will be used by companies like Adidas, Arc’teryx, Salmon, Dakine and Patagonia…
Read MoreA24 Created 150 Real Swords as ‘Green Knight’ Promos (and Sold Out Immediately)
In A24’s “The Green Knight,” Gawain is given Excalibur by the king himself to engage in combat with the Green Knight of the movie’s title. In real life, you can get the sword for $450. Or, you could have, if you acted in time. They sold out pretty much immediately on the A24 store…
Read MoreArby’s Released Sweats That Were Smoked by BBQ Pitmasters
To coincide with the release of its new Country Style Rib Sandwich, Arby’s is releasing a line of sweatpants and sweatshirts that were actually smoked just like the meat and then vacuum sealed so they’ll still smell liked smoked meats when you wear them. The limited line is (of course) sold out…
Read MoreDave & Buster’s Dropped a 40 Ft. Branded Banana on the Street to Show How Big Their TV Screens Are
Dave & Buster’s, trying to make sure that we all understand just how huge their “Wow Wall” 40-foot TV screens are, took the “banana for scale” meme to new levels by placing a giant, branded, inflatable banana on Hollywood Boulevard. There’s also a virtual component for those outside of Los Angeles…
Read MoreYear-End and Holiday Promotions: Tips, Product Ideas and Advice From Suppliers
Nick Lateur, director of national accounts for specialty brands at HPG Brands, said that the best time to start thinking about year-end and holiday gifts would have been “like, a month ago.” That’s true—but there’s still time if you act fast and know what’s selling. Here are some ideas for year-end and holiday promotions…
Read MoreH&M to ‘Challenge’ the Branded Merchandise Market Via ‘Creator Studio,’ On-Demand Printing
Creator Studio, a new project by H&M, will first work with musical artists to run merchandise stores. The company will lean on its supply chain and global network, as well as its significant on-demand printing capabilities, to “challenge the market of branded merchandise around the world”…
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