Space to explore. Yep- visiting our showroom & design studio in 2025 will require some exploration for new places to park. Today we offer some guidance. Reading this post will help you to navigate the changes.   You need to know about parking changes! We are located around 801 marker in red. Street front. The Highline building is the 3 story building on the corner, with 206 in blue to the side.   The back lot behind our building will start construction on January 6th and is expected to take 8 months to complete.   Work will occur- Monday- Saturday 7am- 7pm. PARKING will be limited.   Historically, the best time of day to secure spots will be early am before 11 and after 2 in the afternoon. Mondays are the lightest day. The gravel lot will be accessible all day, but likely will stay full throughout the day. The project will be completed in three phases, rather than closing the lot entirely.   Where can you park and for how long?   The simple answer is in the spots in the Saunders lot or on the street in designated 3-hour parking. Fortunately, the pickup spots in front of our building will still be an option and one has been added behind the building. Current notes: Free shuttle services will be from areas further from our business. which may not continue in the months ahead if it's not utilized more. Read more in  this document  about the parking mitigation. Read about the downtown master plan for improvements and changes over the next few years here . Access the map for parking  here. Soon an app will launch to help you find parking. Read more here and access that app.   If you have not been to visit us yet- during these changes, access us street front North Salem Street. We are located next to the large 3 story building call the Highline on the corner of Saunders & North Salem. You can park behind our building- you can't miss the construction zone off Saunders. Till around the end of July you can park in the timed spaces facing the building or the gravel lot, then use the long sidewalk to enter in the back the building, coming street front to find our door - outside on your left when facing the street. Across the street you will see The Depot lot, with the fire station to the right. In August you should be able to park in part of the new lot or the timed spaces facing the building and around September enter only the new spaces while they re grade the spaces closest to the building. When you visit- pick up your FREE support local gear!

Access to clean water, starts by making choices. Today's post is about products and efforts to keep our local communities and global communities healthy. March 18th is Global Recycling Day, a day to focus attention on the importance of recycling & sustainable practices inspiring us to share how your brand become part of the conversation. Recycling not only helps the environment, but produces the materials we use for promotional products for your campaigns. From the packaging to the actual product, recycled materials are now found in clothing, plastics, coolers, totes, journals, pens, umbrellas, and drinkware! The products & the brands: Our blog is full of brands making a difference- sustainable construction, giving back to global organizations committed to the environment and making sure water scarcity is not an issue. Read more about these brands here. We have posts  about plastic waste diverted from our oceans and how those plastics are being used to make products. Our blog is full of brands making a difference- sustainable construction, giving back to global organizations committed to the environment and making sure water scarcity is not an issue. Read more about these brands here. Increasing concern around water scarcity, has put a spotlight on wastewater recycling efforts. In fact, this effort has emerged as a crucial step toward sustainable water management. Recycling wastewater not only helps conserve precious water resources but also has a positive impact on the environment and our communities. This blog , by Water Today, explores the importance of wastewater recycling, its key benefits, and how it can shape a better and more sustainable future. Locally, Southwest Wake municipalities are working to keep our water clear of unwanted pollutants is a critical step to keeping our environment health. Each has recycling locations, helping to keep waste & pollutants out of our water! Town of Apex Town of Fuquay-Varina Town of Holly Springs . Besides recycling- Clean water  helps prevent disease, keeping individuals healthy- especially our most vulnerable populations. Saturday marks World Water Day, putting a focus on clean water, sanitization and hygiene. Growing the reach of your brand message relies on amplifying what you want to say. If your company is focused on recycling efforts- let's make some noise! Today's social post featured this speaker. Read more here about how we help our partners share their message.

Elephants are imposing figures- massive in size, full of personality. It's nearly impossible to go throughout your day without "the elephant in the room"- the increasing presence of AI as a partner. For many driving innovation, solving complex challenges and improving efficiency means embracing what AI can do for you personally and your business. In fact, while writing this blog, I'm prompted to consider the help of AI. Prompts to use AI are already part of our e-mails, text messages and even as we form our social media posts. If I allowed AI to write for me, my spelling errors & omitted words would disappear. Yet, I'm still drawn to telling my own story- even if it's flawed. My social media is filled with two topics: The reduction in remote work- bringing people back to work for collaboration. Classes around how to identify social, non-verbal cues of communication. Is there anyone else besides me that finds it ironic we want to teach people how to identify the nuances of human connection, yet promote the benefits of AI for telling our stories? Perhaps one day, like Sonny in I Robot, robots will start to emote and feel emotions. Right now AI seems more like an elephant about to sit on me. As a creative it's hard for me to embrace how "Sonny" will ever learn to think like me; understand what winds my mind or keeps me up at night. It's said, "an elephant never forgets"- encoding information along their lifetime. Elephants can live up to 70 years, exist alone or in a group. They communicate by touch, sight, smell and sound. Scientists have determined they have self-awareness and show concern for dying & dead among their species. Visit behind the scenes of a zoo and keepers will share different personalities among the herd. Take a look at a family and you'll find family members that repeat patterns, probably due to both genetic & environmental encoding. Yet, you'll also find families where members forge a different path, creating unpredictable outcomes. We tell individuals needing to remove negative behavior, the only person that can change their narrative & ignore triggers- is you. When we surprise our self, metaphorically, we're no longer trapped by the weight of expectation. If AI becomes an essential partner in business, I'll be curious if it AI will ever become unpredictable. Will we need to take classes to learn the nuances of non-verbal cues? For now, I'll keep relying collaboration. One-to-one interactions encode new ideas and lead me to unexpected outcomes! I like surprises and defying convention. Story telling through visual arts, music and the written word relies on an artist seeing the nuances in life often missed. An artist draws us in, wanting to know more and seeing the world from their perspective. Brand identity requires knowing you - what makes you tick. Brand story tellers, like us, have a talent for drawing in new relationships eager to learn what makes you special. Together, let's keep crafting stories that are often as unpredictable as compelling!

Standing out as a brand takes forethought & planning. Through collaboration around your quarterly & yearly goals, our experienced team will navigate the trends to develop strategy that aligns with your identity. Our team looks for partners to curate in our relationships that adapt to cultural & design trends to offer selections that are not only functional but prioritize modern aesthetics. More of our partners are responding to consumer demand for renewable & recycled construction that are durable for delivering on style, responsibility and long term use. Three Key Trends to Watch: Workwear - is transformed into everyday essentials that combine style, utility, and modern values. Staying true to workwear’s durable roots, Modern Utility reimagines workwear with purposeful details that marry practicality and contemporary fashion, while embracing values like circular design, inclusivity, and versatility. Social Sports - The rise of recreational sports inspires products that enhance shared experiences. Driven by a growing desire for connection and community, recreational sports are becoming an essential part of our social lives, sparking a wave of product innovation. Social Sports brings forth functional solutions that blend sport-inspired aesthetics with purposeful design to enhance shared experiences. Lasting luxury - A conscious shift towards products with enduring value and refined quality. In an age of fast fashion and disposable culture, Lasting Luxury reflects a conscious shift towards products with enduring value and refined quality—celebrated for their craftsmanship, lasting impact, and timeless appeal, enhanced by a neutral color palette that adds both versatility and elegance. Take a look at this digital catalo g, exploring these three trends to watch. A few of our favorites?

Does your team rock? These fun mugs with a cap topper are the perfect way to create some synergy among your team for: New product launch DEI initiatives- unity Purpose driven initiative Launch or re-brand Company celebrations Employee On-boarding, welcome to the team! Explore   the Happy Hats Collection. If you follow our newsletter, then you received some additional strategies for ways to use this product in a well rounded campaign. Innovative ideas and clever use of creative products is one of our assets as your partner.

We have numerous options in the showroom to compare- it's amazing how stone, milk cartons, plastic bottles, newspaper and tires are being used to recycle into new products. Ocean Bottle Upcoming in April, Earth Month, reminds us of something important: we all have the power to make a difference. Sustainability isn’t just about one day, it’s about the small, mindful choices we make every day. The little things add up, and even the simplest decisions can create lasting change. That’s why we’re all about offering products that aren’t just useful but also a little kinder to the planet.  Thoughtfully designed branded products do more than tell a brand’s story, they create meaningful moments, strengthen relationships, and inspire positive change. When businesses choose more alternative options, they can inspire customers and employees to make more thoughtful choices too. This Earth Month let’s celebrate the impact of conscious decisions together.  Designed to Be Used & Loved  One of the biggest challenges in sustainability? Reducing waste. The best way to tackle this is by creating promotional products that people actually want to use, over and over again, like reusable bags, water bottles, and pens. These items not only serve a practical purpose but also help cut down on single-use waste.   Take the  Nordpack Recycled Polyester Sport Backpack – 7.4 gal (UKU)   for example. Made from recycled 600D polyester, it’s built for everyday adventures with a laptop compartment, padded straps, and side mesh pockets for extra storage. More than just a bag, it’s a statement about choosing quality over disposability.  The same goes for drinkware. The  Astrid Recycled Stainless Steel Double Wall Bottle – 18 oz (WFW)  is a stylish, reusable alternative to single-use plastic. Made from recycled stainless steel with a matching screw-on lid, it’s perfect for staying hydrated while cutting down on disposable water bottle waste.  Products That Tell a Story  Sustainable promotional products aren’t just practical, they make a statement. When a company gifts the  Reborn Designer Softy Recycled Aluminum Pen – MZR ,  it’s not just handing out a pen. It’s showing what it stands for. With a recycled aluminum barrel, a soft-touch rubber finish, and responsibly sourced bamboo accents, it’s proof that small changes really do add up.  Even everyday essentials like food storage can play a role. The  Reborn Recycled Stainless Steel Food Container – 17 oz. (WFQ )  keeps meals hot or cold while cutting down on single-use plastics. Its recycled stainless steel body and bamboo lid make it a smart and sustainable upgrade for delicious meals on the go.  The  Malmö Recycled PU Zipper Pocket Bottle Bag – 60 oz (ULF)   is stylish, functional, and designed for life on the move. This insulated water bottle bag offers dual carry options for added convenience. Plus, its sleek and modern design not only looks great with a brand’s logo but also serves as a subtle reminder that looking good and making a positive impact can go hand in hand.  Or take the  Reborn Recycled Aluminum Keychain Flashlight (FIC),   a small but mighty tool made from recycled aluminum with a bamboo accented push button. It’s a great way to highlight sustainability while shining a light on brands that care.  Beyond Earth Month  Earth Month is a great time to talk about sustainability, but the conversation does not have to stop in April. Let’s keep it going. Our Made Better™ collection is available all year long, making it easy for businesses to add sustainability into their promotional strategies anytime. Whether it’s trade show giveaways, corporate gifts, or employee appreciation items made from recycled materials, every thoughtful choice counts.  Let’s make an impact together, one sustainable choice at a time.  Compare these options and ot her sustainably constructed products in our showroom collection and this line has free shipping & set up on most items at 72 units or more. When you're ready to take on internal programs- remember we design & have full color solutions for messaging. Put our program experience to work for your brand.

Is the road less traveled calling you? It's hard to see the beauty of nature in both the landscape and wildlife without realizing as humans there is so much beyond our control. By experiencing life around us, we fill our minds with new images & experiences that we will process long after our journey is complete. Individuals shake off convention to explore the unknown. Exploring pathways we've never traveled allows our mind time to play. Unleashing your imagination generates innovative thoughts, that form original ideas. Partnership in business relies on equal parts, shared purpose & vision. When you plan to experience the outdoors with a trusted brand, you've got an equal partner. These 4 brands offer the opportunity to share values, purpose & vision; brand alignment! GCI is a brand that wants you to grab the front row seat! RTIC brand is the "real deal"-promoting to consumers that everyone should be able to enjoy the outdoors, with durable products that keep your drinks icy cold & your wallet happy. Explore the line here or pair up something unexpected. From inventing the Walkman in 1979 to modern ways to enjoy your favorite sounds, Sony is a trusted brand for innovation & quality. JBL - sees sound as a stage for self-expression, so they're dedicated to providing artists, creators, performers a way to amply their own vibe. Explore the options here . Stable footing is important when you plan to explore roads less traveled. Advertising your brand through the medium of promotional products relies on a connection. Make meaningful connections, by starting your partnership around shared values!

How do you sleep last night? Are you relaxed and invigorated for the day ahead? There's an abundant research around how sleep & taking care of ourselves mentally contributes to our overall well-being. Imagine you spent 1200 hours focusing your creative thoughts around product solutions that make you feel resorted- ready to take on new tasks. Ostrichpillow website says they spend 1200 hours focusing their creativity into new product design. As a brand, that are committed to innovation, mindful design and using their creativity to design product solutions. Their goal is to tackle ways to keep us rested, relaxed and rejuvenated, while taking responsibility with their product construction to use materials that provide a cleaner, more sustainable outcome. What are some of the products we can decorate for your brand? Check out a few options below!

What if you could generate a smile in an instant? Yes you can. Through play, we have fun and often we can discuss topics that might be more difficult through a persona. Auroa brand products also make us smile and couldn't our day use a little more smiles. Established in 1981, Aurora™ is a global leader in plush toys and high-quality gifts. As a respected leader in characters and plush, Aurora™ offers an extensive range of branded and licensed products that both children and adults will love. Did you know that it takes 43 muscles in our face to smile? According to research provided by Henry Ford Health , research shows that children smile an average of 400 times per day, compared to the average happy adult who smiles 40-50 times per day and the typical adult who smiles only 20 times per day. Yikes, that's a "debbie downer". Why is smiling important? Smiling not only offers a mood boost but helps our bodies release cortisol and endorphins that provide numerous health benefits, including: Reduced blood pressure Increased endurance Reduced pain Reduced stress Strengthened immune system Furthermore, studies show that people who smile appear more likeable, courteous and competent. Smilers tend to be more productive at work and make more money. Did you ever go to a "Build a Bear" store? I betcha did. It's fun designing your own custom plush. As an adult, what can you do with plush? Pack it in luggage. Makes a very quiet desk companion. Shorties - fit in any environment. Share your secrets. Find comfort. Remember Radar O'Riley from MASH? Smile. It's those button eyes right? When you're ready to add a mascot to your brand. Let's talk. We have experience. You might say we know how to use promotional products to generate an emotional connection. Quirky? Sure, but we love using products in unexpected ways and smiling- that's always a bonus! Plan ahead for National Smile Day on May 31st. In fact, we can craft an entire campaign around plush or your company mascot. Just for a smile- Did you know, On February 15, 1903, toy store owner and inventor Morris Michtom places two stuffed bears in his shop window, advertising them as Teddy bears. Michtom had earlier petitioned President Theodore Roosevelt for permission to use his nickname, Teddy. Source: History.com

Style & function that's also compact & attractive, that's a combo that measure up love, through a strong connection ! Did you do some baking yesterday? I am not sure why being home and snow always makes me want hot chocolate and homemade cookies, chili and soups! BUT, my measuring spoons were busy. A set like this one would have made thing simple rather than digging the the tool drawer. I LOVE making homemade dishes on the weekends when I have more time to prep. This product makes a connection that will be strong for your brand. Each time individuals spend time in their kitchen, this product is another a way to connect with your brand. The Kitchi Magnetic Measuring 8-Piece Spoon Set combines convenience and accuracy, making cooking and baking a breeze. This dual-sided set includes teaspoons to tablespoons, offering precise measurements for both dry and liquid ingredients. Crafted from durable stainless steel, each spoon nests neatly with magnetic handles, keeping them organized and easy to access in any kitchen drawer. Plus it's "cute"! Did you know March is National Flour Month? Maybe for Employee Appreciation this would be a fun gift and encourage a recipe share among your teams! Perhaps even a tasting party one Friday at work! For now, still wondering if you like bake on snow days too? This item also fits our quirky enough to work series of marketing ideas!

Turns have a twist, in this case the turn is A HEAD. Clothing that is on trend for fabric, fit, feel and decoration will make head's turn. Our showroom is packed with apparel choices- aka clothing, so you can better determine the fit & feel that's right for your next project. Budget is usually a key driver in selection, but that's not a limiting factor. We have options from quality value basics to name brands. Often ordering decorated gear becomes complicated when you try to compare options on a screen. Allow us to simplify the process. A trip to the showroom will help-includes comparing decoration methods. Not only do we have choices, but we can develop programs and host gift stores! Feel good about your choices, because of eco-construction and giving back to a variety of programs including the environment & trade education. To determine what is right for your brand, let's break down some key factors to consider when comparing options. Some of the most popular categories include: Some of the most popular applications for industries include: Fabric options, features and terminology: Polyester Colorfast and wrinkle-resistant fabric that is the most popular for moisture-wicking applications. Look for this fabric when you want to reduce the chance of shrinkage. Cotton A natural fiber that is required for certain professions, such as electricians. Cotton is also available in organic and BCI certified versions. Cotton/Polyester Blends The combination of softness and affordability of cotton with the quick-drying durability of polyester. Pique Knit Pique is a durable cotton fabric covered with a tiny, textured pattern that appears quilted. Membrane Membranes in textiles are designed to protect wear from all elements (rain or snow), usually applied to the back of shell fabric. The fabric is bonded with microscopic pores large enough to allow water vapor or perspiration to escape for breathability. Insulated Insulated jackets are coats that are filled with an insulating material (down insulation, synthetic insulation). The layer is sandwiched between the liner and the outer shell, designed to trap heat. Waterproof A fabric that withstands penetration by water. Waterproof fabrics are generally coated or laminated with a film that closes the pores. Water Resistant A fabric that withstands penetration by water. Waterproof fabrics are generally coated or laminated with a film that closes the pores. Decoration: The clothing featured in this collection includes up to 6 ways to decorate. Not every method works on every type of fabric and some methods have a different result based on the color or texture of the item. The chart below breaks down some of these options in more detail. In our showroom, we have actual decorated products to help you decide what's right for you. If you can't make it to the showroom, we have videos to share. Just ask! Shown below, popular methods of decoration. We have decorated samples on a variety of styles to compare. When you are ready to create a program, store or order for your team- let's collaborate. Our certified team has the knowledge & expertise to make the process simple & visually appealing. Set up a time to meet in our showroom space.

Bags consistently deliver on popularity, functionality with long term value for use & impressions- which makes them a valuable marketing medium. Due to the popularity of bags, we keep abundant samples in the showroom to compare. A visit to the showroom is always a step in the process we suggest so you can compare the look & feel in person- beyond the screen. It's also less overwhelming seeing all those choices in person rather than flipping through pages of products on a website. Today let's break down some common questions: What's trending? Versatility. Simplicity and minimalism is on the rise, so a bag that is versatile is more valuable than ever. These bags make your transitions from work to play and everything in between seamless. Sport & Outdoor. Participation in outdoor sports and activities continues to rise. Having the right bag for your outdoor adventures is a must! Quiet Luxury . Defined by quality, timeless styles and elevating materials to give a new level of sophistication to even the most basic styles making them an essential part of your wardrobe. On The Go. Convenience is key when you're always on the go, which makes a cross body, sling or waist pack a part of your essential daily carry. Color. The desire for more color options lends itself to self-expression, from mood to day-to-day style. We can help compare the options. Sustainability . Whether it's rPET, Repreve or GOTS cotton, we help you identify the right style in materials you can feel good about purchasing. Retail Brands. The reassurance of performance, quality, and a brand culture is why retail brands are a continuous trend. Consumers lean towards brands they know and love. Why bag offer more value for your investment: Popular ways to decorate: Color Print Silkscreen Ink is applied directly to the item through a customized screen. Versatile technique for numerous materials Ideal for smooth surfaces Economical way to gain high visibility Digital Transfer Artwork is digitally printed directly to a transfer film, then applied to the product. Full color detailed prints Superior clarity and precision in comparison to silkscreen Versatility to create unique graphics Embroidery A classic decorating technique created by stitching the artwork directly into the product fabric. Professional and sophisticated style Durability for multiple wears and washes Over 300 Isacord thread colors available Ideal for premium gifts Deboss Logo is stamped into the surface using a heated custom metal die. Premium high-end look and feel Unique 3D appearance Subtle tone-on-tone look A more eco-friendly decorating technique What style is right for your project & recipient? Consider the size, use and materials. Most of the bags featured in this post have eco- construction and give back to environmental efforts on a global level, which means you can feel good about bagging more value for your investment. If the terminology is confusing here are some key terms to know: What types of materials are popular? Ready to bag more value for your brand? Let's set up a time to compare options. One of our favorites? This new puffer collection.