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Imagine a world where workwear meets luxury. In this world, there’s very little business as usual, the days of the traditional business suit are almost non-existent in the modern office, making workwear the hot new fashion trend. Workwear is trending -because it’s just plain cool. In a word, our partner at Sanmar describes this trend as “U(luxe)tility”. This means you can work or play, but the utility has a luxe vibe; making you want to wear it every day. What types of pieces will be going in your closet? The Carhartt Long Sleeve Henley T-Shirt, because Henleys have an authentic old-school vibe. They’re versatile, easy to maintain, and generally affordable for just about any budget. We’re also seeing a trend in unique decorations on heavyweight long sleeve tees that are used to express one’s individuality. One example of this is the new Port & Company Bouncer Tee. Made from heavier fabric for a more comfortable feel, this shirt is comparable to popular retail brand shirts with a higher price tag. These are professional enough to be worn on the job site, with the versatility of making a personal statement with a bold decoration. Hard-working buffalo plaid shirts, like our Port Authority Everyday Plaid Shirt, are also getting their moment in the spotlight. The name says it all: lightweight and durable with Easy Care features, this is a shirt you can wear comfortably every day. The workwear phenomenon has been co-opted by younger generations as a true fashion movement. Consider that workwear, like most trends we see today, is an investment. The “Buy Better, Buy Less” philosophy is more important now than ever before, as consumers embrace the idea of purchasing clothing that lasts and that has value down the road. For these consumers, the throwaway “wear it once” shirt is seen as wasteful and mindless. The response taking shape in the slow fashion movement focuses on thoughtful production and mindful consumption. Millennials and Generation Z place particular emphasis on purchasing clothing designed for quality and longevity. Workwear fits into this picture surprisingly neatly. When it comes to blending streetwear with function, nobody does it better than Carhartt. Their apparel checks many boxes, such as affordability, durability, a timeless style, and a comfortable fit. Carhartt apparel supports your personalized style and comes with function built-in (big check for that one). At the top of the list of reasons why diehard fans buy Carhartt is the long-lasting durability that adds value down the road. These days we want comfort, protection, style, durability, adaptability, and utility. Is it any wonder that workwear, designed for all of these things, is a trend worth a closer look?

What's trending in apparel? Elevated Active, with a focus on how utility and luxury come together to make workwear you'll want to wear. An aspect of Elevated Active to explore is the tactical experience; surfaces designed for the senses. Just as we've adjusted our lifestyles, our clothing helps to make us feel comfortable, safe, and protected. Psychology even has a name for this: cocooning. The idea of cocooning is not new, shunning public places and surrounding yourself with creature comforts has found new resonance in 2020. Comfortable fabrics such as sherpa, fleece, and faux fur combine comfort and elegance, offering a sense of peace and coziness to our day. Luuma products are popular with ladies due to the LuLulemon aesthetic and the comfort level of the fabric. These new Ogio products are the perfect piece for fashionable comfort that is polished enough for work or a casual weekend. Peace of mind & protection, with puffy jackets or vests, provide a padded layer between you and the world. These styles are tidy, professional, and visually strong, yet they also express the true definition of protection with a durable water-repellent finish to keep you safe from increasingly unpredictable weather. Don't underestimate the importance of sensory touchstones, the value is apparent in the retail trends driving sales. In 2020, less is more, luxury at hand matters more than unnecessary excess. Explore these trends in detail in our next blog post!

Do you know the difference between Antimicrobial products intended as a pesticide and as a disinfectant? We're here to break it down for you! While the products may look similar, if you read the label, it tells a different story. Antimicrobial Products as a Pesticide: Regulated by the EPA Used on surfaces and non-living things Example: wipes for the kitchen, toys or grocery carts Antimicrobial Products as a Disinfectant: Regulated by the FDA Used in or on living things Example: hand-sanitizing wipes A popular item this year in our industry has been hand sanitizer. Do you know the difference between a sanitizer, a disinfectant, and a sterilizer? Sanitizer: These products are the weakest of the three. They simply reduce the number of bacteria on the surface being cleaned. Disinfectant: These products kill or prevent the growth of bacteria on a surface. Certain disinfectant products target specific viruses. Make sure to read the label to learn which disinfectant is best for your needs. Sterilizer: These are the strongest of the three. The use of sterilizers require specific training and certification and are considered a restricted-use pesticide. You mostly see these used in medical and research settings. Before you consider that face mask treated with a registered antimicrobial to prevent the growth of odor-causing bacteria on the mask and claiming the face mask has antimicrobial properties that may be effective in preventing the spread of coronavirus, consider the science available about the antimicrobial. What does the antimicrobial do? How long does it last? Is the claim likely to be misunderstood by a consumer-focused on keeping their family, friends, and community safe in the current environment? Knowing your products in order to make accurate claims is the surest way for ensuring safe products. If you're looking for more information on this, you're in luck! Keith is our in-house safety expert and we have samples in our showroom. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Source: npic.orst.edu/factsheets/antimicrobials.html#:~:text=You%20may%20find%20antimicrobial%20products,antimicrobial%20products%20as%20drugs%2Fantiseptics

If you need some encourage-mint to try a mint promotion. How about one of these 5 reasons? 1. Rather than an elevator pitch, simply pitch some mints! Add your website URL, customer service information, or a call to action- it's a cool brand introduction. 2. In today’s tech-driven world, apps are often a driver to business. A tech-savvy client will appreciate the convenience. Consider offering an incentive or discount code once they sign up for your app. Layer in exclusive perks, purchasing options in a private site store, or offer prizes or coupons for using the app. 3. Social media is one of the most influential ways to showcase your brand's unique personality. Use special hashtags as invitations, enter consumers in contests for following your page, or simply track engagement. 4. Do you have a funny mascot, a photo-worthy destination, or a buzz-worthy branded item? Encourage consumers to pose & snap a pic with their favorite branded item; then share it. 5. QR codes can be scanned to reveal information. Include QR codes on the wrappers to increase your connection with bonus content such as: · Videos · Check-ins (on apps like Facebook of Foursquare) · Playlists (on apps like Spotify) · Coupon codes · Online greeting cards Who doesn’t love saving money? This is a low-cost promotion any business can commit-mint to for advertising. Besides, it's just quirky enough to work.

How does a business or an organization get someone else to talk about their brand? Before a consumer will laugh at memes or purchase a Carhartt beanie just to walk to the coffee shop, the consumer must respond to the story behind the brand. If 2020 has taught us anything, it's that technology can connect us anywhere, but that in-person interaction bonds us. Suddenly we want to hug, shake hands, and long for the days we can gather in masses. What makes those moments more impactful than a Zoom meeting - the power of touch. During our annual PPAI Promotional Products WORK Week, our company featured videos, shared stats & stories that captured how touch builds brands and influences consumers. Our blog is an ongoing way to share quick tips in developing innovative integrated marketing campaigns. For our team, developing ideas is "who we are" - our company DNA. Last week, for example, a client shared, "I don't know if we will have a holiday order this year, our budget's been cut and we don't know how to help the way we have in the past in the community and tie in our giving to employee recognition." Immediately, Olivia suggested for their annual toy collection, to a local charity drive, they ask each employee to share a story around their favorite toy. How old were they when they go the toy, what made them want it, who gave it to them or when did they receive it? Then share those stories among the team. Then challenge the team to find that toy to donate or a similar toy. Include a photo and story with the gift about why that toy was special - provide the human interaction, by touching the heart of another. Providing the touch we are all craving right now. Once the charity work is complete, send each team member an affordable toy! Yes, our industry is full of interactive games & puzzles, coloring books for adults, plush animals - even giant outdoor lawn games. Select a reminder product that will show appreciation for each team member's spirit and their willingness to recall the childlike joy associated with "play". In fact, Simon says, your memory retention for the joy of giving in 2020 might become even stronger through play!

Maybe you'd rather keep pace with Hall of Fame NFL star, Ron "Gronk" Gronkowski over the Kardashian sisters! If fitness is part of your daily routine, then this stainless steel shaker bottle featured on Shark Tank is for you! The allure of brand names and celebrity endorsements for top brands adds high perceived value, by association, for your brand. There are 5 excellent reasons to consider a brand name over the knock-off product; however, today's post is about fitness. Fitness helps our physical and mental well-being. How can you stay mentally & psychically fit? Eat right Take breaks & control your environment Like Gronk, develop a fitness routine. Start your workout with your own shaker blend, make sure to find motivation through the playlist pumping you up with your wireless earbuds or bike/wrist speaker. Staying hydrated is critical for the body to run its systems optimally and efficiently. Dehydration can affect sleep and energy levels, which may ultimately result in a weakened immune system. Besides, working out like Gronk might make you feel Hall of Fame worthy!

The show must go on - LIFE. Let's look at 2020 trends expected to continue in 2021 Disposable paper products are making a comeback among millennials, due to COVID, but like all comeback products, the focus is on Eco-Friendly recycled content and recyclable products that generate foot traffic. Golf has seen a huge resurgence of activity as a touchless outdoor way to socialize. Direct Mail works- According to the US Postal Service, 98% of individuals check their mail daily! Virtual Video cards offer a new way to connect. Setting up touchless ways to browse & order. Hosting company stores or fundraising based stores is a great way to keep up morale - Offer prize incentives to actively engage employees. Besides, an e-commerce site adds a 24-7 option to consumers or employees, allowing you to track progress, expand reach & build new audiences with digital marketing. Adult beverage sales are up, and so is the interest in products related to leisure in the home; whisky glasses, 3-n-1 tumblers for cans, bottles, or liquids. Quality accessories for the home bar. Stress-reducing products to energize! Antimicrobial products add value to functional products. Drop-Shipping gifts and custom kits for virtual meetings. Scavenger hunts and team building activities using props and items from mailers for interaction. How about shipping out a RocketBook ahead of December 11, National App Day. What's a RocketBook? A reuseable way to make notes, wipe clean and use again- but, using the RocketBook app allows you to blast your notes, plans, lists, and big ideas to your favorite cloud service for proper organization. Then, erase & reuse for your next adventure!

Let's face it, making a plan is not always at the top of everyone's list unless you're Big Bang character, Sheldon Cooper. However having a plan actually frees up more time because you're simply monitoring progress and executing, not having to innovate during a stressful period at work. What are some upcoming dates that normally you might overlook in sharing your brand message? November is: National Inspirational Role Model Month National Scholarship Month November 4: International Stress Awareness Day November 6: National Team Manager day November 15: National Philanthropy Day November 17: National Hiking Day November 21: Family Volunteer Day December is: Safe Toys & Gifts Month December 1-7: National Hand-washing Awareness Week December 10-17: Human Rights Week December 11: National App Day December 16: National Chocolate Covered Anything Day December 20: National Ugly Sweater Day January is: It's Okay to be Different Month January 6: Cuddle Up Day January 10: Cut Energy Cost Day January 28: Data Privacy Day By planning out your year in advance, your marketing efforts need only be monitored for progress and then revised or tweaked each quarter based on performance. Use a system such as Hootsuite, to control posts & monitor progress across your platforms. If this just looks like a list of dates- no worries, we can craft your brand story around key dates like these, help you design events or promotions and of course layer in the power of touch to your other marketing channels. Additionally our skilled graphic & marketing team can create your social media guide and generate images to use with your yearly plan.

A working railroad cuts right through the heart of Downtown Apex! If you've been to our showroom, you've heard the horn and felt the rumble when there is a heavy load because the historic downtown lies 2 blocks just beyond the railroad line. In fact, Apex's name derived from being the highest point on the Chatham railroad. In the 2 blocks of brick buildings erected in 1905, is a thriving business district filled with a unique blend of restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses. From the antique light posts & town clock memorial to a modern skatepark plaza, there is a friendly vibe that envelops everyone that strolls downtown. People make eye contact, say hi, and talk to strangers in a friendly way that makes visitors realize, they have arrived at The Peak of Good Living. Locals coined the phrase, The Peak of Good Living, to describe the culture of the town. Due to the popularity of that slogan, the town decided to trademark it. As part of their licensing, they decided to "give the people what they want"- Peak Swag! Capturing a memory is central to why consumers love a souvenir. Individuals look for memorabilia and collectible items to remind them of an experience long after they leave that location. When the Town of Apex starting planning a Peak of Good Living Store, they started by collaborating with our team, in our downtown showroom- horns and all! Crafting images that embodied the slogan and provided retail appeal to consumers were central steps to the process of designing this program. Our lead designer, Miranda crafted design concepts around the guidelines and ideas discussed during our initial meeting. The graphics selected were intended to riff off the popularity of retail-inspired products featuring the state contour while adding in the trademark phrase. Next, products were selected with consumers use in mind, and again heavily influenced by popular retail trends. The town wanted the products to be functional items that would work well from work, to leisure, or for gifts. The goal of The Peak of Good Living store was to offer local loyalists, brand enthusiasts, and visitors the opportunity to purchase licensed The Peak of Good Living merchandise. Trademarked products can be purchased in the town's e-commerce store or picked up at the Halle Cultural Arts Center daily, or during town events & festivals. What was the next chapter in this story? It has an national twist!

Nothing says Halloween quite like the smiling face of pumpkin. Safety is always a concern when pedestrians cross streets with vehicles at night. Reflective products, like these pumpkin bags, are both fun and functional solutions for safety. Personal safety is important for early morning & evening fitness enthusiasts, making reflective beanies, shoe safety lights , wristbands and waterbottle clips a smart branding piece to distribute within the community. Dog walkers will appreciate this reflective umbrella or collar lights an appreciated gift to receive. Doing our part to be safe in our community matters. For tips on safety walking, running or biking , visit Watch For Me NC. Pick up a safety card next time you visit our showroom location.

When we opened our doors in 2007, we knew we wanted to create a place for collaboration. Ideas are born when ideas are freely explored and options are easily considered, our showroom provides the perfect place to gather. Even during COVID conditions, we have safety measures to bring in small groups to discuss projects. The ground we can cover quickly disappears in person. We compare fabrics quickly, zero in on the size of the imprint area for design, easily compare the quality of products, and determine what fits for size and scope of your budget & distribution needs. Our design team can show you images quickly on the screen, jumping right into the design work suggesting font styles, and getting to know your preferences, to make sure the logos we create fit your vision. Our certified team dives into the planning & execution of your campaign as part of the selection process, because a successful campaign is not just about the product selection. Many of our partners have enjoyed dropping off gifts or custom kits in the past, but now feel limited. Our experience with drop shipments is playing a critical role in the "new normal" as our experienced team drop ships to each individual location- even overseas. We've vetted our partners for kitting & shipping projects and understand the variables to keep projects moving smoothly through the process. What are some of the new items that are trending in our showroom for fall? Take a peek here. Let us know your favorite!

26 weeks ago, we launched an effort to support local businesses with our free shop local tags. Like every small business, we kept working to connect our clients to the resources they need; while maintaining a safe distance. Many of our supporters are B to B relationships, but we also host consumers stores for our clients for fundraising, employee programs and retail shopping-so why not us?! Searching for the perfect holiday gift can be challenging, but one thing that comes easy for all of us is hometown pride! North Carolinian's from across the state love their hometown's. We combined hometown pride & efforts to support our local business community by launching a special limited edition collection of wear-able swag! By shopping in our e- commerce site, you are supporting not only our business, of 4 employees, but our decorating & blank good partners who employee exponentially more than 4! We've featured popular items from wear-able categories with a proven track record for high impressions, with a low cost per impression. Click each item category to review the impact for yourself. What did we include? Popular head-wear, bags, fleece and blankets- which would be perfect for a movie night popcorn trio, candy set or deluxe mailer! Besides the brand impact for your marketing efforts, we encourage you to shop local in independent businesses around your area by inserting food, craftsman gifts & gift cards from the local businesses that support your home town. Women-owned businesses in North Carolina, like Promotional Partners, employ more than a quarter million people with an $8 billion payroll impact. While women represent about half the total population in NC, they own just 1 in 5 businesses across the state. Promotional Partners is a Woman Owned, NC HUB certified business, with employing 3 women! As our way of paying it forward, orders totaling $100.00 or more, will receive a choice of a travel bag, tumbler or pop socket as our way of saying thank you; plus a $21.00 coupon to use in 2021! Shop local! When you do, pick up a shop local tag to show support. **PS- those tags give back to Safe Kids Wake County!