While it's been said we all have twins, there is really only one you. Why not celebrate themes of diversity, inclusion, and our unique fiber by incorporating in bags that are meant to be, well, different? Cotopaxi embraces what makes us all unique by creating backpacks with fabric (recycled) colors chosen by their workers! Cotopaxi is a certified B Corporation that puts 1% of its revenue toward addressing poverty and supporting community development.

When it comes to putting eyeballs on your brand- nothing captures attention more than a fun promotion. Layering in some wordplay, well you already know we love "punny". There is nothing funny about breast cancer, in fact; about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. Every October, businesses, sports teams, and even local municipalities flip their regular brand colors to pink in support of a cure. Right now outdoor dining and safe gatherings are at an all-time high, making an eye-catching product such as a set of boxing robe can coolers suggesting we knock out cancer a knock out promotion! #KO

Playing cards offer a fun way to capture attention and share your message- in fact, 52 unique stories about you! How? Using the option for full-color front/back, you have the ability to share your history, progress, services, or highlight the team. These images should spur your imagination! Over the years we have done card sets for automotive groups for incentives, HVAC companies to give out at trade shows to travels, senior living communities, and YMCA locations for annual donors; after-all we know the YMCA likes to play! When you are looking for a low cost, unique promotion- consider some fun. Check out stock options, themed sets, and custom offerings on our website. Ready to go fish for new customers?

Photos and videos usually start with our families, albums that capture events and videos to remember the moment in vivid detail. A fun fact about our owner, she designed and printed the Cary High Class of 1982 water tower tees, letting them dry on her front lawn. That must have been a site to passing neighbors, but it was also a sign that another group of students planned to enjoy their senior year in high school. One of the many things our team loves about being located in Historic Downtown Apex is the unique blend of businesses, making the seasons fun not only at the holidays but year-round. We a family of different types of businesses, supporting each other and our community. If you've never been, check out this video by 621 Productions and you'll be reminded why local businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. Earlier in the summer, we helped 2020 graduates celebrate their graduation milestone through visual communications- signage! There were banners over the street, signs in the window, flags lining the drive through celebration route, and boulevard banners hanging from the lampposts. It was fun to see all the graduates that came down to take photos in their cap and gowns by the lamp post with their school flag. This case study captures some of the images from those celebration moments. Working with schools is one of the rewarding parts of our workday because we get to see the results in your photos or as we pass cars with magnets, cross country runners working out, school buildings showing pride for their senior class or visiting stadiums- there are products and designs we have created. By partnering and supporting our athletic boosters & PTSA's we are able to insert images that become the visual communications that make memories. Keep making memories and let us help you design ways to use signage that keep the story going years later, just like those water tower tee shirts!

I am sorry- we don't want to create controversy by suggesting that checkers are for seniors- why? While besides age bias, people of all ages love games. Digital print media never ceases to amaze our team, it's a treat for the eye, with unlimited possibilities for the creative mind. What are you seeing here? It's a table cover, with a checkerboard inserted. During a recent show, this concept was suggested for senior living communities as an easy way to gather for a game outside - then clean the boards to use again in the washer-driers on hand. A similar concept works in the office, schools, or in your local park on a picnic table. Add this to the list for your next reverse tailgating event. We love using our imagination for your brand- put us to the task; let us help you "give away" all your pieces, "capture" more attention for your brand, "quadruple jump" over your competition with winning strategies.

There are times when you need larger quantities, but in some instances, less is better! We love having partner solutions that fit your needs. Gifts are typically not something you need to have large numbers on hand. If you are looking for a functional gift for your team at work, leisure time gear is the perfect solution. There are times when you need only one gift. Signature gifts, with a retail look & feel for your brand will be hit Bundling kits to ship to various locations- not a problem. Turlee totes are both a backpack & tote If you are looking for some inspiration for fun or relaxing products for a small group, consider these ideas. Letter Boards are fun to use, trendy and timeless! They'll remember your brand each time they come up with a new funny caption to leave a note for family and friends! Tinkerer Kit stuff Enjoy some wordplay with your gifts, perhaps you'd like to re-kindle a spark with customers or light a fire under your employees with this candle and match set! This set offers three different scents sure to match your brand personality and each set can be personalized with your company logo. These gift sets can be drop-shipped to each location. Looking for more ideas, perhaps even ideas with a free set up and low quantities? Ask us to send you an exclusive guide.

Mixed media for recognition pieces allows the final product to not only conform to your vision but match the aesthetic attributes of the space these pieces will reside. Stunning awards designed specifically for your needs using popular materials, with modern designs and quick turn. Collections include your choice of materials such as bamboo, American walnut, ebony, brushed aluminum, acrylics, and cork. Combine elements for a stylish design created exclusively for your special event. Layering materials Bending metal, wrapping images & text to provide intrigue Using magnets to add years of service and other benchmarks securely to an existing piece. Magnetic products have unlimited options - inspiring ideas here. Even layer acrylics for dynamic results Perhaps your company's core values would prefer using natural resources with sustainable cork to produce exciting results. How is the cork harvested and use? Watch here. Looking for something custom or USA Made? Follow our next blog!

Our National Parks are getting a second glance this year for entertainment because they are open, affordable and fun! July is National Parks Month. Whether you'd rather explore each park in your local town or pack up to explore regional or national hot spots, at least one of your passengers is likely to ask, "Are we there yet"? Before your car hits the road, do you have key safety items inside? Phone holder- keep your hands off your phone, but easily navigates you to your location Seat belt cutters and lights in an accident are a plus or even a phone charger that's also an escape tool would make a great gift if your company's focus is on safety. Roadside assistance tools are a must What's in my center console? A first aid kit and thanks to COVID, a huge pump bottle of hand sanitizer. Each of the go-to items on that travel list makes excellent gifts. Closing gifts for mortgage lenders don't have to remain the same, switch things up with the seasons. Local banking services and communication are hot topics right now among small business owners, reward new accounts with a gift that will be useful. Is your brand "there yet"? Consumer studies demonstrate the useful items are appreciated, kept and used. (Ask us to share some studies!) On a personal note, before you travel across the county line, consider taking a look at your local park system in Wake County. Check your own municipality frequently for updates regarding new places to visit or visit a neighboring town for something new to explore. One of our local favorites is Bass Lake in Holly Springs. We've been known to stroll, fish, rock or walk the dog! What are some of your favorite local parks?

Do you go to great lengths to provide excellent service or value for your consumers? Do you extend extra perks to your most loyal referral partners or clients? Would you like to provide financial solutions to keep business owners or homeowners from finding themselves overextended? You know we love wordplay, and tape measures are a functional item to brand and a great connection to your brand message as well as a practical gift. Considering the numerous ways one can use a tape measure- this type of promotion can extend long life engagement for your brand. Decorators might give out tape measures to consumers to measure furniture when they are shopping. A window- drapery company will need you to have measurements for your windows before replacements or additions. Considering knocking down a wall in your home to open up the space, checking with a licensed contractor is a good idea; bet they have a really nice tape measure. Real Estate agents can use one to measure all types of widths and heights with prospective homeowners that just have to move THAT one large piece of furniture. A tape measure fits in a small envelope mailer to your target audience, making it a safe way to prospect. When you are looking for ideas that can go a long way with your ideal consumer- check the blog or ask for a copy of our 12 months of promotion's calendar for some key dates to showcase your fun side!

If you've ever walked through a revolving door you know that some folks jump right in and out, while others seem to spin not sure how to move forward. Generating business and creating loyal fans that make frequent purchases is a bit like a revolving door. Businesses of any size look for ways to inspire repeat sales. Loyalty programs are not a new concept, but how you pitch those perks does not have to be traditional. Social media has become a huge driver to business. Featuring video clips or testimonials from your best customers helps add that authentic touch of one's experience with your brand. What types of options do you have for the tangible part of the program? Our design team that creates a custom image using plastic loyalty cards, gift certificates, and card holders can be integrated into a direct mailer to your loyal fans. Who doesn't love fun mail, instead of bills! Let's get your door revolving with commerce!

Consistency builds business. A structured plan makes your daily routine more efficient and keeps your pipeline full. Like you, we have been building business relationships for years. There is never a wrong time to review what's working and what's not creating success. What are some tried and true steps that work? These may seem like a "no-brainer" but it's consistent execution that often stalls the process. Allocate time in your weekly calendar dedicated to sales efforts. Block out a time each day or specific days of the week. Don't forget all your channels- calls, notes, emails, social media, and mailers. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel: dive into your existing consumer base. Make sure they know about new trends, products or services you have to offer. Consider blogs or newsletters to provide additional content to your markets. Brainstorm: If they are not buying from you, who are they buying from & why? What changes can you make to adapt? Self-Promotion: people like getting free, useful products. What types of products have a long shelf life for brand impressions? See here. Once you invite them to your location, make sure you're keeping yourself and others safe. We have a checklist of items to consider in our next post.

Saving you pennies, nickels and dimes will always stretch your dollar. Regardless of the size of your business, cost savers are appreciated. Sharing print space, like the pints glasses featured here made a chamber networking event more fun, plus saved each business some marketing dollars by co-branding the space. If you have strong local partners that refer each other business, a smart way to grow awareness and stretch your budget should always include co-branding! What are 6 simple ways to add value, without adding cost? Co-brand is a smart choice - reduce your cost through partnership. Add QR code - Share the rest of the story by taking your consumer to a video, blog post, coupon, map or reservation link. Add a testimonial on a cup with a large imprint area - nothing says you rock like praise from a happy customer. Share a story of success on a product with a large imprint area - does your service do more, give back or make someone else's company more profitable? Share that stat or story on items like a bag, stadium cushion, envelope, pint glass, coaster or mouse pad. Purchase display products with full coverage - allowing different content on each side, sublimated products that fit like a sleeve usually have dual sides, even vinyl banners can be different on each side when hung in your outdoor tent. Add an option to include photographs to share your story - faces draw in views and images tell stories quickly in a way that's lost in text. We have numerous ways to stretch your dollar and increase your brand awareness!