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Promotional Products News
Find out the latest promotional products news here. Be in touch with the promotional products industry for the latest products and news about distributors and suppliers.
Survey Says: Promotional Products Industry Continues to Grow
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Did you know that the advertising specialty industry has grown for eight straight quarters? That’s based on distributor sales research released earlier this week by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI).
According to an ASI press release, total industry sales amounted to $18.5 billion in 2011, a growth of 6.2% from 2010. In the fourth-quarter of 2011 alone, sales increased by 6.5%, making it the biggest increase since the year’s first-quarter.
The research provides some reassurance in a time of economic uncertainty. According to Timothy M. Andrews, ASI President and CEO, “This latest ASI sales survey proves the ad specialty industry continues a strong rebound begun two years ago on the heels of the worst economic downturn in recent history.” Distributors are looking forward to a successful 2012 for what Andrews calls “a recession-proof industry.”
Let’s look at some of the most noteworthy statistics:
- 85% of major distributors reported an increase in sales, as did 70% of distributors overall
- The fourth quarter of 2011 was particularly successful for distributors; more than 50% saw an increase in sales
- Over 75% of distributors are optimistic about sales growth in 2012
Do you think ASI’s research is accurate? Share your comments below!
Number 1 Industry Traveling Show To Visit NY
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Are you a promotional items company that’s located in the Northeast? If so, you’re in luck! Everyone’s favorite magazine, Advantages, comes to life in New York tomorrow, Tuesday, January 24.
According to a statement by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), the Advantages Roadshow began yesterday in Boston, Massachusetts, and will continue traveling throughout the Northeast through the end of the week. Tomorrow’s event will take place on Long Island. Then the show will travel to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland before jetting off to the West coast.
Why should distributors consider attending? Attendees will enjoy sales-boosting workshops, one-on-one time with some of the industry’s best suppliers, networking opportunities, and the chance to win a two-year lease on a Mustang convertible! Interested in registering? Click here to register today for free.
Suppliers honored at Distributor Choice Awards
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On Tuesday, Counselor magazine, an Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) publication, announced the winners of the 2012 Counselor Distributor Choice Awards. Awards were distributed to the promotional item industry’s best-performing suppliers as determined by distributors across North America.
According to an ASI press release, Hub Pen, a supplier in Massachusetts, was chosen as Supplier of the Year. “This year’s Supplier of the Year has stayed strong and true to its core mission since 1954, when it was founded by Frank Fleming, who once tirelessly assembled pens by hand,” said ASI president and CEO Timothy M. Andrews. “Today, Hub Pen is a true industry leader, rated by distributors as the very best.”
The ceremony took place during ASI Orlando, the largest promotional items event on the East Coast. And while Hub Pen took home the top prize, more than 250 other highly valued suppliers were also honored. ASI reports that “Winners are selected based upon real votes and data from ASI’s Supplier Performance Ratings.”
Want your company to be considered next year? It’s not easy — to be a finalist, ASI suppliers must have an average rating of no less than four out of five stars by at least 40 distributors. Additionally, to be considered, a company must have reports on at least 100 transactions.
Exclusive Interview: Twitter Co-Founder Biz Stone
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It’s almost impossible to run and operate a successful online business without also updating a connected Twitter account. Twitter, arguably the most successful social networking service and microblogging platform, helps brands gain exposure, communicate with customers, and gain new clients. Imagine being able to hear directly from one of the social networking platform’s co-founders? Promotional items suppliers and distributors got the chance today, thanks to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI).
This morning, everyone’s favorite radio personalities got to speak with Biz Stone, one of the founding fathers of Twitter. Did you miss this morning’s interview? No worries at all; you can access an archived version of ASI Internet Radio’s conversation with Stone here.
Check out the exclusive interview today!
Tradeshow Travel Woes? Access the ASI Virtual Trade Show from your Desk!
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Today marks day two of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada. And while many distributors and suppliers head out to the annual event, some are unfortunately unable to make it. Let’s face it: Not everyone can afford to travel to Vegas, especially in the current down economy. And even those who can spare the extra cash for a flight may run into problems considering the high cost of accommodation, food, and other expenses.
The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) wants everyone to be able to participate, regardless of location. That’s why today it’s announced its ASI Virtual Trade Show! The February 15 event promises to bring all the best parts of a live trade show straight to your PC.
Best of all, distributors can attend the ASI Virtual Trade Show for free. According to a statement released by ASI, those who register for the digital trade show will see product demonstrations and receive samples from some of the industry’s top suppliers, live chat about exciting new promotional products, and learn more about the ASI Certification Program. Attendees can also look forward to access to the latest catalogues, networking opportunities, and more.
One past participant, Paula Forgione, told ASI that last year’s online show was “really well done. I love the format. It was just like walking through a tradeshow. I could see suppliers and ask questions.” With such glowing reviews and free registration, what have you got to lose? Click here to learn more about the ASI Virtual Trade Show and to register today!
Why Join ASI?
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The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI)’s Web site boasts that members “get group buying-power on products and services” that will help build their businesses. But there’s really so much more to it. Check out ASI’s latest YouTube video which outlines the benefits of joining ASI:
The testimonials really say a lot about how ASI promotes success among promotional items distributors and suppliers. From helping organizations to be mobile to providing the tools necessary to exceed customers’ needs, ASI allows members to stay ahead of their competition. If you haven’t yet looked into an ASI membership, now’s the time!
What’ll be Trending in 2012?
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It’s hard to believe it’s already December 19; where did the year go? 2011 has surely had its ups and downs. But now’s your chance to be ahead of the curve and take a peek at what’ll be trending in 2012.
According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), there are five trends that will impact the promotional products industry over the course of the year. Let’s take a look at what they are:
1. Local Elections
2. Altering Buying Habits
3. Brand Focus
4. Fierce Competition and Pricing
5. Emphasis on Customer Service
Do you agree with ASI’s predictions? Share your thoughts below!
Distributors: Will You Use ESP Mobile?
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If you’re a distributor, you’ve probably worked with ESP Web before. According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), ESP allows distributors to have a real competitive advantage. It allows salespeople to search through hundreds of thousands of products find exactly the right item for their clients.
According to a media release distributed today by ASI, the highly useful tool will soon be available on mobile devices. When will users get to download the new application? The media release reports that “ASI will introduce ESP Mobile to the industry during demonstrations at the ASI Show in Orlando January 16-18.” Furthermore, a version that’s formatted for the iPad will be available in March.
President and CEO of ASI said that ESP Mobile is the future of the promotional products industry. According to Andrews, the app “is incredibly fast and provides the same great search functionality as ESP Web. It not only allows you to search hundreds of thousands of products; it offers detailed info on suppliers as well. It’s like having a walking industry directory right at your fingertips.”
What do you think — will you make use of ESP Mobile for product research?
BREAKING NEWS: ASI Spectrum Catalog Already a Hit
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Despite huge advancements in the digital world over the past decade, print media are still extremely effective. An Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) media release distributed today reports that the institute has already sold almost 300,000 copies of its highly-anticipated 2012 Spectrum catalogue.
According to Timothy M. Andrews, ASI President and CEO, “…Studies show that catalogs work and, in fact, 91% of the time, recipients take action as a result of something they noticed in a catalog, with nearly half buying a product.” Andrews attributes this year’s already exceptional feedback to the catalogue’s wide array of products.
The catalogue, ASI reports, is filled with a large amount of items throughout 26 categories such as computer accessories, travel and health and beauty. Through purchasing the catalogue, distributors have access to fun and inexpensive items under $1 as well as to more upscale products such as leather iPad covers. These giveaways and more are all featured in ASI‘s “digest-size catalog” which gives “you the ability to satisfy a variety of your customers’ needs.”
Spectrum offers over 500 products from more than 100 top-notch suppliers, 65 of the year’s best sellers, specially-marked, free shipping, and much more! For a free sample look at the 2012 Spectrum catalogue, click here.
McDonald’s Avoids Toy Ban with 10 Cent Charge
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“Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years.” That’s according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And in an attempt to fight childhood obesity, on Thursday the San Francisco legislature put into effect a ban on the distribution of promotional toys with high-calorie meals. But fast food chains are already fighting back.
According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), “the law states that promotional toys (like those included in meals at establishments such as McDonald’s and Burger King) can’t be given away with kids’ meals that exceed 600 calories or lack fruit or vegetables.” But here’s the catch: the regulation only applies to toys that are handed out for free.
That’s why some San Francisco McDonald’s are now asking for a 10 cent donation with each Happy Meal in order to get the kids their toys. ASI reports that the proceeds will be used to build an updated Ronald McDonald House at the UCSF Hospital.
What do you think — should McDonald’s keep skirting the toy ban, or should it comply with the new law for the sake of children’s health?