Promotional Products Sales Reach Record $19.6 Billion

April 29, 2008

Sales of promotional products continued their upward climb in 2007 despite a challenging economic environment. According to data released this month by Trevose, Pa.-based Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), sales rose 5.4%, from $18.6 billion in 2006 to $19.6 billion last year.

The organization also noted data from TNS Media Intelligence that showed promotional products sales exceeded the spending on other forms of advertising, including radio ads ($10.7 billion), Internet display ads ($11.3 billion) and outdoor advertising ($4 billion).

According to promotional consultants cited in the ASI report, a variety of factors contributed to 2007 sales, including the effectiveness of promotional products for targeted marketing, the rise of online company stores, the availability of products at affordable price points and the enduring value of the products themselves.

"Since the life span of a promotional product extends beyond a conventional ad, savvy marketers recognize value and ultimately extend their advertising dollars to reinforce an ad campaign with the diverse product lines that our industry offers," said Carol Constantino, president of Noteworthy Co., a family-owned supplier of plastic and paper promotional products based in Amsterdam, N.Y.

For 2008, the report cited several factors that could possibly affect the industry:

•    Product safety and compliance
•    Eco-friendly products
•    Price volatility, especially for products made from petroleum-based compounds.

The Promotional Products Association Intl. (PPAI) and Impressions currently have industry surveys underway and will release their 2007 results within the next few months. "Despite using different methodologies, the PPAI and ASI numbers for promotional products sales typically vary little," says Richard Lebovitz, Impressions' editorial director. "While the annual Impressions Decorated Apparel Universe Study uses yet another approach, our preliminary data for promotional products sales growth last year is in line with the ASI data." — Impressions Staff

Travel Buddy Journeys to ISS Schaumburg
Whether it's making sure you packed everything in your suitcase, or making sure everything fits in your suitcase, sometimes traveling can be stressful. But the Travel Buddy from Michigan-based Twin Bay Treasures is one way to simplify traveling.
August 04, 2008

A Working Solution
Imagine seeing nearly every apparel decorating process in a hands-on environment, with educated staff walking you through how each machine can help you improve or diversify your shop's services. Hirsch Intl. Corp., Hauppauge, N.Y., recently hosted an open house for the grand opening of its Hirsch Solutions Studio in Solon, Ohio, where more than 200 guests saw the industry's latest technologies up close.
August 01, 2008

Like a Good Neighbor
Mark Hopper, president of Hopper's Silk Screen, Fond du Lac, Wis., knows his company barely escaped a major heartache, as recent floodwaters — which still plague the Midwest — came within 50 yards of his shop and could have destroyed his facility.
August 01, 2008

Garments Doing Good for Ghana
While most teenagers worry about passing their driver's license tests or securing dates for the homecoming dance, eight 14- and 15-year-old girls from Long Island, N.Y., are focusing on saving children from forced labor in Ghana's fishing villages.
August 01, 2008

Self-Taught and Self-Made
After about a decade as an award-winning embroidery machine operator, Darla Hall wanted a new challenge. Working at a company called Canyon Gear, she approached her boss about learning to digitize. He agreed, with the stipulation that she had to teach herself. "His wife turned on the computer and said, 'See you tomorrow,'" Hall recalls.
August 01, 2008