Bite-size and Beautiful
THE NEXT LITTLE THING
The above examples of creativity are certainly valuable, but what about the distributor who wants to add a little extra punch to a promotion and use a lesser known, less-carried or trendier product?
As is true with so many other areas in the promotional product industry, Shulkin recommended looking to retail trends for new product ideas, citing mints and blister-packed gum as two products first popular in the consumer world. He also put some of the onus of invention on distributors. "Some of our best-selling new items have come from distributors asking us 'Can you do this?'" he said. A few products in A La Carte's line have come from distributor suggestions, like ring pops from a distributor who wanted a promotion with "bling," and another from a customer who was looking for individually wrapped dog treats. "There are so many good ideas out there, and usually distributors are the ones that are on the firing line," he added. "They're the ones that come up with some great creative ideas." So distributors, take note: like being bopped on the head by a falling apple, little ideas can sometimes have a big impact.
- Companies:
- A La Carte
- Hospitality Mints