THE NEWS FEED

Charlotte, North Carolina-based JournalBooks/Timeplanner Calendars, a member of Polyconcept North America, the second-largest supplier of hard goods within the promotional products industry, has promoted Jamie Raynor from national sales manager to director of sales and operations.

Compton, California-based Crown Infant Products Inc. a wholly-owned subsidiary of Crown Crafts Inc., has become the exclusive distributor of okiedog diaper bags and stroller accessories for North America.

Though designed to enhance customer experiences, post-service customer surveys might actually harm a business' relationships with consumers, according to new research by Houston-based Rice University professors. The research team found that customers who participate in firm-sponsored surveys delay doing repeat business with that company.

Wealthy American investors expect a broad array of tax increases in 2011, prompting some to sell securities before the end of the year to lock in lower rates. Brokerage executives said that they expect many taxes to rise, including capital gains and income taxes.

In a filing with the Postal Regulatory Commission yesterday, the U.S. Postal Service asked for volume discounts and free additional weight incentives for direct mailers that, if approved, would be introduced in January. The pair of incentives was originally part of the exigent rate case that was cut down.

Direct marketers are much like the town criers of yesteryear. In days of yore, a crier would stand on a street corner with a bell in hand and shout the news for all to hear. Today, unsophisticated marketers use a bullhorn to spread the word and hope that they're casting a wide enough net.

Synthetic linings. Smaller buttons. Less Italian fabric. And yes, even more polyester. Unusually high cotton prices have apparel makers scrambling to keep down costs, but consumers be warned: cotton clothing will be getting more expensive.

Some companies feel that they need to send out a number of promotional materials and marketing messages in order to gain the attention of their customers. If you aren't targeting the right niche market, you could end up causing a number of problems for your business.

Hanesbrands Inc., Winston-Salem, N.C., announced it's plans to offer, subject to market and other conditions, $750 million worth of senior notes due 2020.

During November, Cincinnati-based TSC Apparel is running a sales promotion based on purchases of Gildan fleece from TSC Apparel.  At the end of the month, customer purchases of Gildan fleece will be accumulated and TSC Apparel will award the prizes