Amazon is set to expand its “FC Games” program that turns warehouse tasks into arcade-style video games. Designed to increase productivity while rewarding top performers with “swag bucks” redeemable for branded merchandise and other items, the program might actually be having a negative impact for some workers…
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How One Buying Group Is Bringing Print, Promo and Office Supplies Together to Help Distributors Meet the Evolving Needs of Today’s Customer
In January 2020, Ampersand Group’s Todd Mellon and his team officially launched The Power of One Group. The idea was simple: Create a robust directory of vendors in print, promo and office supplies, giving distributor members easy access to all three segments…
Read MoreA Year After Launch, SwagCycle Has Kept 60,000 Promo Products Out of Landfills and Raised $168K for Charity
In August 2019, Grossman Marketing Group launched its SwagCycle program, which let companies repurpose their unwanted or unused branded items. In its first year, the program engaged with 21 different companies, kept 60,418 items out of landfills and yielded $168,922.18 in charitable donations…
Read More4imprint Revenue Dropped 35% in 2020, Profit Down 96%
4imprint this week announced its 2020 fiscal year results. According to Morningstar, the company’s revenue was down 35% to $560 million from $860 million. Specifically in North America, revenue fell 34%, and U.K. and Ireland revenue dropped 53%. The distributor also posted a 96% drop in annual pretax profit…
Read MorePeloton Reportedly Sold 600K Pieces of Branded Apparel Last Quarter, Announces Adidas Collaboration
Peloton CEO John Foley said the company sold 600,000 units of branded apparel last quarter alone. Peloton appears to have fully bought in to apparel, making it a cornerstone of its product offering to complement its exercise bikes. It should only reinforce that with an upcoming Adidas collaboration…
Read MoreDecoration Diaries: How a Creative Application Led to a Best-Selling Branded Apparel Item (and $11,000 in Sales)
For a mortgage company client’s fall line in its online store, the American Solutions for Business team created a hoodie decorated with a unique laser applique process. Here’s how that led to a best-selling piece of branded apparel for the customer and $11,000 in sales for ASB…
Read MoreOffice Depot Rejects Staples’ Latest Acquisition Offer
Office Depot parent company ODP Corp. rejected Staples’ latest acquisition offer yesterday, claiming that the offer “lacked basic deal terms including a purchase price.” Staples has been trying to purchase assets of Office Depot since 2015, when it was thwarted by the FTC…
Read MoreHere’s the Impressive Swag Players Will Receive at the NCAA Tournament
This year’s NCAA Tournament is taking place in one city—Indianapolis. And, to help student-athletes adapt to life inside the bubble, the tournament is giving out a pretty impressive branded gift set, including toiletries, bedding, games and more…
Read MoreAmazon Music Adds In-App Merchandise Store for Artists, Exclusive Collections
Amazon is making another push into the branded merchandise world by launching a built-in e-commerce platform on Amazon Music featuring exclusive products from big-name acts like Lady Gaga and Billie Eilish. What’s really interesting is if and how the move integrates the company’s Merch by Amazon capabilities…
Read MoreThis Year’s Grammy Gift Bag Is All About Diversity and Inclusion
It’s Music’s Biggest Night! Well, Sunday is. That’s right, the 2021 Grammy Awards are happening, and while the event is going the mostly-virtual route of other award shows, there will still be the famous gift bags for nominees—with a few notable twists…
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