Got an opinion on President Donald Trump’s interest in imposing “reciprocal tariffs” on nations around the globe? The federal government says it wants to hear it. On Feb. 20, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) opened a public…
Category: Culture
No ‘Day One’ New Trump Tariffs, But President Says the Levies Are Coming
President Donald Trump didn’t immediately pull the trigger on new import tariffs, but it’s possible he’ll do so soon. Trump had threatened to implement new and increased duties on imports on his first day in office but did not so, though he…
Promo Lessons From the Golden Globes Swag Bag Worth $1 Million
The “swag bags” for major award ceremonies like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and Golden Globes are known for their eye-watering monetary value. This year’s Golden Globes bag continues the tradition and is reportedly the highest-value gift bag in the ceremony’s history, with more…
Why Is There So Much ‘Wicked’ Merch?
Wicked knows about popular. After months of buildup, the highly anticipated film adaptation of the smash Broadway musical hit theaters across the United States on Nov. 22 in a pink and green cloud of movie merch and marketing buzz – to…
Trump Tariffs: 5 Big Questions on How Promo Will Be Impacted
The incoming president has promised to raise tariffs across the board – compelling promo companies to consider adjustments to their sourcing and pricing strategies. And just like that, everyone is talking tariffs again. Import levies were one of the signature…
M&M’s Releases a Branded ‘Snack Jacket’ Aimed at Moviegoers
M&M’s latest merch item is making it easier than ever to sneak candy into the movie theater. In collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios’ launch of the holiday action-adventure film Red One on Nov. 15, starring Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson and Chris Evans,…
Election 2024: A Rundown of the Buzziest & Most Creative Presidential Merch
Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have both tapped into “moment merch” based on significant campaign developments to win over voters. After the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump on Sept. 10, global pop star Taylor Swift took…
Why Collectible – and Tradeable – Pins Are So Coveted
From the recently concluded Olympics to Comic-Con, pins have a unique promotional power to capture moments and preserve memories. There is more to pins than just promo power, experts say: They have identities. “People keep pins longer; they generate more…
How an NCAA Settlement Could Change the College Athletics Merch Game…Again
Sean Ellenby watched as Oakland University basketball player Jack Gohlke sunk yet another three-pointer during the first round of the 2024 NCAA March Madness Tournament. Ellenby, a marketing director at apparel decorator Campus Ink, fired off an Instagram DM to…
The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again) of Fidget Toys
At the height of the “pop fidget” craze of the COVID-19 pandemic, over 400,000 poppers were ordered– a fidget toy made with silicone bumps that can be pushed in and out like never-ending Bubble Wrap – for a national drugstore…