Monthly Archives for May 2018

Stay Stylish And Carry On

life save bagDuffel bags are no longer just an accessory to carry your gear to and from the gym.  Not just a tube that you stuff your clothes, towel and water bottle into, the style and function of today’s duffel bags make them a must-have piece of your travel bag collection.

Let’s start with style.  There are various sizes, but all duffels have the same basic shape and features.  So, the first thing that will set your branded duffel apart from all the other bags in your customers’ closets will be the outward appearance.  A bright bag with an all-over custom decoration will stand out and be noticed.  A collage of company product images; nature scenes promoting eco-conscious initiatives; or a picture of a person, animal or thing that serves as the company mascot would stand out and grab the attention of anyone who sees it.  Brand visibility being one of the main objectives of any marketing team means style is key.

Regarding function, duffel bags can be as simple or complex as your budget allows.   Zippered pockets, shoe pockets, padded shoulder pads, laptop sleeves and rolling wheels are all available for a price.  And for business travelers, these types of functional options are a must.  However, for the average recipient, who will likely use this bag for road trips, pool or beach days, and gym gear, a simple, lightweight design with a zip top opening, carry handles and a shoulder strap are all that’s needed.

Duffel bags remain a practical carryall for most people.  If you take the time to consider a custom decoration that will stand out in the crowd, your brand will get carried on.

 

 

The End Of The Boring Hat

cap242% of U.S. consumers who keep promotional hats do so because they are attractive.  Although it seems to be stating the obvious, hats need to look good to be worn.  And if there is a choice to be made between a unique, well-designed hat and one that is boring in its color and logo decoration, then it’s likely the well-designed cap will win the day.

Front embroidery has always been the classic decoration method for caps.  But in response to retail fashion trends,  cap suppliers have developed more sophisticated techniques that can enhance, or replace, standard embroidery.  These techniques add style and value to the cap, and give your customers a unique look that will be worth wearing.

Consider a few of the following decoration options:

  • Hat Tattoo:  Embellish without limits!  Ink imprint can be applied to the visor, over embroidery, on felt appliqué or on the mesh back of a trucker cap –  imprint available almost anywhere on the cap!
  • Heat Transfers:   Logo can be applied in glitter flake, flocking, full color and camo transfers for a unique effect.
  • 3D Embroidery:  This technique has been around for several years, but now we can add a full-color sublimated overlay to make that logo pop!
  • Merrowed Edge Patch:  Either embroidered for a vintage look, or full color sublimated ink for colorful, detailed designs, patches are perfect for adding the interest of texture.

A cap provides 3,136 logo impressions over their lifetime – but only if the customer wears it.  The next time your company is considering a hat giveaway, ask about ideas for a different way to showcase your logo.  Increasing brand awareness is worth the extra effort.

Trend Alert For Promoting Brands

clear toteHigh fashion labels have embraced the clear tote, and your corporate customers have noticed.  Originally a utilitarian accessory meant to make passage into sports stadiums, schools and airport security lines easier, clear totes are showing up on fashion runways, and in stores from Urban Outfitters to Nordstrom.

Messenger bags, open-top totes, cross-body purses and cinch backpacks are all offered in see-through styles.  The design encourages the user to consider more carefully what they carry, and still provides plenty of room for all the necessities.  They are a great way to pack up for a day at the beach, or to put in some extra clothes for the gym.  Clear totes are easy to clean, and extremely durable, which makes it perfect for any age group.

Considering the rising popularity in fashion, not to mention all the obvious advantages of being prepared for the new law enforcement policies at many of the large-crowd events, the clear tote has become a great vehicle for promoting corporate brands.