Coordinated Marketing

Leed's Called It Mugs and More

During the normal course of the year a typical products supplier within ASI will release products two or three times.  During the dark years most companies skipped that entire process and instead just stuck with the main introductory catalog at the end of the year.  This year as the economy rebounded most rolled out a June catalog.  Leed's took it a step further and introduced hundreds of new products for the fall season.

Little did they know at the time - or perhaps they did know - several of their products are calling the economy on the nose.  Drink-ware has been their fasting growing catalog so it is no surprise the Double Dipper Ceramic Mug with Stainless Base was part of the launch.  The double name doesn't really explain anything about the mug itself so the theory that is currently bouncing around the industry is that the name relates to the state of financial affairs in the nation.  In some circles that would be seen as inappropriate but I find it funny. 

The market dropped over six hundred points and overseas markets are getting hammered today.  Futures for the markets are down sharply again.  Tuesday is not going to be a great day and the carnage will continue for weeks and months ahead.  Spending has stopped and even though credit has not yet locked up it doesn't matter.  People are scared and they aren't spending their money.  Maybe the more appropriate name for the gift would have been the double recession mug.

Ultimately the NY Times hit it on the head in their opinion piece today.  We are a debtor nation.  We are a nation that doesn't generate enough revenue to pay for all the social programs we desire or have committed to over the years.  Our Treasury owes about 10 trillion dollars to the public sector.  Think about that for a moment and you will better understand the extent of the problem.  Our nation will never recover and it is time that we all start to realize that.  Times have changed and we need to recognize our place in the world sadly has changed.

 

Cleaning Up Taking Notice and Brighter Lights

It is amazing how the comments build up over time.  I never understood why most blogs have moderation enabled until I signed on tonight to find hundreds of garbage comments posted.  I do not mean to ever offend people putting up a comment and getting a link to their site.  I mean specifically the gibberish comments that aren't even in complete sentences that are part of a huge scheme.  What a shame that they corrupt so many good sites.

Over the course of the last two years I've written about a lot of products.  Checking back today most are no longer offered or have been modified.  That amazes me!  A month ago we wrote about providing your employees with appreciation gifts in time for the holidays.  It generated the most comments that this site has ever gotten.  Ironically the two products mentioned are not selling well and their are rumors they are about to be dropped by the manufacturer.  Much of the focus has been on the economy over the last few years.  I wrote about the roller coaster nature of the economyand how the news is great one day, terrible the next.  That continues with news ranging from a surprising increase in jobless claims to the fiscal easing that the Federal Reserve is exploring.  What is remarkable in looking back is in how little has changed.  Customers still look for the same products, we still manufacturer essentially the same products and nobody things sales are very good right now.

But that doesn't explain how some retailers are having great years.  The news today included stories of some stores doubling income over this time last  year on strong sales.  The story seems to be that it greatly depends on what you are offering.  A sale on custom wine openers at this time of the year will generate a lot of interest.  That same program in July won't get much traction.  The reason is pretty clear and easy to understand, timing in life is everything.  But timing in marketing is even more critical.  The right message at the wrong time is as troublesome as no message at all when it comes to generating interest.  This time of the year there is almost no interest in items like padfolios and messenger bags but nobody can keep stock in Port Authority Jackets with logo on them.  That will last for another month or two before there is a major switch to golf shirts.

I came across a wonderful organization several days ago while attending a corporate meeting.  The American Apparel and Footwear Association provides critical services to domestic manufacturers of these goods and services.  This group is not to be confused with American Apparel that almost went out of business a few months ago that operates a chain of stores and provides hard goods to the promotional products industry.  Their site is full of good information on the apparel industry, provides a listing of upcoming events, key industry facts and other data.  There is also an opportunity to partner with them and a listing of benefits.

 

Providing Mutual Benefit Through Holiday Employee Appreciation

Watching a somewhat famous holiday type movie the other night I quickly realized how important employee appreciation is over the coming months.  You have all seen the movie - the one where the person makes plans based on a gift and ends up being signed up for the jelly club instead of getting the bonus expected.  Do not be the equivalent of the guy that cut the bonuses, here are some ideas.

When you begin to plan for what you expect to give and look at your budget consider the person.  Provide something versatile like the High Sierra Upload Business Compu-Case which anyone in just about any family can use.  It has all the latest features like a port for headphones and the capacity to carry all of the electronic devices.  It also can be used as a custom book bag, beach bag or just about anything else and it carries the vaunted High Sierra name which means you will have the highest quality and a brand name appeal.  But what if something like this does not quite cut it?

Take a look at something that not only gives to the end user but also Habitat for Humanity.  The Hope Laminated Large Shopper Tote has everything you would need to use it as a bag for your day at the beach, at the pool, on the ski slopes or even in the home.  It is very similar to other large custom laminated totes and at the same price.  The difference being 10% of every dollar spent on this custom laminated tote goes to Habitat for Humanity which means by giving it as a gift you are helping build homes for the less fortunate.  Many manufacturers have switched to laminated material this year because it is coated and easier to clean than regular polypro.  It can be wiped down or even tossed in the washing machine.  The Hope Tote has a large area already printed with some white graphics which makes it look like your logo is more comprehensive than it is.

What we will attempt to do in the coming weeks is provide three updates a week with holiday gifting ideas.  We will try to filter out the products that are tough to get or consistently run out of stock.  As many of you know that has been a real problem this year in the industry.