While it may be hard to believe that another year is ending, there is much to look forward to in the promotional products industry. Suppliers are excited to report that there is a multitude of new products being rolled out that are on trend, multifunctional, and environmentally-friendly.
The top new products in 2019 revolve around reusable/sustainable products and tech products, Webb Collection’s Jake Peterson emphasizes. “With more awareness on being eco-friendly, our distributors are getting more requests for these types of items,” he says. “Our stainless-steel straws have been a great new addition to the evolving Webb line. In keeping with the same theme, look for a new bamboo utensil set coming into our line. The rapidly changing, and always improving, technology industry is constantly developing new gadgets. These new products hit the market and our industry is quick to respond with custom products to make them easier to use, keep them protected and, of course, personalized.”
According to Lindsay Schultz at Imagen Brands, consumers are constantly looking for those innovative, “best bang for your buck” products that have unique features and can transform a single product into a multiuse product.
Over at Southern Plus, Grethe Adams points out that the company has become known as a trendsetter in the promotional bag market, creating fashionable, functional designs with an upscale edge. “One of the trends we are seeing today is the rise of ‘cross-body’ bags (that you wear from one shoulder across your body to the opposite hip),” she comments. “Another trend is the continued strong demand for reusable bags as more and more municipalities ban plastic bags. As a way to stand apart from (and above) the basic nonwoven totes alternative, we suggest upgrading to a bag that will really last for years and add to the value of your customer’s brand.” The company has also seen an increased interest in items with unique materials or design features—something that sets it apart and adds to the perceived value, Adams adds.
Mark Seymour at Next Level Apparel sees garment trends centered around festival-inspired styles with relaxed flowy fits and sun washed colors in addition to retro heathers and color blocks such as ringers and baseball Ts as well as mid-weight fleece. “Festivals and all the movies idolize retro styles,” he states. “For fleece the market is demanding the same soft hand, attention to fit, and printability they have become used to with T-shirts.”
Southern Plus has responded to the unprecedented demand for bags with several new products the company is really excited about. “The first is our 7484CQ/NQ – SOHO Tote,” Adams says. “This simple 100 percent cotton design has a really hip vibe with a single, extra-long and extra-wide strap that is the full width of the gusset. Contrasting, reinforced taping adds drama and durability. In Natural/Black or Black/Natural it is gender neutral and will be a go-to bag if casual, comfort, and convenience is key.
“Similarly, we added the 7486CQ/NQ – Rebel Messenger Bag in the same material and colors as the SOHO,” she continues. “Messenger bags continue to be in demand, so this new cotton bag with a messenger style front flap and expandable strap will also accommodate cross-body usage. This fashionable ‘Flapper’ will showcase a logo or message with its plus-sized imprint space on the front flap, while securing its contents.”
Southern Plus has also added an upscale lunch cooler with a clever spin on an adjustable strap. The 5120 – Rhino Lunch Cooler gets its name from its color as well as its unique “heathered” fabric. Made from 600D Snow Polycanvas, it offers a refined look with maximum durability, Adams explains. “It has two web straps that allow it to be carried nicely by hand, or you can unclip opposite handles, and re-clip them together for an elongated shoulder strap,” she notes.
Next Level Apparel has launched two new sustainable styles. “Both styles offer the same fit, soft hand and on-trend colors so customers can get a sustainable product that also checks all the fashion boxes,” Seymour comments. “New colors like royal pine heather pacific work great for this market.” These items join the company’s best-selling women’s festival collection, and the company added a fifth Cali-crop that is getting a lot of attention as well as sun-washed colors to its unisex crew T to further support the trend.
ProRose has realized a great deal of success with its Drink Pail line of products, Ron Rosencrans reports. “These are designed for bars and restaurants to sell individual and group drinks in fun pails. Rum punch, Mai Tais, margaritas, etc. can all be served in a fun pail which can then be collected and carried around for show! Patrons are happy, and the bar is happy to sell more drinks!” ProRose currently offers a 32-ounce group pail, 16-ounce individual pail, and is introducing a 2-ounce shot pail that he says is very cute. “A major rum company has ordered the pails several times with a full-color, full-wrap design,” he comments. “The product is distributed nationally and has been tremendously successful in driving drink sales to their brand.”
Stainless steel straws have been a best-seller at Webb Collection since their debut last fall. “Additionally, we have seen more interest—and orders—for our various wood coasters,” Peterson says. “Our olive wood, acacia wood, bamboo, and teak coasters have been gaining additional market share as more distributor clients are looking for earth-friendly items.”
Schultz at Imagen Brands reports that the company is invested in creating an experience for its customers with its 2019 product offerings. “We are introducing some new games such as the VOUT018 Giant Inflatable Bowling with Carrying Case,” she says, “as well as the VOUT019 Oversized Checkers with Mat and Carry Case that has a tic tac toe board printed on the backside of the mat. Again, a single product that’s multiuse having two games for the price of one.” Another multi-use product is the company’s VPLS017 Plush Tech Buddies, which Schultz explains are not only great for children because it is a plush item, but also great for adults because of all the functionalities it has—such as holding eyeglasses and a smartphone.
Josette Bosse of Bay State has added several kitchen and houseware items to its line for 2019, including silicone tongs, Quick Work silicone strainer and silicone whisk, pill crusher, and Slice-It scissors.
Selling suggestions vary with the products, according to suppliers. Webb Collection’s Peterson advises becoming familiar with a couple of eco-friendly options and new tech items to present to customers. “Show them at every meeting, along with some ideas on how these are the newest products to hit the market,” he remarks.
“There isn’t a single industry (or person) that does not use bags on a regular basis,” Adams at Southern Plus affirms. “They are a commodity of life. We see bags being popular in education and healthcare definitely—but universal in appeal and application! Also, focus on the long-term return on investment rather than the lowest cost option. The best value from a marketing perspective is where you get the most impressions over the life of the product or campaign relative to cost.”
Seymour at Next Level Apparel advises distributors choose three fabrics (at least one cotton and one poly blend) and a few different styles (fitted and relaxed) to open the conversation for what the customer wants. “Play with color and color blocking,” he says. “If possible, choose a sophisticated garment and pair with a simple print of graphic. Ask questions and listen for their vision. They will be impressed!”