While it seems that there is a light at the end of the tunnel as the nation enters year three of the pandemic with the number of people getting vaccinated on the rise, it is still vital to remain vigilant when it comes to following safety protocols. Sanitizer and masks are a must in many parts of the country as business begin to open up, and more and more people venture out into public.
Since the start of the pandemic, the demand for hand sanitizer has been unrelenting, and is showing no signs of slowing down. According to a recent report by Global Market Insights, the market is expected to surpass US $3.6 billion by 2026; and the U.S. represents the largest market for hand sanitizers in the world.
COVID notwithstanding, colder temperatures mean flu season is approaching, and the end of Daylight Savings Time means items such as flashlights, first aid kits, high visibility apparel/vests, and multi-purpose tools are necessities to navigate the challenges the extra darkness brings.
SnugZ USA is seeing a persisting demand for PPE—especially as many stores have been requiring face masks again, Madeleine Wallis reports. “Additionally, as more people are traveling, sunscreen continues to be one of our most popular items. We also have our first aid kits, which are excellent for travel. Plus, as events are starting up again, we have our convenience release lanyards—a must for the tradeshow season. We also offer Blue Blocker glasses, which continue to rise in popularity.”
Demand couldn’t be stronger for sanitizer. It is available in a variety of items—from towelettes, pumps, and pens to spray and pocket bottles with silicone attachments. Automatic hand sanitizer gel dispensers with a touchless sensor for maximum exposure are also rising in popularity. They can be placed at the entrance to businesses, hospitals, gyms, and schools for an extra measure of protection. It is becoming second nature to sanitize when walking in and out of a room or building.
Wallis at SnugZ USA can attest to this demand, to which the company has responded to with a number of new products. “As we approach cold and flu season, some of our new and best-selling products include 1-ounce Bullet Sanitizer, 8-ounce Clear Sanitizer with Pump, and Sanitizer Pens for easy protection on the go,” she states. Many other suppliers highlight a variety of sanitizers, including HPG Brands, Lincoln Line, Athena Promo, Innovation Line, Leashables-Oralab, Koozie Group, and Logomark.
Similarly, masks are also prominent as the country continues to contend with COVID-19 and the Delta variant. Again, there are many options, such as KN95, disposable, fabric, microfiber cooling, and sublimated. Over at SnugZ USA, the company’s custom PPE masks are among its best-selling products. “Pair our Dye sub face mask with the new Mask Keeper lanyard to ensure no mask is lost, and our Mask Buddy headband to protect your ears when wearing the mask,” Wallis elaborates. Check out Fields Mfg., Primeline, Wolfmark, Raining Rose, and Stormtech USA for additional mask offerings.
Of course, safety extends beyond protecting against viruses. SnugZ now offers the aforementioned unisex Blue Light Blocking Glasses, which Wallis says protect eyes from the blue light produced by screens. “Wearing these is said to relieve eye strain, promote better sleep, and potentially reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration,” she adds.
Bay State has a best-selling product that addresses the lack of light. Josette Bosse notes that the PAL7021 Safe Place Emergency Torch light is an excellent product, especially when it gets dark so quickly. “It's a must-have if you are out walking the dog,” she comments. “You can also keep it in your glovebox in case you break down (click on the red strobing light setting and put in the windshield of your car). It's great to have at the door when running across the street to grab the mail in the dark.”
Kitting is a popular trend in the industry—and it comes in handy when promoting safety items. With the holidays around the corner, Wallis at SnugZ USA strongly recommends kitting with the company’s new Boxcar Custom Packaging when it comes to selling safety products. “Our Survivor Gift Set includes everything one could need when it comes to being prepared,” she affirms. “It includes a CleanZ Pen Spray sanitizer to ward off germs, SPF 30 sunscreen, and SPF 30 sunscreen and SPF 15 lip balm duo bottle, a laser engraved key multi-tool, and a 17-in-1 survival grenade with over one dozen items from safety pins to a mirror, and carabiner—perfect for any adventurer!”
Case Study
Josette Bosse, Bay State
Lighthouse Inn, a resort hotel, gave the Safe Place Emergency Torch (PAL7021) at a time-sharing event they held. All guests that attended to learn more about the program and received a flashlight along with paperwork/pamphlets on the hotel. They printed their logo and website on the lights that were handed out.