new for 2013

Are You a Promo Hoarder?

According to the European Promotional Products Association, a whopping 91% of consumers keep a promotional product in their kitchen. This was surprising to me, until I realized that the EPPA was talking about me. Not only do I do this, but also I might be a promotional product hoarder.promfi infographic_11f1ec510dbe285b39baca0385b3afef

The best burger place in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is called Scotty P’s. There are six locations. The menu items are the same at each location, but are named specific to that location. For example, the BBQ burger is called the Watson Burger at the Allen location, and the Warren Burger at the Frisco location based on prominent members of those communities.

It’s not just the food that draws you to Scotty P’s. For years, they gave a plastic cup with each drink purchase. scottypsThere was no upsell attached to the cup. You bought a drink; you got a cup with their logo imprinted on it. As loyal customers, we have more than one Scotty P’s cup. The Pink cup during October was especially sought after.  Some restaurants maintain arrangements with their drink brand to provide promotional cups. These cups are usually co-branded with the restaurant logo and the drink brand logo. The Scotty P’s cups are just branded with their corporate logo.

Inspired by the EPPA statistics, I decided to take a look around the kitchen. After further review, I decided I might be a promo hoarder. I own more than 30+ Scotty P’s cups. And, I don’t even live in Texas any longer.

Are you one of the 55% of people who keep a promotional product in your bedroom? Are you one of the 25% of people who use a promotional pen in the home or office?  Tell us: Are you a promotional products hoarder?

Pinnacle Promotions

Posted by Lee in Brand Identity and Corporate Logos, Cool Promotional Products We Love, 0 comments

Megan’s Product Pick of the Week: Spirit Ice Tumbler

I am always seeking out useful promotional products that are attractive. And I really do enjoy finding new drinkware pieces. Remember the Vista Glass Mug, Laguna Tumbler or the Bobble Filtered Water Bottle?

 

The Spirit Ice Tumbler caught my attention at a recent end user show. Who wouldn’t want to drink their daily beverage in a rhinestone encrusted glass? I just feel fancy drinking my flavored water or iced coffee in it. Kind of like a private disco in my office. Or like a new wave, feminine version of the Crunk Cup.

 

The Spirit Ice is available in 9 exciting colors, each one is decorated with 7 rows of clear rhinestones. Then customize it by screen printing your logo on one side. The perception of your brand will be regal, fun and unique. And the double wall construction will keep your favorite drink cold. And with the 20 ounce capacity, you will never be thirsty!

Check out the Spirit Ice Tumbler and more unique products here.

-Megan
Merchandising Manager

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Megan’s Product Pick of the Week: Scented Pens!

I see hundreds of pens a year. Some of them great, some not so great. I have become a little numb to the writing instrument category of promotional products. As a pen aficionado- I have my favorites and my go-to models when suggesting writing tools for various projects.

When the USA Snifty Pen came across my desk, I was brought back to my childhood! My favorite markers were scented, I used them all the time! Do you remeber those? My favorite was the mint scented ones. The Snifty pen has ten different scents to choose from! Each scent is actually infused into the rubber grip of the pen! Each of the pens scent color coordinates with the color accent grip and designer border wrap artwork. So fancy! And each pen is made in the USA! I am digging the Strawberry and Vanilla Cupcake models. Which one will be your favorite?

Check out the snifty pen and other out of the ordinary writing solutions here. 

-Megan
Merchandising Manager

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Megan’s Product Pick of the Week: the Vanessa Bracelet & Stylus

Currently I am drawn toward promotional products that assist with technology. Everyday essentials such as iPad sleeves, Bluetooth enabled speakers, checkpoint friendly computer bags and battery power sticks help us make it thru our busy days. The smallest gadget, like a stylus helps the user navigate their tablet or smartphone without fumbling or making fingerprints on their screen.

And I have seen a lot of unique styluses out there. Models that have a screen cleaner embedded in the case, pen/stylus combos, and even a pen/stylus/highlighter combo! When I discovered the Vanessa bracelet/stylus I was wowed. A rubberized bracelet that has a stylus tip and that can triple as a bookmark? So cool!

The modern colors and sleek material are not to be ignored. My favorite is the green. Choose from 6 PMS shades to coordinate with your logo. This product would be unique and cost effective to mail to your favorite customers! They will be wearing your brand around town! Up to 3 colors can be screen printed on the center of the band.

Check out the Vanessa Stylus & Bracelet and our stylus offerings here.

-Megan
Merchandising Manager

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Trending Now: Trend #6 American Classic

This is the last post in our trend series. This year we are seeing a lot of products with a clean, polished, All American feeling. Think about yachting, being outdoors in the springtime, crisp clean fabrics, stripes, aviator sunglasses and easy styling. Primary colors come to mind- especially navy, red, yellow and kelly green. Don’t forget your natural tones like khaki and stone.
American classic will be a popular trend because your customers will be familiar with the styling of the product. And their brand will be quietly associated with clean, classic products that have a sense of familiarity to the end user. Tote bags, sunglasses, drinkware, cooler bags, button downs, and backpacks fall within this trend.
Here are some of my favorite American Classic products:

The Classic Rugby shirt:

 

 

 

Aviator Custom Sunglasses:

 

 

 

Port and Company All American Tee:

 

 

 

Game Day Cup:

 

 

 

Alternative Apparel Slouchy Pullover:

 

 

 

Nantucket Fashion Tote:

 

 

Check out our Pinterest board, featuring Promotional American Classic Designs.

 

 

 

Megan
Merchandising Manager

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Trending Now: Trend #4 American Utility

One of the most practical trends I am seeing in the promotional products market is “American Utility.” My definition of American Utility is a product that is stylish, yet functional. The item can have a rustic or rugged feel to it. Heavier weighted fabrics, like canvas are prevalent, and are used to make backpacks, uniforms, and outdoor gear. Hardware is a major element to this trend; tool kits, knives, flashlights and various accessories are big on functionality. Key colors include khaki, grey, black, olive green, navy and orange. Camouflage and denim are also important.

On a marketing note, who would not want to give a product that isn’t functional? Chances are the end user will think of you every time they reach for that multi-tool or Chillin Can Camo dispenser!
Here are some of my favorite American Utility discoveries.

Heritage Supply Duffel Bag– Check out the buffalo plaid lining!

 

Men’s and Ladies Straight Collar Chambray Shirts. Love the darker wash!

 

Fred & Friends i Pound Stylus– SO hilarious, but useful!

 

Alternative Apparel Eco Jersey Hoodie in Camo/True Orange- So hip!

Guzzy 22 oz. Filtered Water Bottle– A filtering system that reduces bacteria, heavy metals, parasites and more!

 

Check out our Pineterest boards too!

-Megan
Merchandising Manager

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Trending Now: Trend #2 New Sophistication

One of the major tones in promotional products for 2013 revolved around a refined, classic and streamlined style. A generous sampling of both apparel and hardgoods were blessed with chic design. When I mention the buzzwords “New Sophistication,” I envision the colors black, platinum and gold. I think of old Hollywood glamour- Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall and Elizabeth Taylor. “New Sophistication” also lends itself to the handsome sensibilities of Clark Gable and Paul Newman.

How does the trend carry over to promotional products? Think chrome finished writing implements, sleek black tablet cases, rhinestone accented sunglasses, brushed silver desk accessories or a tastefully blinged out tumbler. The looks are polished and professional- leaving a perfect impression to the end user.

Here are a few of the products that define “New Sophistication” to me.

Rutherford Blazer. Available in black and navy.

20 oz. Spirit Ice Tumbler with straw.

Ogio Pearl Polo

Callaway Chamberlain Ballpoint Pen

Brookstone Women’s Amenity Case

Palmdale Polarized Sunglasses

Check our pinboard on this trending topic too. If you would like more info on this 2013 trend, please give us a call!

 

I hope the products above inspire you.

-Megan
Merchandising Manager

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Megan’s Trend Spotting: Unique Promotional Sunglasses

Even though it is February, I have the need to seek out warm weather products. One of the major trends last year in promotional products was sunglasses. I have a feeling this year will be the same- I spotted a few new styles for 2013. Don’t get me wrong- these puppies were on fire in 2012 and are a great choice for a giveaway! However, here are a few new selections for 2013.

Folding Malibu Sunglasses: An update on last years winner- they are foldable!!! Great colors available and upgrade with a velvet carrying pouch.

Lucy Sunglasses : These shades are SO glam! I love the rhinestone details. This would be a great giveaway at a women’s conference.

 

Martin Sunglasses: This style is so sleek and modern. The recipient would definitely feel like a celebrity…Kanye anyone? And this style is so cool it is unisex.

 

Retro Specs: So fun and unique! Imaging YOUR brand on the lenses of these sunnies!

Palmdale Polarized Sunglasses: A little bit pricier- but these lenses give 100% UVA/UVB protection and UV400 too! And you can decorate both temples and the lens!

Using promotional sunglasses as a giveaway at your next event is smart and fun. What a thoughtful way to help the end user have comfortable vision and help protect their eyes and the delicate skin surrounding the eye. They will thank you every time they reach for that pair- who knows, they might just become their favorite!

Check out our entire assortment of sunnies here. 

-Megan

Merchandising Manager

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Megan’s Trend Spotting: 90’s Fashion

One of the trends in retail for the past few years has been the resurgence of 1990’s fashion. Walk into any hip retail establishment and you will find flannel, straight leg denim, vintage hoodies, leggings, and designer clothing featuring large logos.

 

This flow in the current of the fashion world has reached promotional apparel. While walking the 2013 PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, I spotted various styles that brought me back to the 90’s. I could just hear Eddie Vedder singing “Evenflow.” Check out some of my discoveries from the Expo. The pictures included below are from the Alternative Apparel booth- they represented this 90’s trend effortlessly. Contact us for more details, many of the pieces you see will be added to our site in the next few weeks.

Patterned tops are predicted to be huge for 2013. How cool would your logo look screen-printed in 1 color on a camouflage tee? Or try a baseball tee with stars printed on the arms and a solid body- definitely an attention grabber!

This trendy “grunge” style would work well for the college/university demographic, bars/restaurants and even more casual corporate environments.

What was your favorite piece of clothing worn in the 1990’s?

-Megan
Merchandising Manager

Posted by Admin in Cool Promotional Products We Love, 3 comments

Megan’s Trend Spotting: Shades of Green and Blue

It has been a busy month for the Merchandising Department at Pinnacle Promotions. First, a few of us attended the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas; the new products for 2013 are amazing! We are working now to add our favorites to the website. And personally, I was also able to attend the Atlanta Apparel Show at AmericasMart last week. This show focused on 2013 Women’s apparel and accessories. I was able to use this retail outlet to trend forecast for our promotional apparel market.

Entrance to the January 2013 Atlanta Apparel Show

One of the big trends I saw at both shows was the use of color. Shades of green and blue were very prevalent in many collections. As you may have seen in Lee’s post, Emerald Green is the Pantone color for 2013.

 

Bella + Canvas PPAI Expo Las Vegas 2013

I was happy to see these two colors dominate the offerings at the Apparel show as well as at the PPAI Expo. Both colors are easy for most complexions to wear. And with various shades available, it will be easy to find one to suit your brand. Here are my favorite women’s fashions in green and blue.

The Serena Blouse: Beautiful vertical pleats along the front and back, creating a flattering fit. Shown in Vivid Jade.

The Women’s Flowy Simple V-Neck Tee.   With fashion forward details, this drop sleeve tee has a relaxed fit and super soft hand. Shown here in Blue Marble.

Alternative Apparel Meegs Eco Jersey Ugly Stripe Tank: Stripes look fresh in green and chocolate. This tank is made from a polyester/cotton/rayon blend, has a flattering rounded bottom and racerback. Shown in Eco True Avocado/Eco True Brown Stripe.

The Emma Pullover. Perfect corporate casual 3/4 sleeve sweater. Featuring 3 button plackets along the front shoulders and subtle puff sleeves. Pictured above in Pacific Blue.

Port Authority Ladies Crosshatch Ruffle Blouse:  Feminine details like ruffled placket and front and back darts make this shirt a winner. Shown above in Chambray Blue. Also available in Deep Blue.

And I had to throw in one accessory. I am loving the Lexi Wristlet! Shown here in Turquoise, this case will accomodate a smartphone, credit cards and more. Perfect for running errands or a night on the town!

If you see something you like, feel free to contact us! Stay tuned for more Trend Spotting posts in the weeks to come!

-Megan

Merchandising Manager

 

 

 

 

 

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