19 hours ago
As top brands seek new exposure, we see more and more co-branding arrangements. In these scenarios, companies that compete in completely different markets find they can help each other bring ne...
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Did you know that between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, there are 15 different ecological regions in North America? Right in our own back yard, you can go from the frosty tundra of far nor...
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Whether it's a Big 12 university or an elementary school, people love to show off their school spirit! So, we chose eight promotional products that are perfect for both students and teachers of all...
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Clever merch and promos grab the attention of fans and make lasting impressions, so let’s take a look at a couple of recent successful promotions that got great responses. 1. Broadway's ...
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Objective: A university wanted a practical handout to give to prospective students, alumni, and other campus visitors. The handout was intended for first-time visitors and those who hadn't been o...
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Promotional products aren't just for niche industry operations. Whether you are a small organization looking to grow your business, or an established company wanting to reach a new market, a produc...
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The point of a promotional product is to raise brand awareness, and, ideally, make the end-user perceive the brand in a more positive light than they did before. (End-user means the ultimate re...
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Whether it’s peanut butter and jelly or Coach Prime and the Colorado Buffaloes, some combinations make more magic than you’d expect. Find out how clever partnerships have boosted th...
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Nothing says fan like merch (which of course is the popular term for top promotional products associated with a brand). Whether you wait in line for hours or spend way more than you intended, b...
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The weather outside is frightful, but the (weather-proof promotional products) are sooo delightful! No matter your climate or weather patterns, I’ve found some excellent promotional items tha...
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Your employees work hard - and often longer hours when they're working from home. Surprise them with a little treat like one of these 8 Home Office Essentials! Temblor Speaker + Wireless Charg...
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The truth is out: buying promotional products for your customers doesn't have to break the bank! Plus, everyone likes getting presents - no matter how big or small. So we've chosen six promotional ...
Continue ReadingDec 09, 2023
People love plants! They live in our offices and our homes and whether you have a large flourishing garden or fake plants because you can't even keep a cactus alive, there's a plant-themed promo fo...
Continue ReadingDec 03, 2023
Drawing inspiration from viral videos, memes and other pop culture moments, these promo items help end users make memories. 1. Oscar Mayer Makes Hot Dog Straws For Real You might re...
Continue ReadingNov 24, 2023
A logo is often a company’s first impression and it can impact a customer’s perception, purchase decisions and overall attitude toward your company. A logo is a symbol or graphic elemen...
Continue ReadingNov 12, 2023
Branded merchandise is all the rage. While many of the logoed products we provide are given away as part of promotional campaigns, there is a large segment that is sold. Think Hard Rock Cafe T-...
Continue ReadingOct 10, 2023
Since the coronavirus outbreak has forced many schools and daycares to close, millions of children are experiencing a major disruption in their daily lives. Parents working from home may be struggl...
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October is here, and the Halloween pop-up stores are all around. While these types of pop-ups may cost upwards of $30,000, some retailers can run a short pop-up event for around $1,500. When pl...
Continue ReadingSep 11, 2023
We’ve never been fond of terms like giveaway or swag. Promotional products serve a lot serve a lot of purposes, and extending the reach of branding is certainly one of them. But when a pr...
Continue ReadingAug 14, 2023
It won’t be long before you start seeing those Halloween pop-up stores in your community. You know the ones – they appear in vacant storefronts, often before the leaves have even ch...
Continue ReadingJul 10, 2023
Wearing our favorite food brands has never been easier. Brands are getting more creative, designing products to mimic or represent our favorite snacks. Find out how these buzzworthy products in...
Continue ReadingJun 22, 2023
It can be tough for people in the medical field to get their names out to new patients. If you own a restaurant, you can have your cool mascot show up at a local sports game and toss out t-shirts. ...
Continue ReadingJun 12, 2023
Unconventional ideas paired with useful products can make lasting impressions. Though APTCO works mostly with small businesses, we love to see partnerships with national brands. It turns out th...
Continue ReadingMay 01, 2023
We’re all familiar with the stereotypes that characterize the millennial generation- avocado toast, “killing” chain restaurants, and being social media obsessed. But what actually...
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A few days ago, former president Donald Trump was indicted by New York grand jury relating to alleged hush money payments to adult entertainer Stormy Daniels. There are, of course, myriad takea...
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"Don't you just love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address." Tom Hanks said it bes...
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Going green in marketing is getting a lot of attention lately. It’s especially prominent with garments. But what does that mean on a practical level? Even in the face of inflation, Deman...
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Maintaining morale is important for all businesses, no matter the industry. Incentives and rewards have always driven the motivation and behavior to help ideas, industries and companies succeed...
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Almost everyone had a favorite stuffed animal growing up. They were a friend that you confided your deepest secrets to, a friend that could keep you company when thunderstorms rolled through the ni...
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Small businesses take note—this is how the big companies do it. Here are 5 recent promotions that brands used to reflect values, connect with consumers, and create exclusive experiences. ...
Continue ReadingNov 30, 2022
Technology advances exponentially. By the time you finish reading this article, you might be actually be reading it in some virtual reality café where Elvis is serving you a strawberry daiqu...
Continue ReadingNov 13, 2022
It seems like every article on menswear these days includes the phrase “Canadian tuxedo” – a cheeky term for head-to-toe denim. This is just one of the trends – neckties...
Continue ReadingOct 31, 2022
If you've ever been to a music festival or convention and walked away with a bag full of freebies, then you know that promotional products work! But did you know that those quirky logoed products h...
Continue ReadingOct 07, 2022
Global supply chain pressure have left U.S. manufacturing struggling to keep up with demands for countless products. It’s a predicament the country never wants to be in again. Now, the pu...
Continue ReadingOct 02, 2022
Admit it, when you get a goodie bag full of promotional products, or you see a booth at a trade show - you immediately gravitate towards the stress relievers. Stress relievers have evolved well bey...
Continue ReadingSep 17, 2022
It can be hard to communicate with a design team on a project when the designers speak their very own language. That's why we have a rundown of words you may come across frequently that can save yo...
Continue ReadingAug 08, 2022
The annual Pyramid Awards sponsored by PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) recognize creative marketing efforts that deliver results. We feature these on occasion to demonstra...
Continue ReadingJul 19, 2022
What first comes to mind when you think of the phrase "made from sustainable materials"? Bamboo, of course! Bamboo, which is a type of grass (who knew!), is an incredible renewable and sustainable ...
Continue ReadingJul 10, 2022
After more than 2 years of freezes on many trade shows, exhibitors and attendees alike are fired up to mix and mingle in person again. While the year ahead may not look like the good ol’ ...
Continue ReadingJun 10, 2022
There’s no shortage of charitable organizations around the world. In the U.S. alone, there are nearly 2 million nonprofit organizations and 501(c) (3) charities. These groups are striving...
Continue ReadingMay 22, 2022
The way restaurant patrons experience dining out has changed immensely since coronavirus cases have begun popping up in the U.S. Restaurants that were once packed to the brim with happy diners are ...
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Have you ever worked at a 9 to 5 job where there is a mandatory uniform? But... this required uniform is old, frumpy, and 100 percent unflattering? We've been there too! There are benefits of unif...
Continue ReadingApr 07, 2022
Everybody loves getting new business – it’s exciting! Because new customers are so crucial to growing a business, many companies pour the majority of their marketing time and energy int...
Continue ReadingFeb 06, 2022
As a consumer, how often have you picked up a promotional product offered to you at an event, accepted a branded product offered from an organization you belong to or used a promotional product...
Continue ReadingJan 31, 2022
Description: Large Boat Tote Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: Horse show giveaways How it was distributed: A local horse show needed gifts for their major contributors. A ...
Continue ReadingJan 09, 2022
The lines have blurred between home and work and corporate and casual – a societal shift reflected in apparel this year, with many smaller trends consolidating under the umbrella of lifes...
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Finding a new, good hot sauce nowadays is almost like when Indiana Jones triumphantly grabs the idol at the beginning of Raiders of the Lost Ark. It may have taken you traversing through the aisles...
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For many of us, keeping organized and productive seems to be the goal that haunts us throughout the year – especially in an increasingly digital age where social media, a million calendar rem...
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As we approach the end of another year, it’s a good time to consider marketing plans for 2022. We have some reason to hope it will be a little closer to the normal we knew before the glob...
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If there’s one big lesson we’ve learned in the past year and a half, it’s that wellness matters more than ever. It isn’t only about washing your hands or masking up&mdas...
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Description: 10 Oz. Aztec Spooner Mug Industry: Advertising / Marketing / Publishing What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers...
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A hat is a hat, right? With so many different styles available, it’s easy to get confused. With this quick guide to promotional headwear, you’ll learn the differences between the variou...
Continue ReadingOct 11, 2021
Around the world, the ecofriendly movement is galvanizing consumers and companies to reduce, reuse and recycle. These initiatives are nothing new—Earth Day was first celebrated in 1970 an...
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Suppose you're looking for a cause to support to make sure that your business is responsible and giving back to the community. In that case, breast cancer awareness is an excellent choice because i...
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Show your staff some much needed appreciation while they work from home with these inexpensive and mailable products. While many people are getting used to the “new normal” of working ...
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Simple and efficient, lanyards keep important items close throughout day-to-day activities. In the early 1500s, lanyards were invented as a way to carry weapons and keep them accessible. Lanyar...
Continue ReadingAug 25, 2021
Stories are powerful. From sharing stories around the campfire to writing fictional novels, storytelling has connected people together for thousands of years. But, have you ever considered storyte...
Continue ReadingAug 09, 2021
Medical Practice Promotion a Winner Central Family Medical wanted to accomplish two things: Simultaneously educate their community about common home ailments and how to treat them, and at the ...
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It’s 2020, and Generation Z is growing up. The generation includes people born between 1995 and the 2010s, putting the group’s eldest squarely in their mid-twenties. Chances are that yo...
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Even as much of our world goes digital and paperless, the pen remains an essential tool in both office and home life. With so many different types of pens, choosing the “write” one can ...
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For the first time since Neil and Buzz took those first steps on July 16th, 1969, there hasn't been a more exciting time for space exploration than right now. Just recently, we landed another rover...
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About 50,000 to 60,000 years B.C., the stone hand axe would have been the first tool to be used by humans in attempting to scratch patterns into stone. Many such scrapers and gravers/burins hav...
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In recent years, home gardening has gone from a small hobby to a full-blown trend. Houseplants aren’t just beautiful home décor- they’re actually good for your health! Owning ind...
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How Many Sleeves Does Your T-shirt Have? Miller Lite Is Selling One-Sleeved 'Vax Time Tees' to Benefit Restaurant Workers We have beer can antennas for game day, and our Dive Bar candles are ...
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As more and more companies turn towards e-commerce, shopping online has never been easier or more enjoyable. Ordering branded products is no exception! Company stores give you a convenient and comp...
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Eating healthy. Weight management. Working out five times a week. There are many health-related resolutions we set at the beginning of a new year. But, do we follow through with them? Many times, t...
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Every year, PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) recognizes promotional campaigns that have achieved extraordinary results with a Pyramid Award. These span a wide range of cate...
Continue ReadingJan 11, 2021
Small businesses are the lifeblood of the community. Even though APTCO is a national company, many of our clients are primarily focused on building and maintaining business in their local area....
Continue ReadingDec 07, 2020
The pandemic has changed the way many people spend their money, but it hasn’t made them any less generous. In the United States, 77 percent of people say they now spend less on going out ...
Continue ReadingOct 03, 2020
Employee engagement starts the second a new employee walks in the door, so it’s important for companies to make a good impression on their first day! The onboarding process shouldn’t ju...
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In the world of business, marketing trends are always evolving and it's easy to be overwhelmed. Sometimes you take one step forward only to be knocked two steps back. Luckily, there are endless res...
Continue ReadingJul 22, 2020
It’s always a good idea to get those gifts planned out and ready to go before the holiday chaos begins, and that includes client appreciation gifts. But, what do you get them? Put in extra th...
Continue ReadingJun 02, 2020
Mugs, tumblers, and bottles…oh my! There is an abundance of variety available when it comes to promotional drinkware, which can make it difficult to decide what is the best choice for your b...
Continue ReadingMay 19, 2020
Everyone knows that dogs are man’s best friend, but did you know that cats have been living alongside humans as companions since at least 7500 BC? In 2017, cats were one of the most popular p...
Continue ReadingMay 11, 2020
People love quotes. That’s probably why 30% of retweets on Twitter are quote-related. You can tap into that trend by posting engaging and entertaining quotes on your company’s account. ...
Continue ReadingApr 13, 2020
Description: Dual Compartment Cooler Bag Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: An annual company picnic for employees and their families. Each year they give their ...
Continue ReadingMar 29, 2020
Promotional products aren’t just for niche industry operations. Whether you are a small organization looking to grow your business, or an established company wanting to reach a new market, a ...
Continue ReadingMar 10, 2020
Promotional Products are everywhere. Businesses of every size and non-profits of every stripe have them. Problem is, most of them just chose something to “get their name out there.”...
Continue ReadingFeb 11, 2020
Every year, Promotional Products Association International recognizes the most creative promotional marketing campaigns with Pyramid Awards. It’s always fun to look at some examples to se...
Continue ReadingFeb 07, 2020
From social media graphics and website layouts to creating a cohesive grouping of promotional products, there are plenty of opportunities to flex your creative muscles and grow your business at the...
Continue ReadingDec 10, 2019
These days, any company looking to gain attention through marketing is bound to include social media in its plans. The smart ones don’t stop there. They make sure to combine different cha...
Continue ReadingNov 12, 2019
No idea is original, or so they say. And with that expression in mind, tech products are invented, then reinvented or re-made to fit today’s market. That’s what we discovered for 20...
Continue ReadingOct 30, 2019
Who didn’t enjoy getting to dig through the prize basket after a trip to the dentist or the bank? It’s a fact – children love giveaways. Get your brand, school, or organization in...
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With today’s hectic pace and the increasing amount of stress we shoulder, it’s no wonder that people are looking for more ways to play. Many of them turn to toys and games that teac...
Continue ReadingAug 04, 2019
No matter what decade you think of when you think of “retro products”, you can bet there’s a customizable product perfect for your next event. Using nostalgia to promote your busi...
Continue ReadingMay 14, 2019
We learn a lot each year studying the results of printing and marketing awards, such as the PEAK awards presented by the PSDA (Print Services Distribution Association). The image above has qu...
Continue ReadingMar 12, 2019
A trend started to emerge recently. Some pretty big corporate giants—like Hugo Boss—started noticing that its young consumers were choosing their branded apparel based on how the lo...
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Description: Laundry Bag Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A credit union wanted to target college students and offer them an incentive to open a new account. They chose a design, &l...
Continue ReadingFeb 20, 2019
A powerful brand is more than just a great logo and a mission statement (although those certainly lay the groundwork for any brand.) We live in a time where competition rises up on every corner, an...
Continue ReadingJan 08, 2019
With 2018 wrapped up and a new year here, we start taking stock of what’s in store for 2019. In the decorated apparel world, there’s a trend of new styles emerging as well as classi...
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Substantial research shows why color matters in branding and how it plays an important role in how we experience marketing. These 16 facts give you a glimpse into how you can use color to your adva...
Continue ReadingOct 29, 2018
What generates over 95 million photos and videos each day, 4.2 billion likes daily and has 700 million active users? You guessed it – Instagram. This photo and video sharing social platform h...
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Like that classic Beatles song, sometimes it can feel like your working eight days a week. Maybe you’ve had back to back meetings or you’ve had a stressful travel week. Whatever the cas...
Continue ReadingOct 09, 2018
People are inundated with hundreds of marketing messages every day. An old marketing adage says it takes someone at least seven times to hear or see your message before they begin to remember...
Continue ReadingOct 08, 2018
You don’t have to work in the field of promotional products to notice the impact they can have on any organization’s marketing efforts. As the most effective medium of advertising acros...
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We could have checked the statistics on our 850,000 item database, but instead, we conducted an informal survey asking consumers to name their favorite promotional products. We think that...
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Social media is one of the fastest growing and ever-changing media platforms in existence. What began as an online community for the younger generations, now encompasses billions of people across t...
Continue ReadingAug 19, 2018
Sometimes it’s good to take a moment and get in touch with Mother Earth. Not only are these products great for printing your company logo or message, but they also serve dual purposes. The pr...
Continue ReadingJun 15, 2019
It can be hard to communicate with a design team on a project when the designers speak their very own language. That’s why we have a rundown of words you may come across frequently that can ...
Continue Reading