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Obituary: Rob Watson, Vantage Apparel
Watson was the CEO of the Counselor Top 40 supplier and a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list.
Top Stories
US, Canada Fail To Reach a Trade Deal
The 50% tariffs on Canadian goods announced in July are now in effect. The Canadian government said it will implement its own retaliatory duties on Sept. 8.
Promo Insiders: Revealing Trends From the 2026 Counselor State of the Industry Report
Counselor’s editors discuss surprising shifts in promo’s top markets and the many ways that tariffs affected industry companies.
Gildan Activewear Files Lawsuit Against 2 Haitian Contractors for Repeat Disruptions
The Counselor Top 40 supplier alleges that worsening conditions in the Caribbean nation led to interruptions that prevented the contractors from fulfilling their agreed-upon obligations.
Branding Together: Finding Opportunities Within Failures
Colin Sinclair McDermott, the Online Print Coach, talks helping printers learn from the mistakes he’s made over the years and the differences between the U.S. and European print and promo industries.
Product Hub
Products
Editor’s Picks: Elevated Home & Kitchen Tools
Home and kitchen tools are an ideal place to add branding to an item that consumers likely already use.
Products
This Week’s New Suppliers: Products for a Lifetime
Discover creative products from new ASI suppliers.
Products
Baggage Claims: How Distributors Can Use Bags & Luggage To Elevate Their Campaigns
A good bag can elevate a promotion and the brand, fitting into campaigns with almost any customer vertical.
J.Charles Names Norma Miller to Strategic Growth Manager
Miller takes on the role with 20 years of experience building partnerships, expanding channels and driving strategic growth.
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Trump Administration Postpones Tariffs on Canada for 3 Days
The 50% levies on approximately $20 billion worth of goods were scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 19. A tentative deal has been reached since they were first announced in July.
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Obituary: Ian McLearon, BDA Canada
McLearon was the director of client services at the Counselor Top 40 distributor’s Canadian division.
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Stran Posts Q2 Sales Growth, Reports Second Straight Profitable Quarter
The Counselor Top 40 distributor reported $33.4 million in Q2 sales, up 2.4% year-over-year, with gross profit and net income both up so far in 2026.
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Nick Augustine Joins Innovative as Branded Solutions Category Specialist
Augustine comes to the workplace solutions provider after nearly five years at ACS Affiliate Services.
Promo for the Planet
Sustainability
How Green Giftz Was Ahead of the Sustainability Curve
Karen Scarpino and her Michigan-based promo firm were creating unique upcycled products decades before it was a common practice in the industry.
Sustainability
Is Your Business Ready for California’s Textile Waste Law?
California’s landmark extended producer responsibility legislation passed a key deadline earlier this month. Experts urge promo companies to make preparations now before full implementation of the ...
Sustainability
Gemline Adds LifeStraw to Portfolio of Purpose-Driven Retail Brands
A curated assortment of the brand’s hydration and reusable drinkware solutions are part of the Counselor Top 40 supplier’s Fall 2026 collection.
How PRINTING United Expo Can Open New Doors for Distributors
Customers are demanding more customization, faster turns and fresh decoration. Attending the show can help distributors discover solutions to help meet those demands.
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5 Packaging Mistakes To Avoid
Label and package printing can be a lucrative market, but there are complications to consider before taking the plunge.
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My Favorite Merch: Cindy Mullen, BAMKO
Industry distributors share the promo products that they love the most.
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Eclipse Glasses Can Be Out-of-This-World Promo (When Planned Correctly)
People in European countries like the U.K. were left without eclipse glasses to safely view this week’s total solar eclipse, which could’ve been avoided with proper promo planning.
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Koozie Group Donated Over $329,000 in 2025, According to Sustainability Report
The Counselor Top 40 supplier also said it transitioned to products that don’t contain intentionally added PFAS “forever chemicals” last year.
Sponsored Content
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How To Win Bigger, Better Orders: The Benefits of Co-Branding With a Premium Retail Brand
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