Soft As A Grape (asi/329609), a Cape Cod, MA-based apparel and giftware distributor, is expanding in 2026, with two new stores set to open in Portland, ME, and Portsmouth, NH. The retailer also plans to move its Newport, RI, location to a larger space. The expansions will bring the company's total store count to 15, the firm said.

Global Promotional Sourcing (asi/490714), an affiliate of Counselor Top 40 distributor Proforma (asi/300094), closed a $12M deal with a top online entertainment brand. The winning proposal features a comprehensive supply chain and program management solution including an eCommerce build-out, global product sourcing, specialized importing, custom manufacturing, inventory optimization and nationwide fulfillment. 

Gemline (asi/56070), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has installed four Level 3 electric vehicle fast chargers at its corporate headquarters in Lawrence, MA. The chargers will be operational in early January 2026, and will be available tp employees, visitors and the general public.

4imprint (asi/197045), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, has won a Vets Ready Employer Initiative award for the sixth consecutive year. The promo industry’s largest distributor is one of 25 companies in Wisconsin recognized by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development and Office of Veteran Employment services, which also gave 4imprint a gold certification in the large employer category for the first time. Among the veteran-focused initiatives at 4imprint are paid time off for Veterans Day, employment support at job fairs, a Military Leave and Pay Differential Program for active military members, and more. 

Barker Specialty Company (asi/132690), a CT-based distributor and Counselor Best Place to Work, produced the award that was granted to 2025 Walter Camp Player of the Year Fernando Mendoza, an Indiana University junior quarterback. The award honors talented athletes who exhibit a spirit of teamwork. Barker also supplied Walter Camp branded Adidas pullovers.

American Solutions For Business (asi/120075), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, announced its continued partnership with the Heart Response Ministry (HEART). Through its Heart of American Initiative, it redistributes excess inventory to families and nonprofits in need. ASB vendor partners have contributed over $2.4 million in product value, from apparel to office supplies.

Storm Creek (asi/89879), a 2024 Counselor Best Place to Work, has announced two new hires: Willy Flores-Gonzalez as in-territory account manager and Amy Chaussee as director of product & sourcing. Willy Flores-Gonzalez comes to the supplier with nearly a decade of sales and revenue experience, most recently as Northeast regional sales manager at Counselor Top 40 Supplier Tekweld (asi/90807). Meanwhile, Chaussee has spent more than 20 years working in merchandising and product, and has held several leadership positions at companies including DecksDirect and Sportsman's Guide.

GNP Branded Gear (asi/200020) has added Terri Keenan as strategic account manager. Keenan has been in the industry since 2007, assisting clients in strengthening brand visibility and enhancing customer and employee relationships.  

Proforma (asi/300094), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, hosted its 2025 Owner Advisory Council (OAC), Executive and Leadership meetings in Tampa, bringing together distributor owners and senior executives for a week of strategy, innovation and collaboration. Topics for discussion included defining key priorities for 2026 and exploring the expanding role of AI at Proforma and the industry as a whole.  

The Advantage Buying Group recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. The U.K.-based organization marked the occasion with a member’s day, featuring a product showcase, sustainability panel and awards gala to recognize the achievements of its members and founders.

The Ampersand Group (asi/123051), a network of business owners in the promotional products, print and related industries, has earned Preferred Vendor status with a major global retail company. The group has generated over $3 million in business with the partner to date.

Proforma (asi/300094), a Counselor Top 40 distributor, took home two new wins at the 2025 Graphic Design USA American Inhouse Design Awards: The Sustainability is Served campaign was honored for its creative promotional strategy highlighting eco-conscious brand solutions. Meanwhile, The Perfect Pair campaign was recognized for its creative excellence through collaboration between Mike Goebel, distributor owner of Proforma One Marketing, and the brand team at Proforma’s Support Center.

PromoCares, an industry-wide movement dedicated to showing how the promotional products community can create positive societal and environmental impact, announced that it helped raise over $304,000 for Planet Water Foundation through its Water4Good campaign. Donors from The Water4Good campaign mobilized the promotional products industry to support clean water access in global regions where the industry operates. Counselor Top 40 supplier Hit Promo (asi/61125), Reciprocity Road, Whitestone (asi/359741) and Counselor Top 40 supplier Starline (asi/89320) all contributed donations to the cause, while Spector & Co. (asi/88660) donated branded PromoCares water bottles to incentivize contributions. The initiative helped provide water storage and supply to Mexico, India, Laos and Indonesia, as well as Jamaica and Myanmar during recent natural disasters in these regions. 

Apollo USA (asi/73392) has opened its fourth location, a 26,000-square-foot facility in Irving, TX, just outside of Dallas. The location is stocked with a deep inventory of best-selling caps, beanies, hats, blankets, scarves and other products. The supplier and contract decorator now has four locations, with facilities in New Jersey, Illinois and California as well. Apollo has 950 embroidery heads and equipment for screen printing, sublimation, heat transfer and other decoration techniques. 

Fully Promoted Canada (asi/483800), part of Counselor Top 40 distributor Fully Promoted (asi/384000), announces that CEO Yousuf Sandeela recently received the Business Excellence Award at the Canada Pakistan Business Council’s Annual Gala in Toronto.