Two Top 40 suppliers have forged a partnership aimed at propelling greater growth for each other.

Florida-based Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125), the fifth largest supplier in the North American promotional products industry, will now be carrying products from Vancouver, BC-headquartered Stormtech Performance Apparel (asi/89864), which ranks 30^th on Counselor’s most recent Top 40 supplier list.

CJ Schmidt, Hit Promo

With the partnership, U.S. promo distributors will have access to Stormtech’s apparel and bags through Hit, which is also offering decoration on the products.

The move comes as Stormtech aims to drive sales growth in the United States – something further evidenced by the opening of its first-ever stateside distribution center outside of Dallas, TX, executives said. The deal also marks another premium brand partnership for Hit, whose portfolio includes names like Hari Mari, Matador and Cordova.

“We are excited to partner with Hit Promotional Products,” said Blake Annable, CEO of Stormtech Performance Apparel. “Their extensive infrastructure and dedication to delivering exceptional service align perfectly with our commitment to providing top-quality products to our customers. This partnership will allow us to enhance our services and deliver our brand to a much larger U.S. audience.”

The #TMX1 Stormtech Ozone Men's Hooded Shell is among the Stormtech products now offered by Hit.

Hit CEO CJ Schmidt, a member of Counselor’s Power 50 list of promo’s most influential people, confirmed to ASI Media that the arrangement is indeed a partnership; Hit has not acquired Stormtech. Schmidt is excited about the potential.

“Stormtech's commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation aligns perfectly with our core values,” said Schmidt. “Their dedication to environmentally sustainable practices makes them a perfect fit as a partner.”

In business for 46 years, Stormtech has sought to lead on sustainability. For instance, the firm last year launched Pure Earth, a collection that features apparel manufactured from either polyester made from recycled plastic (RPET) and/or cotton certified by the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). Packaging includes hangtags made of paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), oxo-biodegradable bags and FSC-certified cartons.

Among other eco goals, Stormtech aims to release its first circular design collection by autumn of 2024. The firm also plans to transition its top 10 best-selling styles to sustainable options by next year.

Social responsibility is important to Stormtech, too. Through its 1:1 Initiative, for instance, the apparel supplier donates 1% of its global sales, in the form of much-needed gear and apparel, to charitable organizations.

Hit reported 2021 North American promotional product revenue of $433.8 million. Stormtech’s North American industry sales the same year were $49.4 million. The figures are used to determine rankings on the Top 40. The new rankings are due out later in July.

“The partnership between Stormtech Performance Apparel and Hit Promotional Products signifies a significant step forward in delivering premium products with program-friendly services,” the companies said in a press release.

Product Hub
Find the latest in quality products, must-know trends and fresh ideas for upcoming end-buyer campaigns.