Promo has had one heckuva 2024 – and ASI Media’s team of journalists has been there to cover it every step of the way, striving to provide the insights industry pros need to steer their way to success on what’s often been the choppy marketplace sea.

In this new Promo Insiders podcast, ASI Media editors delve into 10 articles that they believe have significant importance for the market but that may have been a bit overlooked in today’s swift-moving digital news cycles.

During the discussion, Editors Sara Lavenduski, Theresa Hegel and Christopher Ruvo cover a wide range of topics. Those include everything from sustainability evolutions, historical political merch and the outlook on nearshoring some manufacturing to Mexico to controversy over supplier credit card fees, industry-impacting new independent contractor rules, decoration trends, promo’s next generation of leaders and RFPs.

The podcast closes out with what may be the defining topic of promo’s 2024 – mergers and acquisitions – while also looking ahead to 2025. Speaking of 2025: Everything from port strikes to potential new tariffs are on tap for the new year, which can affect the merch market. “Buckle up,” says Lavenduski. “It’s going to be interesting.”

The 10 Featured Stories

1

Nearshoring or Far Away? Exploring the Future of Mexican Manufacturing

The U.S. imported more products from Mexico than China for the first time in two decades. But the attractive proposition of nearby sourcing is tempered by real challenges.

2

North Carolina Reclaims Its Apparel Heritage – With a Sustainable Twist

Once a global epicenter for clothing production, North Carolina is transforming its legacy by becoming a hub for apparel recycling and textile innovation.

3

New Federal Rule on Independent Contractors Takes Effect. Now What?

New federal regulations make it harder to classify workers as independent contractors, potentially forcing businesses to reclassify them as employees. This could lead to increased costs and operational changes for companies, especially in industries like promo, where independent contractors are commonly used. Still, some support the rules, saying they protect workers.

4

The American Political Items Collectors Convene Near Philadelphia

The show hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the national organization showcased thousands of political and pop culture items dating back to the 1800s, spotlighting the long history of political merch.

5

How To Solve Sustainability’s Most Daunting Task: Measuring Scope 3 Emissions

Indirect greenhouse gas emissions up and down the supply chain often have the biggest environmental impact – but are also the hardest to determine. It’s a topic of growing focus for end-buyers with eco concerns and promo suppliers/distributors aiming to operate more sustainably.

6

Are Supplier Credit Card Fees Warranted?

As more distributors pay for orders with credit cards, suppliers are charging fees to process the transactions – a sticky subject for promo companies.

7

Young & In Charge: Insights From Next-Gen Family-Business Leaders

Entitled? Far from it. These young execs reveal how they’re meeting the challenge of continuing the family legacy – and shaping the future of the promo industry.

8

Everything You Want To Know About Direct-to-Film, the Hottest Trend in Decoration

The latest advancement in decoration technology is cheaper, faster and better – but not without its downsides.

9

As RFPs Grow in Complexity, Promo Pros See Opportunities for Improvement

Industry distributors say requests for proposals have become more complicated and time-consuming. They’re adapting, but some believe a reimagined process would behoove their firms and their clients.

10

Commentary: This Year Has Been the Most Momentous Ever for M&A

Blockbuster buys involving Counselor Top 40 firms, international acquisitions and a flurry of smaller domestic deals have put an M&A exclamation point on 2024.