Promo Insiders: Megan Spire on Leading BELLA+CANVAS Into the Next Chapter
The executive vice president of the fashion blanks supplier discusses what the acquisition by Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar means for its future.
In June, Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar (asi/84863) completed its acquisition of BELLA+CANVAS (asi/39590). At the time, the fashion blanks supplier said it would continue to operate as an independent brand under the leadership of Executive Vice President and Counselor Power 50 member Megan Spire. But what does that actually mean in practice?
In this episode of Promo Insiders, Executive Editor Theresa Hegel chats with Spire about what’s changing for BELLA+CANVAS – and what’s staying the same. “Just because there are new owners doesn’t mean that who we are changes,” Spire says. But, she adds, partnering with SanMar gives BELLA+CANVAS access to its “world-class distribution network and supply chain” and the funding and resources behind it.
“This partnership should allow us to serve decorators, distributors and brands better than we did before,” Spire explains. “Our customers shouldn’t have to choose between a premium fashion brand and operational excellence. Now, they’ll have both.”
Key Takeaways
• After being acquired by Counselor Top 40 supplier SanMar (asi/84863), BELLA+CANVAS (asi/39590) will remain an independent Los Angeles-based brand, according to Executive Vice President Megan Spire.
• The company is retaining its team, creative vision, product quality and approach to the market.
• SanMar’s resources and supply chain will help BELLA+CANVAS accelerate product development, improve operations and bring new styles to market faster.
• The brand plans to introduce about 23 products in 2027, along with new fabrics, fits, washes and fashion-forward silhouettes.
• BELLA+CANVAS is expanding decorator support through a newsletter, a decorator hub and a reinvented educational program.
• Buyers are showing more interest in differentiated apparel, including heavier fabrics, garment-dyed looks, baby tees, boxier fits and ‘90s-inspired styles.
• Sustainability is increasingly a baseline expectation, while premium print-on-demand products and traditional screen printing both have important roles in the market.