Trend Spotter: Design Influence Expanding in Promotional Products Market

OSHKOSH, Wis., Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ — When 4imprint, an Oshkosh, Wis., based promotional products distributor, announced the launch of new metallic Bic(R) Clic(R), Bic(R) Round Stic(R) and Bic(R) Clic Stic(R) earlier this year, customers snatched up the classic pens in metallic silver, metallic blue and metallic green.


(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20070921/AQF053 )


The launch of the logo-ready Bic(R) pens in metallic designer colors is the latest example of the changes taking place in the promotional products industry. Fresh colors and designs are quickly becoming a mainstay in a field where black, white, red and royal blue previously comprised the majority of promotional products color choices.


“Brand and logo colors have changed,” said Suzanne Worwood, Vice President Merchandising and lead trend spotter at 4imprint, one of the industry’s largest promotional products retailers. “We’re getting very creative to satisfy customer demands for products that are very ‘now’.”


Those updates aren’t limited to color. Shapes and textures are now taking center stage as ways for marketing managers, human resources directors and small business owners to make their promotional products stand out. 4imprint is filling that demand with exclusive product launches, including:

  — Vintage Glaze Mug — A 4imprint exclusive, available in retro ’50s
diner colors like Pale Yellow, Sky Blue, Tarragon and Lilac, this mug’s
modern size and contemporary shape make this a new classic.
— Stainless Steel Tumbler — 4imprint’s exclusive shades of Merlot Red,
Burnt Orange, Olive Green and Steel Blue put a fresh face on this long-
standing favorite.
— Curvy Ballpoint Pen — While lilac rarely made an appearance in ‘old-
school’ promotional products, it is among the 4imprint exclusive colors
for the Curvy Ballpoint Pen/Fresh Palette. For those preferring a more
upscale appearance, the 4imprint exclusive Curvy Ballpoint Pen in
Modern Classic Tones features Peacock Blue, Olive Green, Merlot Red,
Pumpkin, Indigo blue and more.
— Vector Tote Bags — Even basic conference totes get a hip new look.
This 4imprint exclusive features bright colors and a V-cut compartment
and is available in Orange, Turquoise, Apple Green, Black and Royal
Blue.


“We’re constantly playing with subtle color tweaks that instantly update the look,” said Suzanne Worwood, 4imprint Vice President of Merchandising. “The updated colors play well with all audiences. They are as popular with small businesses as they are with big brands.”


4imprint, one of the world’s largest distributors of promotional products and corporate gifts, has added hundreds of colorful new offerings to its robust line of promotional products. Visit http://www.4imprint.com/exclusives to see all products with exclusive colors, shapes and textures.


About 4imprint


Based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, 4imprint provides businesses and organizations with innovative promotional merchandise, including imprinted promotional products, ad specialties, and customized corporate gifts. By marketing directly to clients via catalog, telephone, and the Internet, 4imprint offers customers unparalleled efficiency, superior customer service, and significant cost-savings. 4imprint is part of 4imprint Group, Plc, a publicly traded company on the London Stock Exchange, and serves more than 100,000 businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada. For more information, log on to http://www.4imprint.com/.