PPB December 2018

Yuh l i ng Lu working on many new things at one time,” she says. “One of the most exciting things is our launch of a new retail brand called Taroko Bags. It is an exciting sales and marketing initiative to try and build an entirely new presence in the industry.” The opening collection of five bags is highlighted by duffels, backpacks and string backpacks inspired by the natural heathered marble palettes of the Far East. Ariel Premium Supply is also shifting its product development strategy to focus more on category depth than breadth. “We are also working on giving a new focus to our imprinting capabilities and completely redesigning how we touch our distributor customers,” Lu says. “We also have several new technology initiatives in the works.” Looking back over the past 25 years, Lu is grateful she came to the U.S. and took the plunge into the promotional products industry. “This is an amazing country because the people have been so helpful,” she says. “In the industry it is very competitive- friendly and everyone is so willing to share their experience to help you. I am very thankful for the success we have had in our 25 years. It has made me realize that the U.S. really is a land of opportunity.” Brittany Glenn is a Dallas, Texas-based writer and a former associate editor of PPB. Yuhling Lu and her husband Tai Lin celebrated the company's 25th anniversary in August 2018. 80 | DECEMBER 2018 | THINK