PPB March 2019

I n t e rna t i ona l Me r chand i se Concep t s ‘Wowing’ The Crowds— And Their Clients International Merchandise Concepts designs unusual, attention-grabbing products fit for riveting campaigns. by Danielle Renda F rom pink and purple popsicle-shaped flasks to multicolored, wooden toy robots inspired by Japanese Shinto Kumi-ki puzzles and luxury Visconti Rembrandt Ballpoint pens handmade in Florence, Italy, there’s no shortage of creativity buzzing through Pacoima, California-based supplier International Merchandise Concepts. If their clients can think it—they’re determined to make it happen. At the 2019 PPAI® Expo, attendees gravitated to the whimsical products displayed at IMC’s impressive booth, eager to touch—and play—with the specialized selection. To widen the range of possibilities, IMC introduced retail brands into the promotional space, having presented 70 brands—like Fred & Friends, Playable Art and HydAway—to the industry. This year, IMC debuted four new brands, including German pen brand Lamy, housewares from Reeko and Philippi and weighted table and couch coasters by Hit Products. It’s no wonder that IMC has an eye for the unusual, as the founders themselves have decades of experience; the Fishman family in retail and the Kao family in manufacturing. (Jeffrey Kao continued the journey after Stan Fishman retired in 2007). Entering the promo space, they decided the products needed an upgrade—and IMC worked to provide distinct, sundry and sought-after items for its growing client base. PPB spoke with Editor Donn James, responsible for IMC’s social 100 | MARCH 2019 | CONNECT