PPB March 2019

media and publicity, to learn more about the company. What was the original vision for International Merchandise Concepts and how has the company grown over the years? To provide highly regarded and valued merchandise that is design-sensitive at a great price, while maintaining great service is the vision. It’s easier said than done. Since 1984, IMC has worked to elevate the promotional giveaway to a cherished gift. Design, quality and value drive the search for innovative products. Initially, all products were designed in-house. As the marketplace evolved, it became clear that retail brands with unique products were underrepresented in the promotional industry. Introducing retail brands to the industry has been a driver of growth over the past 16 years. How has previous retail experience provided IMC with the expertise to find standout products? By understanding the challenges retailers faced and the appeal of brands to the consumer it was easy to transition from designing all of IMC’s products in-house to offering unique, brandedmerchandise. Working closely with brand partners allows IMC to have insight into what is selling in retail and products soon-to-be released tomarket, and to have an opportunity to develop B2B-targeted products for the brand partner. Being that your company’s products are hyper unique, what do you do to circumvent mediocrity? IMC sets the standard high. While all brand partner products are available to the promotional industry through IMC, only a | MARCH 2019 | 101 CONNECT