IN THIS ISSUE P PA I . ORG/ MED I A 06.26 ERP Solutions p. 12 Fall Fashion Preview p. 20 Consumer Research p. 32 ELEVATING THE FUTURE At PPAI 100 firms like Vantage Apparel (p. 40) and HALO (p. 54), a new generation builds from a foundation of leadership.
NEW ALUMNI COLLECTION momentecbrands.com WEAR YOUR LEGACY WITH PRIDE Holloway proudly unveils the Alumni Collection, designed for any lifestyle or workday environment.
4 From PPAI More Than A Moment 9 Creative Calendar Essentials 12 Solutions Spotlight ERP Software 16 Use Case Merch With Meaning 20 In Style Texture Is Taking Over For Fall Voices 26 Responsibility Getting Into Gear 28 Your Business Leading Conversations Must Read 68 Promotional Products Work Cricket’s Major Merch Moment Community 88 Buzzworthy Awards Season 91 PPPC Communiqué Tee Time: Chapter Golf Tournaments Drive Member Connections 93 New Members 99 Datebook 106 Perfect Promo CONTENTS 06.26 VOLUME 50, ISSUE 05 The Things We Don’t Throw Away Consumers don’t keep branded merchandise just for the sake of it. The latest consumer study from PPAI Research dives into the logic behind what generates countless impressions. 32 The Best Marketing Programs Of The Year These snapshots of PPAI’s Pyramid Award-winning campaigns showcase how suppliers and distributors are flexing their marketing muscle. 74 PPAI 100 At forward-thinking firms like Vantage Apparel (p. 40) and HALO (p. 54), a new generation builds from a foundation of leadership. 40 32 74 40 PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 3
From PPAI Drew Holmgreen, CAS President & CEO, PPAI 06.26 Moving from promotional products to branded merchandise isn’t just semantics. It’s a signal that what we do is bigger than product. More Than A Moment: Momentum If it feels like something is shifting in our industry… it’s because it is. In this issue, we’re celebrating the launch of PPAI 100, recognizing organizations that are not only leading at a high level, but helping define what the future of branded merchandise looks like. Adjustments to the program this year reflect something just as important, the first full year of PPAI’s new five-year strategic plan. That’s not a coincidence. Last year was, very intentionally, a building year. We focused on establishing a new foundation grounded in who we are, where we’re going and how we move forward together. But just as importantly, we made a deliberate shift in how we talk about and position our industry. We spent time listening more closely, learning from across our community and grounding our direction in research and real market insight. What became clear is that our greatest opportunity for growth isn’t just in what we sell, but in how we are understood. And it starts with language. Moving from promotional products to branded merchandise isn’t just semantics. It’s a signal that what we do is bigger than product. We are part of how brands connect, engage and build lasting relationships. That realization led directly to the creation of our five-year strategic plan rooted in a clear and unified belief that branded merchandise is a critical marketing channel that powers lasting connections. And by reframing and repositioning our industry around that truth, we create space for new growth, new relevance and a bigger role in the conversations that shape brand strategy. Now, the work shifts. This year is about action. And not incremental action, but meaningful, visible and influential movement that begins to change perception at scale. Across the market, I’m seeing that shift take hold. I’ve had the opportunity to spend time recently at annual meetings for Premier Group and HALO and with leaders across our community who have been leaning into this positioning for years. What stands out isn’t just their success, it’s their perspective. They’re not waiting for the industry to evolve. Instead, they’re actively shaping how branded merch shows up in the marketing conversation. They see the opportunity clearly. And more importantly, they’re acting on it. That’s where the alignment with our strategic plan becomes powerful. At its core, our strategy is focused on elevating the industry, strengthening our community and driving member success. But it only works if we move together and unify behind a shared story about who we are and the value we deliver. Because perception drives value. And value drives growth. This is where initiatives like PPAI’s “Superfriends” strategy come into play. We’re intentionally expanding our presence into adjacent audiences, teaming up and aligning with marketers, brand leaders and associations who influence how decisions are made. This is about widening our lane and ensuring that when the conversation turns to building brands, we’re already at the table. And yes, if we do this right, we might finally retire phrases like “giveaways”, “trinkets” and (cringiest of all) “tchotchkes.” What excites me most is that this isn’t theoretical anymore. The foundation is in place, and the action is happening through bold, sweeping moves, stronger partnerships and a clearer voice for what branded merch truly delivers. Five years from now, success will be defined not just by growth, but by how our industry is understood and valued. It’s thrilling, because now is when a moment creates momentum – not for a few companies or a select group. For all of us. Let’s align behind it. Let’s amplify it. And let’s lead the charge together. 4 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI
PPAI® SENIOR DIRECTOR, MEDIA, RESEARCH & PUBLIC AFFAIRS Josh Ellis JoshE@ppai.org DEPUTY EDITOR John Corrigan JohnC@ppai.org SENIOR NEWS EDITOR Jonny Auping JonnyA@ppai.org MARKET ECONOMIST & SENIOR MANAGER, RESEARCH Alok Bhat AlokB@ppai.org PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER Rachel Zoch, CAS RachelZ@ppai.org RESEARCH COORDINATOR Shiella Aparis ShiellaA@ppai.org ART DIRECTION SPARK Publications SPARKpublications.com 704-844-6080 ADVERTISING MANAGEMENT ACCOUNT MANAGERS Connie Brazil Nick DiNicola Luke Huebsch Heather Mangold Mark Rykojc PPAI.org/account-managers ADVERTISING CONTACT Danah Dean 972-258-3031 DanahD@ppai.org PRESIDENT & CEO Drew Holmgreen, CAS 888-I-AM-PPAI CHIEF REVENUE & EXPERIENCE OFFICER Ellen Tucker, MAS, CAE DIRECTOR OF FINANCE Renae Ward CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER Melissa Ralston, CAS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Christopher Cheney DIRECTOR OF SALES Michele Schwartz, CAS DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY John Twist DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY & SUSTAINABILITY Elizabeth Wimbush, CAS Director of Professional Development Jessica GibbonsRauch, MAS BOARD OFFICERS CHAIR OF THE BOARD Danny Rosin, CAS Brand Fuel IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR Denise Taschereau, CAS Fairware CHAIR-ELECT OF THE BOARD Zack Ottenstein The Image Group VICE CHAIR, FINANCE SERVICES Mark Gammon PCNA BOARD MEMBERS REGIONAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE DELEGATE TERM EXPIRING 2027 Kara Keister, MAS Social Good Promotions AT LARGE DIRECTOR Samantha Kates Spector TERMS EXPIRING 2027 Frank Myers S&S Activewear TERMS EXPIRING 2028 Erin Reilly Pop! Promos TERMS EXPIRING 2029 Mark Gammon PCNA Kate Alavez PromoShop TERMS EXPIRING 2030 Joseph Sommer Whitestone Bruce Barnet Charles River Apparel PPAI HEADQUARTERS 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038-3526 Phone: 888-IAM-PPAI (426-7724) www.ppai.org, pubs.ppai.org READER RESOURCES SUBSCRIBE TO PPAI MAGAZINE: Subscribe online at pubs.ppai.org or send your name, title, company name and mailing address, along with phone and fax, to PPB Subscriptions, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038. Or phone in your subscription to 972-258-3019. Include payment with your order. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted, along with checks. Additional member subscriptions are $58 for PPAI member companies (U.S.), $70 (Canada and Mexico) and $75 (international). Nonmember subscriptions are $72 (U.S.), $82 (Canada and Mexico) and $92 (international). Please allow four to six weeks for start of subscription. ADVERTISE IN PPAI MAGAZINE: Download a media kit with rates and specs for all PPAI print and digital publications at media.ppai.org, or call 972-258-3019 or email mediasales@ppai.org. Promotional Products Association International 6 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI
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If this calendar is helpful or if you have ideas for ways that we can better provide this information, email the editors at magazine@ppai.org. Exceptional Promotions SPECIAL OBSERVANCES CALL FOR Use these key dates and seasonal celebrations to spark creative campaigns your clients will love. Compiled by Nicole Rollender July NATIONAL ICE CREAM MONTH Product Idea: This Stainless Steel Smart Mug Warmer with a Light-Up Heating Base comes as a set designed for ease of use. Whether your recipient is drinking coffee during work sessions or herbal tea during much-needed downtime, the smart warmer uses advanced temperature control technology to keep the beverage at a consistent 140°F. Joe drinkers and tea connoisseurs will use this mug every day for repeated exposure on a desk or kitchen counter, with a logo or message in full view. Global Promo / PPAI 288502, Standard-Plus / globalpromo.net 5 NATIONAL WORKAHOLICS DAY 15 NATIONAL PET FIRE SAFETY DAY 25 NATIONAL WINE AND CHEESE DAY August NATIONAL BLACK BUSINESS MONTH Product Idea: Sharing is caring when it comes to your furry best friend. The large-capacity Asobu Dog Bowl Bottle helps keep people and their dogs hydrated, even on the hottest summer walks. Made from BPAfree copper-lined stainless steel, it’s equipped with a detachable bowl that twists off the base of the bottle. The easy-grip handle makes it convenient to carry, and the anti-slip base makes it easy for pups to drink. A great VIP gift from veterinarians or pet supply stores, this water bottle provides a large imprint area. Ad-N-Art / PPAI 236926, Standard-Plus / adnart.com 2 NATIONAL COLORING BOOK DAY 15 NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY 26 NATIONAL DOG DAY NATIONAL PREPAREDNESS MONTH Product Idea: Everyone should be prepared when commuting or heading out for their big cross-country road trip. Packed in a durable, compact plastic box, the handy Crossroad Emergency Road Kit includes essentials such as an emergency escape tool, jumper cables, a tire gauge, a headband light, gloves, a poncho and first-aid items. A logo or message sits front and center on this automotive kit, which recipients will keep in their vehicles all year long. Ariel Premium Supply / PPAI 161650, Platinum arielpremium.com 5 NATIONAL TAILGATING DAY 16 NATIONAL PLAY-DOH DAY 25 NATIONAL QUESADILLA DAY September PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 9
RATE US ON SAGE Rate your BoxUp experience on SAGE or ESP LEAVE A REVIEW Access 3000-unit pricing on any box order UNLOCK 3QP PRICING Enjoy savings through 7/31/26 SAVE ON EVERY BOX ORDER FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: SALES@BOXUP.COM Order Holiday Boxes Now AND BEAT THE RUSH! Leave a review on SAGE or ESP to unlock 3000-unit pricing on any custom-printed box order through July 31st! RATE US ON ESP ASI #41320 SAGE #51441 3QP (3000-UNIT PRICING) APPLIES TO CUSTOM-PRINTED BOX ORDERS ONLY. ORDERS MUST BE APPROVED FOR PRODUCTION AND PRE-PAID (IF APPLICABLE) BETWEEN JUNE 1 AND JULY 31, 2026. THIS PRICING CANNOT BE APPLIED TO ORDERS PLACED BEFORE OR AFTER THE PROGRAM DATES. STANDARD WHOLESALE PRICING RESUMES AUGUST 1, 2026. ORDERS CANNOT BE HELD. ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. – PPAI #729903 – PPAI #729903 – PPAI #729903 UNLOCK EXCLUSIVE SUMMER SAVINGS FOR BOXUP DISTRIBUTORS PRICING 3QP
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS TO BE UNIVERSALLY VALUED Essentials 06.26 SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT p. 12 USE CASE p. 16 TEXTURE IS TAKING OVER FOR FALL The headline for autumn apparel and accessories is texture, showing up in dimensional surfaces, tactile quality and heavyweight fabrics. page 20 IN STYLE Arkhipenko Olga / Shutterstock.com PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 11
Deemerwha / Shutterstock.com 12 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Essentials | Solutions Spotlight ERP Software ENTERPRISE RESOURCE PLANNING providers play a central role in helping branded merchandise companies run smarter, more connected operations. These systems bring together the core functions of a business, from order management and inventory to accounting, production and reporting, into one unified platform. For an industry built on coordination between suppliers, distributors and clients, that level of visibility can make a meaningful difference. Many ERP solutions providers working in the merch space understand the nuances of the business. They tailor their systems to handle industry-specific workflows like multi-step decoration processes, complex order configurations and evolving client demands. Instead of relying on disconnected tools or manual workarounds, companies can manage projects from quote to delivery in a more streamlined, consistent way. Both suppliers and distributors benefit from ERP systems when operations start to scale or complexity increases. Whether it’s improving order accuracy, gaining better insight into financial performance or creating more efficient production schedules, these platforms help teams stay aligned and responsive. When growth introduces new challenges or inefficiencies begin to surface, PPAI-validated ERP providers offer the structure and expertise to keep businesses organized, informed and ready to move forward with confidence. See more on these business services providers and many more. Visit PPAI.org/solutions. Providers of Enterprise Resource Planning software systems help run an entire business. These solutions firms, validated by PPAI, tailor ERPs to merch companies’ needs.
PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 13 Solutions Spotlight | Essentials The Provider The Solution ArtWork Services USA PPAI 231735, Gold ArtWork Services USA delivers MS Dynamics 365-based ERP solutions with integrated order, inventory, accounting and CRM tools, plus PromoStandards compliance and consulting to streamline workflows. DemandBridge PPAI 656801, Silver End-to-end platforms connect accounting, operations and inventory with multi-channel brand management and procurement tools, helping distributors of all sizes streamline workflows and scale with integrated marketing automation solutions. Essent PPAI 244574, Standard-Plus Fully integrated business management solutions combine ERP, e-commerce and system integrations, purpose-built for the merch industry to streamline operations, connect workflows and support scalable growth. eXtendTech PPAI 678500, Standard-Plus eXtendTech specializes in optimizing NetSuite for the merch industry, helping suppliers and distributors streamline order processing, file management and fulfillment with solutions built for industry-specific challenges.
Sharpie S-Gel visit us at newellcustomwritinginstruments.com Experience a high-performance gel pen with the Sharpie S-Gel. With no smear, no bleed technology, this Sharpie pen delivers an exceptional writing experience. The gel ink pen features intensely bold colors for always vivid writing, while the contoured rubber grip provides you a comfortable writing experience during any writing task. Finally, it’s sleek design and matte finish make it a pen you’ll be hesitant to loan out. Sharpie S-Gel offers a smooth writing experience at home, school, or in the office. • Best-in-class design, which outperforms the market leader • Matte finish offers a sleek, modern design • Vivid writing with no smear or no bleed technology • Durable clip features chrome branding and point size indicator • 0.7mm point for bold writing
YOUR DECORATOR. NOT YOUR COMPETITION. HIGHTECHGRAFIX.COM You sell. We decorate. SCREEN PRINT | EMBROIDERY | DIRECT TO FILM PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 15 InfoSourcing PPAI 816847, Standard-Plus A decade-long Acumatica Gold Certified Partner, InfoSourcing delivers cloud-based ERP solutions tailored to print and merch businesses, automating workflows, integrating PromoStandards and supporting scalable growth. Abbasoft Technologies PPAI 313440, Standard-Base With nearly 40 years of experience, Abbasoft Technologies delivers SAP's ERP solutions tailored to our industry, supporting integrated, scalable management with the Business One solution. Bista Solutions PPAI 813235, Standard-Base Bista Solutions delivers customizable ERP platforms for suppliers and distributors, streamlining order management, artwork, inventory and fulfillment with integrated, industryspecific workflows that improve efficiency and visibility. FDM4 America PPAI 273890, Standard-Base FDM4 delivers integrated ERP solutions, combining accounting, inventory and order management with specialized decoration tools to streamline workflows and improve production efficiency. Oracle NetSuite PPAI 628356, Standard-Base As the world’s most widely deployed cloud ERP, Oracle NetSuite offers integrated business management with industry-specific connections, plus preferred pricing and user community benefits for PPAI members. Solutions Spotlight | Essentials
Merch With Meaning Amanda Wood of STRAN shares branded merchandise that reflects her brand’s values, such as backpacks crafted from recycled ocean plastic and Fair Trade apparel. By Nicole Rollender AMANDA WOOD Marketing & Communications Lead STRAN PPAI 161542, Platinum Quincy, Massachusetts BRANDED MERCHANDISE that stands for something makes the biggest impact. “There’s a progression to it: You’ve gone beyond the bare minimum of just giving an item to giving an item that resonates,” Wood says. “You’ve taken it one step further by giving something high-quality, practical and connected to a greater mission. Recipients can feel that. They know where it’s coming from, and that context changes how they receive it.” Wood’s favorite example of a meaningful merch campaign is a recent collaborative creator program for STRAN’s social media channels. The distributor kicked off influencer/creator marketing initiatives last year. In the pilot group, Wood leaned into the concept of personalized, purpose-driven, curated merch. “That’s where we really shine,” Wood says. “It’s more than having access to a global network of partners or being able to source literally millions of products. It’s how we take those connections and the know-how of the merch industry and apply it to a program that helps a brand strike the right chord with its audience.” For this project, Wood sourced three curated swag kits for the creators. “As much as possible, I chose items that had purpose built into the brand,” she says. For example, instead of STRAN’s custom boxes for kits, Wood chose the GOT Bag Rolltop Easy, a GOTS-certified backpack made from recycled ocean impact plastic. “Each creator received a sustainably DOERS / Shutterstock.com 16 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Essentials | Use Case
sourced, mission-driven, personalized item that set the tone for everything inside,” Wood says. This lightweight, water-repellent pack features a zippered roll-top, outer bottle pockets and ergonomic shoulder straps. With a padded, breathable back, integrated laptop compartment and multiple inner zipper pockets, this eco-friendly style is made for everyday use or travel. ImprintID / PPAI 576424, Silver / imprintid.com That intentionality in choosing purpose-driven products from aligned brands is why the campaign landed. “The creators were genuinely blown away by our commitment to detail, and their reaction became the content,” Wood says. “Our goal was to build brand awareness and educate our audience on what we really do and why it matters, and that messaging came through naturally. Their content felt like a true unboxing, surprise-and-delight moment, and the enthusiasm was so contagious that the audience felt it, too.” One of Wood’s overall favorite promo items with purpose for campaigns is the Bellroy Tech Organizer, a pack made from recycled woven fabric that stores power banks, cables and other tech items. “The tech kit is one of my favorite travel items,” she says. “I always bring it with me on the road for keeping charger cords, dongles, power bricks and more all in one place. It’s great quality, and it has a large surface for decoration, which makes it ideal for branded gifting.” The case zips open and lies flat for easy access, with large stretch-mesh pockets, a magnetic slip pocket and an elastic cable organizer keeping all tech accessories in place. It’s a higher-end product that’s great for employee recognition or year-end executive gifting. Wood also pays attention to the brand behind the products she chooses. “I love how Bellroy has integrated responsibility into every part of its company ethos, from internal practices to product manufacturing,” she says. PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com Wood never underestimates the power of a great lunch tote as merch with purpose. The nine-can Aviana Rowan Recycled Nylon Tote Cooler, made from recycled materials with sleek, modern finishes, is one of her go-tos. This spacious tote-silhouette cooler features an expandable back bottle pocket and a PEVA-lined interior to maintain the temperature of food and drinks for outings and on-the-go refreshment. “Our goal was to build brand awareness and educate our audience on what we really do and why it matters, and that messaging came through naturally.” –Amanda Wood, STRAN PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 17 Use Case | Essentials
“I like this option because it’s functional, affordable, has a great surface for decoration, and it’s made with recycled materials,” Wood says. “This is one of those pieces that doesn’t overcomplicate things and ends up becoming a daily driver.” This tote also includes the AWARE Virtual ID & Product passport, which provides a surefire way to track and validate the impact of textile composition from origin to consumer. Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com The timeless and utilitarian Peak Design 35L Travel Duffel is also at the top of Wood’s list for campaigns this year. Designed to be a weekender, overnighter or gym bag, it features removable, padded top handles and a shoulder strap, all-custom aluminum hardware and six pockets. Weatherproof nylon canvas construction with a waterproof bottom liner protects contents from the elements. “I love the aesthetic of this brand, and the quality is topnotch,” Wood says. “The travel duffel is premium enough to be a high-end gift, but it’s also durable enough to actually get used.” Links Unlimited / PPAI 375603, Standard-Base / catalog. linksunlimited.com Wood recently discovered Known Supply and would love to use its products in upcoming campaigns. “This supplier’s line is top-to-bottom purpose-driven: Fair Trade certified, made with organic or regenerative cotton and built around fair wages for their makers,” says Wood, who loves the company’s “Meet the Makers” feature. “You can find out exactly where your item came from and who made it. That transparency is exactly what today’s audiences want.” She loves these products’ aesthetics. “There are pieces I can envision in my own closet, and that’s a good signal that a brand has its finger on the pulse of what’s trending,” she says. Known Supply / PPAI 896003, Standard-Base / knownsupply.com The lightweight, 100% organic cotton Antigua Knit Top (shown in marine) is a one-of-a-kind uniform or resort piece, featuring functional buttons, a collar and intricate knit details. It’s Fair Trade and GOTS certified. From a brand standpoint, purpose-driven products do double duty. “It shows that you have a network that includes purpose-driven products and partners and that you understand a client’s values and goals and can weave them into their merch strategy,” Wood says. “Plus, when the recipient feels good about the item, they’re bound to use it more. That means more impressions for your brand.” Nicole Rollender heads up New Jersey-based STRANDWritingServices.com. “There are pieces I can envision in my own closet, and that’s a good signal that a brand has its finger on the pulse of what’s trending.” –Amanda Wood, STRAN 18 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Essentials | Use Case
Made to Last. Made to Remember. Designed for decorators who understand that every job tells a story. Live & Tell delivers reliable performance across screen print, DTF, and embroidery – paired with a modern, refined look your clients will recognize and value. Watch the video to see Live & Tell in action. https://youtu.be/GlzBzh5IvZo?si=nq2DcQrC-_BtFm_a Built for Decoration Smooth, stable fabric surfaces and thoughtful constructions support clean ink laydown, sharp embroidery, and dependable DTF results. Elevated Details Modern fits, on-trend colors, and premium finishing help increase perceived value and move beyond basic merch. Content-Ready from the Press Garments that look great in hand and on camera – perfect for capturing your process, finished work, and client content.
Arkhipenko Olga / Shutterstock.com 20 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Essentials | In Style The headline for autumn apparel and accessories is texture, showing up in dimensional surfaces, tactile quality and heavyweight fabrics. By Nicole Rollender MORE DISCERNING CONSUMERS are shaping fashion for fall 2026. “People have worn retail-quality apparel their entire lives and know what ‘good’ feels like,” says Milissa Gibson, director of sales at Lane Seven Apparel. “When they receive branded apparel, they notice the difference immediately.” Texture and intention define fall’s aesthetic. Buyers are moving away from flat, standard fleece and toward fabrics with character you see and feel, Gibson says. They also want tactile fabrics like brushed fleece, sweater-knit, ribbed and matte technical textures. “These add visual interest and perceived value,” adds Nick Blannin, senior vice president of product at S&S Activewear. Of course, Gen Z continues to influence the market. “They prefer authentic, versatile pieces that feel personal rather than promotional,” says Lauren Brown, business development manager at In Your Face Apparel. Gibson notes a return to men’s and women’s styles. “The industry spent a decade leaning into unisex, but we’re seeing clear signals that buyers and end-wearers are ready for garments actually designed for their bodies,” she says. “Present women’s styles equally and enthusiastically.” Distributors are also moving away from broad assortments toward curated, purpose-built programs with fewer styles and clearer use cases. “They’re planning earlier and thinking about collections rather than single-item purchases,” says Catherine Tremblay, director of brands at S&S. Buyers want premium, retail-inspired items, trading volume for better fabric, fit and subtle branding. Adoption is strongest in corporate, tech, logistics, healthcare and hybrid-work organizations, says Blannin. “Employers are investing in recruiting, Texture Is Taking Over For Fall
PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 21 culture and retention, where they view apparel as a brand touchpoint, not a cost center,” she says. A thoughtful balance of nostalgia and simplicity also defines new styles. “We’re seeing strong momentum around combining colors and patterns,” Brown says. “Nostalgic revival is influencing silhouettes and details, with preppy and collegiate references playing a role. Brands are reusing heritage logos or vintage-inspired designs.” In color, earth tones carry the season: cacao, matcha, sand, shell, gray, plum and navy. These palettes complement textured fabrics because the tonal, muted quality of the color lets the fabric surface do the work, Gibson says. Embroidery is having a moment on heavier, textured fleece because the fabric supports the structure. A tonal or near-tonal embroidered design looks retail-quality, she adds. Mixed-method approaches are also gaining traction, like screen-printed art on the body paired with a woven label or embroidered detail at the hem or cuff, Gibson says. “That layering of techniques is what pushes a piece into premium territory.” Brown also notes that textured imprinting is trending, which includes embossing, puff embroidery and screen printing, tackle twill and unique transfers. DTF has opened the door for many decorators to enhance their decorating style. Workwear, such as insulated jackets, chore coats and heavyweight fleece, continues to perform best for fall. To pitch fall programs, lead with the garment. “When a client can touch it, you stop selling a logo vehicle and start selling an experience,” Gibson says. “Build collections, not one-offs. The most successful fall programs present a cohesive set of styles that work together visually.” Also, understand your client’s audience. “A corporate gifting program and a university lifestyle store have different needs, but you can serve both with the right premium blank,” Gibson says. “Ask questions up front: Who’s wearing this? Where? When? What do they want to feel when they put it on?” Instead of ‘let’s pick a jacket,’ it’s about what pieces layer together into a mini retail drop, says Michelle Chen, president at Fossa Apparel. “Start thinking like a retailer,” she says. “The goal is to create something people want to keep wearing.” Now that you know the top fall trends, here are products to pitch. The cotton/poly construction of the Nantucket Crewneck Fleece creates a retailquality dimensional surface. Features include a clean crewneck silhouette and doubleneedle topstitching on all seams, as well as ribbed cuffs and waistband. Lane Seven Apparel PPAI 630869, Standard-Base lanesevenapparel.com The athletic-fit Hawthorne Tech Hooded Sweatshirt, made of four-way stretch fleece, features a scalloped hemline for mobility, as well as moisture-wicking and antimicrobial properties. This style also includes a Legends logo on the shoulder. S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum / ssactivewear.com Custom apparel like this retro, collegiate Rugby Shirt, styling paired with statement decoration, offers a nod to nostalgia. It’s a bold reminder that classic design never goes out of style. In Your Face Apparel PPAI 254968, Silver inyourfaceapparel.com In Style | Essentials
22 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Essentials | In Style The Wingover, available in men’s and women’s cuts, is a top seller for all audiences, blending professional and casual style in a bomber jacket. The jacket features a water- and wind-resistant polyester shell, lightweight insulation, interior and exterior pockets and PFAS-free construction. Fossa Apparel / PPAI 330885, Silver fossapparel.com At 11.5 ounces, the Thermal Hoodie (shown at right in gray as part of the Thermal Collection) is a heavyweight statement piece. The 100% cotton waffle knit construction creates a dimensional surface, is reactive-dyed for lasting color, and features a threepanel hood, a kangaroo pocket, ribbed cuffs and dyed-to-match drawcords. Lane Seven Apparel PPAI 630869, Standard-Base lanesevenapparel.com Knit beanies are a strong category for fall. This Grand Recycled Beanie, made of 100% recycled PET yarn, combines cozy, double-layered warmth with eye-catching jacquard patterns and a contrasting pom-pom. S&S Activewear / PPAI 256121, Platinum ssactivewear.com Nicole Rollender heads up New Jersey-based STRANDWritingServices.com. The Diverge is an insulated reversible jacket. With a quilted polyester exterior and cotton-poly flannel interior, this style, made with recycled materials from roughly 10 plastic bottles, flips from a refined urban look to a shacket. Fossa Apparel PPAI 330885, Silver fossapparel.com
CORE-COMFORT A retail-ready hoodie with an ultra-soft feel and a smooth cotton face for clean decoration, priced to support stronger margins, win business, and drive sales. COTTON HERITAGE www.CottonHeritage.com F ece ANYWHERE COMFORT. EVERYDAY WEAR. PRICED FOR A STRONG MARGIN. DESIGNED TO MOVE. I roduc Unisex relaxed fit in 5 on-trend colors 3-end preshrunk fleece that holds it’s shape 100% cotton face for clean decoration Soft-washed for a smooth surface & ultra-soft hand Built for strong margins at competitive pricing
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IDEAS TO ADVANCE THE MARKETPLACE Voices 06.26 RESPONSIBILITY p. 26 YOUR BUSINESS LEADING CONVERSATIONS The strongest businesses in merch don’t take orders. They engage clients and earn a seat at the table. page 28 PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 25 eamesBot / Shutterstock.com
Getting Into Gear This year’s PPAI 100 companies show that merch responsibility is no longer merely a concept. It’s road ready. By Elizabeth Wimbush, CAS FOR A LONG TIME, sustainability in this industry has felt a bit like a concept car – sleek, impressive and full of flashy ambition. The renderings have been rolled out at just the right moments to signal where things are headed. Also – since we value transparency – it’s not something most people were actually driving. But what shows up in this year’s PPAI 100 responses suggests this is starting to change. Nearly half of distributors are still managing sustainability through a mix of roles and outside support, and a small but notable group still doesn’t have it formally assigned at all. The shift is not complete, but it’s taking hold in some interesting ways. Responsibility is moving off the stage and into the garage. And now the engine has to start every morning. You see it first in where companies are putting real money: energy efficiency upgrades, solar installations, LED retrofits and heat pumps. These aren’t being framed as sustainability wins, even if they are. They’re being described as operational improvements that happen to lower emissions. It’s subtle, but important. The fastest way to stall out a sustainability effort is to treat it like something separate from how the business already runs. The companies seeing returns aren’t carving out special budgets for impact – instead, they are making decisions they already needed to make and doing them in a way that holds up under a different set of expectations. Put less politely: If it can’t survive a conversation with your CFO, it probably doesn’t survive very long at all. Roughly 40% of companies still haven’t established a greenhouse gas baseline. This isn’t being driven by climate strategy alone. It’s being driven by decisions that make operational sense first and then deliver climate benefits alongside them. Then there’s transparency, such as EcoVadis scores, SMETA audits, lifecycle assessments and supply chain documentation. Those used to be things you highlighted. Now they’re things you need. What’s interesting in the responses isn’t just that companies are investing in them, but how they’re talking about the returns: Faster responses to customer requests. Easier access to accounts. Less internal scrambling to pull together documentation. And it’s not fringe. Nearly half of both distributors and suppliers now have some form of third-party verification or audit process in place. At the same time, responsibility is starting to show up in the products themselves. More companies are building recycled materials, traceability and environmental attributes directly into their core assortments. On average, suppliers report that roughly half of the products they sell now carry some form of verifiable environmental or social attribute. That’s not a niche category. That’s a portfoliolevel change. No one is suggesting customers will accept less. The product still has to perform. It still has to be priced competitively. It still has to move. “Sustainable” has stopped being a selling point on its own. It’s a condition. One of the quieter shifts (but probably one of the more important ones) is how often compliance shows up as the investment delivering the most value. PPAI 100-caliber firms are hiring people to manage it, formalizing processes, investing in audits and cleaning up documentation that’s existed informally for years but couldn’t be easily verified. This is what it looks like when responsibility stops being a signal and starts being infrastructure. Most PPAI 100 companies are now either DOERS / Shutterstock.com 26 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Voices | Responsibility
building internal systems or actively advising customers on regulatory requirements, with very few saying it’s not on their radar. The return isn’t always growth. Sometimes it’s simply staying in the game. There’s also progress happening in places that don’t always get labeled as sustainability at all, like better inventory planning or precise production. Waste reduction is happening, but it’s not being driven by campaigns. It’s happening because the systems are improving. It’s a useful reminder that the most effective sustainability strategies tend to look a lot like well-run operations, because when I look closer, some of the more visible impact areas are still inconsistent. Fewer than 1 in 5 distributors have formal packaging guidelines in place, and even fewer are actively measuring reductions. Progress is real. It’s just not always happening where we talk about it most. Not everything in the data shows a clear win. Some investments are hard to measure. Some are expensive. Some don’t generate new revenue at all – they just reduce risk or meet expectations. That’s part of the picture, too. If the concept car phase was about showing what’s possible, the daily driver phase is about what holds up over time. And what holds up isn’t always the most exciting. It’s the things that make the business run better, make it easier to say yes to customers and make it harder to get caught off guard. Responsibility isn’t an initiative anymore. It’s how the business runs. Vroom vroom! Wimbush is director of sustainability and responsibility at PPAI. Elevating Merch PPAI 100 survey feedback shows us that what’s good for business – merch people actually keep – is also good for the planet. That means greater durability, higher-quality products or retail-aligned brands that are marketing solutions first. The impact of a product isn’t just in how it’s made. It’s in how long it’s kept. PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 27 Responsibility | Voices
Leading Conversations The strongest businesses in merch don’t take orders. They engage clients and earn a seat at the table. By Mason Linn, CAS YOU KNOW THAT the merch industry is growing up when more and more client conversations aren’t really about the products at all. This is a fundamental change in how value is created through our medium. For years, the industry operated in a familiar pattern. A client needed something – an event giveaway, an employee gift, a campaign touchpoint – and the distributor’s role was to respond with options. Success was measured by speed, price and, ideally, a product the client liked well enough to reorder. That model still exists. But it’s no longer where the growth is, PPAI 100 companies say. The firms leading the way aren’t just responding to requests. They’re reframing them. From Requests To Objectives At its core, elevating merch isn’t about finding better products. It’s about asking better questions before a product is ever discussed. • What is this program (not product) meant to achieve? • Who is the campaign audience (not product recipient)? • What is the brand (not the event) all about? These aren’t new questions. What’s changed is the discipline to stay with them long enough and dig deeper to shape the outcome. Too often, product conversations begin before those answers are clear. When that happens, even strong ideas can miss the mark – not because the merch is wrong, but because the objective was never fully defined. The most effective distributors today are comfortable slowing that moment down. They’re not rushing to fill a brief. They’re refining it. Confidence To Lead This shift requires a different kind of confidence. It’s easier, in the short term, to move quickly. Boom, boom, boom: Present options, keep momentum and meet the client where they are. Elevating the conversation means occasionally doing the opposite. It means pushing for clarity when timelines are tight. It means redirecting when the initial ask doesn’t align with the stated goal. That can feel risky, especially in a competitive environment. But the distributors doing this well understand clients don’t just value responsiveness. They value perspective. They want you to be an expert, not an order-taker. When a partner demonstrates that they’re thinking beyond the order and considering audience, brand alignment and long-term impact, it changes the dynamic. The conversation shifts from transactional to strategic. Leaders Leaning In Large distributors have an advantage here, but it’s structure, not scale. They’ve invested in roles, processes and training that support more intentional conversations. Account teams are equipped to lead discovery, not just execution. Creative and strategic resources are integrated earlier in the process. Data and insights are used to inform decisions, not just report on them after the fact. In other words, they’ve built systems that make better conversations the default. eamesBot / Shutterstock.com 28 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Voices | Your Business
That doesn’t mean smaller organizations can’t do the same. In many cases, they’re actually more agile. But it does require a conscious shift from reacting to requests to shaping them. There’s a misconception that elevating the conversation means making things more complex. In practice, the opposite is often true. Clarity tends to simplify decisions. When the objective is well-defined, the range of viable solutions narrows. The conversation becomes more focused. The rationale becomes easier to communicate internally, both for the distributor and the client. Greater Expectations If the market wasn’t asking for more, none of this would be necessary, of course. But the demands are clear. As more organizations experience what a well-structured, strategically guided merch program looks like, the baseline shifts. “Good enough” becomes easier to spot and easier to move away from. Elevating the conversation doesn’t require a complete overhaul, though. It starts with small, consistent changes: • Pause before presenting the usual products. • Ask one more question than feels necessary. • Clarify the outcome before suggesting the solution. Over time, those habits compound. Clients begin to expect a different kind of engagement. Internal teams align around clearer objectives. The catalog doesn’t change. The thinking does. Where This Is Headed If the industry is moving toward more intentional, higher-impact merch – and all signs suggest it must – then the differentiator won’t be access to products. It will be the ability to guide the conversation that leads to them. That’s where value is being created. And for distributors looking to grow, the takeaway is straightforward: Elevating merch starts well before the product is chosen. It starts with how you talk about it. Linn is senior manager of community and strategic partnerships at PPAI. With over 4 decades of experience, let our team at Kudzu bring our exceptional experience to keep your clients happy and fulfill their custom product needs. We provide quality custom products to make lasting impressions. No set up fees Quick turnaround SAGE# 52696 kudzu-ink.com | 1-800-622-9131 | KZI.Sales@kudzu-ink.com PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 29 Your Business | Voices
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THE THINGS WE DON’T THROW AWAY p. 32 THE 2026 PPAI 100 p. 40 PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS WORK p. 68 STORIES TO KEEP AND USE 06.26 Wirestock Creators / Shutterstock.com THE BEST MARKETING PROGRAMS OF THE YEAR These snapshots of PPAI’s Pyramid Award-winning campaigns showcase how suppliers and distributors are flexing their marketing muscle. page 74 Must Read PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 31
Consumers don’t keep branded merchandise just for the sake of it. The latest consumer study from PPAI Research dives into the logic behind what generates countless impressions. By Jonny Auping The Things We Don’t Throw Away 32 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Must Read | Consumer Study
The most obvious form of advertising isn’t necessarily the most effective. A billboard or TV commercial might be the first thing that comes to mind, because you know for a fact that they are trying to sell you something. But Marketing 101 will tell you that great advertising is at least a little bit subliminal. Branded merchandise certainly isn’t trying to obfuscate its marketing purposes, but the best promotional products can distract from the effect they’re having by offering the consumer a utility. That’s the basis behind PPAI’s latest consumer research study, based on more than 3,400 participating U.S. consumers, which aimed to provide a look at how branded merch performs once it has reached the consumer. These responses – taken as a whole and interpreted as data – give a better sense of both merch’s initial impact and what’s required to make that impact continue well past the point of entering the consumer’s hands. The dataset purports that the initial reaction to receiving branded merch is positive, so the medium works from a tremendous starting point – more than 80% of consumers express some level of excitement, and 33% categorize that as “very excited.” (See Figure 1.) The starting point, though, is not where branded merch holds the biggest advantage over other advertising mediums. It’s in the relationship with the product where merch can keep adding brand value with the consumer. Exposure & Expectations The data show that branded merch is becoming more ubiquitous, just by the sheer number of sources where consumers are receiving it. Workplaces, conferences and festivals, retail gifts with purchase and gifts are all leading sources where consumers claim to receive branded merch. They are a common and welcome part of culture, work and commerce. See Figure 2. That growing range in sources creates a subtle shift in how merch is considered: Consumers are no longer evaluating merch in isolation. They are comparing it with products they already use and often purchase themselves. This changes the standard – merch is no longer judged as a free item. Figure 1: When you receive branded merchandise, what is your initial reaction most of the time? Not interested at all, 0.2% Slightly uninterested, 2.2% Neutral, 15.9% Pleasantly surprised, 48.3% Very excited, 33.4% Figure 2: Where did you receive it from? Workplace, 33.9% Events, 32.1% Retail brand purchase, 28.4% Gift from a friend or family, 26.7% With a purchase, 22.9% Online/influencer/creator, 14.6% School or university activities, 9.6% Other, 8.9% PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 33 Consumer Study | Must Read
You’ll see that reflected in the ranges of how it is perceived, with 28% of consumers saying it feels mostly premium and 31% saying it feels more premium than cheap. But 30% described it as average, and 11% are still associating it with lower quality. See Figure 3. The higher standard raises the degree of difficulty but presents obvious opportunity for the industry: Strong, positive associations by consumers create higher demand all the way down. As Alok Bhat, PPAI’s market economist and research and public affairs lead, puts it, “The question is not whether merch works. It is how consistently it delivers value once it reaches the consumer.” A Relevant Product Stays With A Consumer Retention patterns show that most merch is not immediately discarded. Nearly 90% of consumers reported that they keep branded merch products either regularly or occasionally. See Figure 4. It’s the reasons behind those decisions that are ultimately most fruitful for branded merch firms. An overwhelming leader (55%) in reasoning is that recipients find it useful in daily life, which is followed Figure 3: Overall, how does branded merchandise typically feel to you? Figure 4: What do you typically do with branded merchandise you receive? Mostly cheap/ low-quality, 1.3% Mostly premium/ high-quality, 28.4% More cheap than premium, 9.8% About equal, 29.7% More premium than cheap, 30.7% Figure 5: What is the main reason you keep an item? Discard, 0.6% Keep and use regularly, 42.7% Give away, 3.4% Keep but rarely use, 9.2% Keep and use occasionally, 44.2% Thoughtful or meaningful, 6.1% Useful in daily life, 55.2% From a brand I like, 5.6% Looks good or stylish, 11.8% High quality, 21.4% 34 • JUNE 2026 • PPAI Must Read | Consumer Study
(21%) by that the merch is of high quality, which of course is not mutually exclusive to being useful and may in fact be related. These numbers line up as you would expect with the primary reasons why consumers would discard branded merch – the leading reason (38%) being that it is not useful, followed by poor quality (27%). See Figures 5 and 6. These results position usefulness not as a competitive advantage, but as a baseline requirement. Without relevance to daily life, products rarely move forward to create any impact. “A product that sits in a drawer never builds a brand. Usefulness is the entry point for everything else,” Bhat says. Kept Merch Leads To Measurable Outcomes Past PPAI Research has indicated that suppliers and distributors sense that end buyers are wary of branded merch’s lack of clear ROI, at least in comparison to digital. On one hand, digital ads are often fleeting, so measuring that ROI might be helpful, but only so much as knowing something. The potential for branded merch to do more than that is still there, and this consumer study suggests that it is in fact measurable. About 48% of respondents said merch led them to look up a brand, 42% said they visited a website, 39% said they made a purchase, and 38% said they talked about the brand with others. Only 13% reported taking no action. See Figure 7. Usefulness was again the most likely reason (40%) consumers claimed a product would trigger them to take action, showing a pattern that usefulness drives consumer behavior and desire. “A billboard disappears when the campaign ends,” Bhat says. “A well-made bag or jacket keeps showing up on the commute, at the gym, workplace, etc. That’s earned, tangible media in action.” Quality Works For The Brand Out In The World Usefulness keeps branded merch out of the trash, but quality of the product does wonders for the brand when people see it out in the world. That’s why the two factors work in tandem: 68% of consumers claim usefulness makes merch Figure 6: What is the main reason you discard or give away an item? Don’t like the brand, 1.5% Not useful, 37.9% Doesn’t match my style, 10.1% Too many similar items, 23.9% Poor quality, 26.6% Looked up brand, 47.6% Visited website, 41.8% Purchased product/service, 38.5% Talked about brand, 38.0% Followed on social media, 22.3% None, 13.2% “A product that sits in a drawer never builds a brand. Usefulness is the entry point for everything else.” —ALOK BHAT, PPAI RESEARCH PPAI • JUNE 2026 • 35 Consumer Study | Must Read Figure 7: Have you ever taken action because of branded merchandise?
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