PPAI.ORG/MEDIA 09.26 Stylish Layers p. 10 On The Menu p. 78 The State Of Innovation p. 84
4 From PPAI Changing How We Measure Value 7 Creative Calendar Essentials 10 In Style Layer Up All Year Round 13 Solutions Spotlight Insurance 14 Use Case Products That Warm Up Winter Voices 18 Responsibility Good People, Better Business 22 Your Business Balance Begins With Trust Community 96 Buzzworthy My Next Merch Needs No Introduction… 99 Inside PPAI 101 PPPC Communiqué 103 New Members 107 Datebook 112 Perfect Promo Growing Young Scientists CONTENTS VOLUME 50, ISSUE 08 PPAI Greatest Companies To Work For Culture and balance drive success at these standout industry workplaces. 26 The State Of Innovation 2026 PPAI Research has examined benchmarking data on technological prowess from distributors and suppliers of all sizes. 84 Merch On The Menu If experience is the main course at food halls and truck parks, then branded merchandise is the take-home treat. 78 26 84 78 09.26 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 3
When branded merchandise is done well, we don’t simply distribute products. We influence how people feel, connect, remember, belong and take action. From PPAI Danny Rosin, CAS PPAI Board Chair 09.26 Changing How We Measure Value WHAT IF ONE of the biggest opportunities facing the branded merchandise industry isn’t a new product, emerging technology, greater diversity or “youthification”? What if it’s our vocabulary? For decades, we’ve measured success using familiar metrics: cost per unit, budget, margin, impressions and CPM. Those numbers matter. They help us manage programs, demonstrate efficiency and make informed business decisions. But they rarely capture the full value of what we create. Maybe CPM shouldn’t only mean cost per thousand impressions. In our industry, perhaps it could also mean Cost Per Moment: the investment required to create an experience someone genuinely remembers. When branded merchandise is done well, we don’t simply distribute products. We influence how people feel, connect, remember, belong and take action. We welcome someone on their first day of work. We recognize an achievement, inspire a donor, strengthen a community or turn a customer into a lifelong advocate. Perhaps it’s time we begin measuring those outcomes, too. Instead of focusing only on return on investment, what if we also considered Return On Gratitude (ROG)? A thoughtful gift can make an employee feel appreciated, a customer feel valued or a volunteer feel recognized. That response may not fit neatly into a conventional spreadsheet, but it creates real value for an organization. For marketers, we might measure Cost Per Smile (CPS), Cost Per Conversation (CPC) or Cost Per Recommendation (CPR). We could track trust per touchpoint, affinity per interaction and the lifetime of a logo. We could even rethink NPS. In addition to Net Promoter Score, what about Net Pride Score? The defining question might be: “Would you proudly wear your company’s T-shirt in public?” A Wearability Index (WI) could help determine whether a product is desirable enough to become part of someone’s regular routine rather than disappearing into a drawer. The same thinking applies to employee culture. What is the value of a meaningful welcome, a sincere thank-you or an important moment of recognition? What does it cost to create an employee advocate – or a team story people continue telling years later? For community initiatives, success might be measured by volunteers inspired, donors engaged or neighbors supported. It could even be expressed as the Cost Per Clean Water Project, as organizations such as PromoCares demonstrate how branded merchandise can help support tangible, life-changing work. Sustainability deserves a broader vocabulary, too. Purchase price alone does not tell us how responsibly a product performs. Cost Per Kept Product (CPKP) considers whether an item remains useful and valued over time. We could also examine years of use, products diverted from landfills and circular choices encouraged. These ideas are not intended to replace traditional business metrics – those are at the center of PPAI’s Merch Moves Us campaign, and as an industry we should rally around it. We must demonstrate to end buyers the medium’s effectiveness through traditional data. But we should also recognize that the cheapest product is rarely the least expensive. A product that is quickly discarded wastes money, creates environmental consequences and builds no loyalty. A thoughtfully selected product can generate memories, conversations, belonging, advocacy and pride. It becomes part of someone’s story. Our industry has evolved far beyond “free stuff.” We help organizations build cultures, welcome employees, celebrate achievements, strengthen communities, inspire generosity and create lasting brand connections. We’ve got to capture that impact. The future of branded merchandise won’t be defined solely by what something costs. It will be defined by what it creates. And that may be the most valuable metric of all. 4 • SEPTEMBER 2026 •
SPONSORED CONTENT How Retail-Quality Headwear Is Reshaping Branded Merch As recipients trade disposable giveaways for retail-quality merch, premium headwear helps distributors expand existing accounts and compete for higher-value programs. THERE’S BEEN A MAJOR SHIFT in buyer expectations for logoed headwear: retail quality. “What was once considered giveaway merchandise or a uniform accessory must now match retail brands’ style, comfort and flexibility,” says Jeffrey Trinh, head of growth at OTTO International, Inc. “Recipients want promotional headwear to rival brands they buy in stores.” What Makes Headwear Worth Keeping? Consumers want branded headwear that looks, feels and performs like what they’d buy at retail. That’s why trend-driven designs appeal to wearers. “Gen Z and Millennials like that retro vibe, which is why we’ve launched ropecap styles,” Trinh says. Branding is more refined. Instead of large, bold logos, more subtle decoration methods, such as tone-ontone embroidery or small, high-density silicone patches, are in vogue. “Headwear is becoming a statement piece embodying the wearer’s emotional branding without feeling like advertising,” Trinh says. “Instead, it feels personal and premium.” Recipients also prefer headwear that tells a brand story. “People keep fewer, but better, promo items,” Trinh says. “Part of that perceived value comes from turning a hat into a keepsake that tells a brand’s story—perhaps through a custom label sharing the purpose-driven ‘why.’ That hat should remind wearers of a positive, meaningful experience, such as onboarding, a company anniversary or another event.” OTTO’s Club Collection aims to deliver what wearers want. The line, which debuted at the PGA Show, features performance-driven caps designed for golf, sports and promotional programs. “The Club Collection answers growing demand for headwear that seamlessly blends luxury aesthetics with athletic performance,” Trinh says. “These styles merge advanced fabric innovation with refined, timeless design.” Turning Market Demand Into Premium Headwear OTTO monitors golf and lifestyle trends and meets with distributors to document recurring end-buyer requests. “It’s a constant feedback loop from the market to our sales and product teams, where we research the design, style, color and fabrics before creating prototypes for testing,” Trinh says. “That feedback informed our new collection.” The Club Collection includes 17 designs in 10 colorways. Built with five advanced fabrics, every piece offers UV Guard protection; cooling and moisturewicking properties; hydrophobic sweat-shield technology; and quickdry materials. The fabrics support many decoration methods, including heat transfers, screen printing and sublimation. The collection recently earned a PRINTING United Alliance Pinnacle Award in the Non-Output Products – Textile/Apparel category, recognizing its product innovation. “Although we launched the collection at a golf-quality level, the bulk of the sales are coming through distributors,” Trinh says. “We’re seeing demand from industries like financial services, insurance, pharmaceuticals and technology, and smaller retailers.” To help distributors sell headwear, OTTO developed sales collateral for more than 20 industries, including team sports, technology, education, healthcare and automotive. “These ready-to-use materials arm distributors with selling points to confidently pitch headwear, even without category expertise,” Trinh says. Increasing Revenue With Premium Headwear Based on its research and focus groups, OTTO estimates that distributors adding headwear see an average revenue increase of 15% to 20%. “Some previously focused on apparel or other branded merch, but once they added hats, their clients bought more,” Trinh says. The Club Collection creates that opportunity for distributors to compete for higher-value headwear programs. “Success isn’t just about the product,” Trinh says. “It’s about OTTO’s service, reliable delivery and design concepts that resonate with end-users.” Visit OTTOcap.com to explore premium headwear and request samples. • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 5
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 CONTENT SPECIALIST Russ Tan RussT@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 SENIOR DIRECTOR, HUMAN RESOURCES Eliana White 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 • SEPTEMBER 2026 •
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 October NATIONAL DENTAL HYGIENE MONTH Product Idea: Good oral hygiene is a must, so give the gift of care with the Wheat Straw Dental Kit. Containing a natural peppermint beeswax lip moisturizer with aloe, a wheat-straw toothbrush, mini dental floss, a small tube of Colgate toothpaste and a small round container stocked with peppermints for freshness on the go, this kit has everything needed to care for your smile. Packaged in a convenient wheat straw bio box, it offers lots of logo locations. Mixie / PPAI 143213, Standard-Base hpgbrands.com/mixie 6 NATIONAL COACHES DAY 13 NATIONAL TRAIN YOUR BRAIN DAY 28 NATIONAL FIRST RESPONDERS DAY November NATIONAL GRATITUDE MONTH Product Idea: This ultra-thin Mini Webcam Cover helps protect recipients’ security and privacy by preventing webcam spying. The cover easily slides back and forth to hide and unhide a user’s webcam. This versatile tech tool fits most laptops, PCs, smartphones, tablets and third-party external webcams. Tekweld / PPAI 266346, Silver / tekweld.com 4 NATIONAL CANDY DAY 17 NATIONAL TAKE A HIKE DAY 30 NATIONAL COMPUTER SECURITY DAY December NATIONAL SAFE GIFTS & TOYS MONTH Product Idea: What better way to spread good cheer than with tasty Fresh Beginnings Individually Wrapped Oatmeal Raisin Cookies? A freshbaked cookie is ideal for holiday gifts, trade shows, employee recognition, mug stuffers, hotel turndowns, gift baskets and more. These gourmet cookies, which are non-melt and have a one-month shelf life, come individually wrapped in customizable packaging for easy sharing, freshness and branding. NC Custom / PPAI 111662, Silver / nccustom.com 4 NATIONAL COOKIE DAY 13 NATIONAL COCOA DAY 21 NATIONAL CROSSWORD PUZZLE DAY • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 7
visit us at newellcustomwritinginstruments.com PARKER INGENUITY Experience writing reimagined with the Parker Ingenuity Pen—where timeless craftsmanship meets cutting-edge design. Engineered for those who expect more from every detail, Ingenuity delivers a smooth, effortless writing experience with a refined, modern edge.
PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS TO BE UNIVERSALLY VALUED 09.26 Essentials IN STYLE p. 10 SOLUTIONS SPOTLIGHT p. 13 PRODUCTS THAT WARM UP WINTER Check out these must-have branded merch ideas for winter campaigns, including cozy blankets, perfect-for-layering quarter-zips and sleep masks. page 14 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 9
Layer Up All Year Round Layering has evolved from a seasonal styling choice into an intentional, year-round wardrobe approach, driving apparel programs built around versatility, comfort and coordinated looks. By Nicole Rollender LAYERING IS NO LONGER just a cool-weather trend. Now, it’s a year-round look emphasizing dimension and creative styling, offering opportunities to build out apparel programs. “People are moving through different environments – home, office, travel, campus and events – and they want pieces that work all day,” says Michael Niemann, vice president of product at Next Level Apparel. “Layering is the default way wardrobes are built now.” Layering’s growing popularity is also tied to changing workplace habits, as companies have moved back to in-person settings, with trade shows, events and premium gifting in full force, according to Chloe Ward, marketing manager at Storm Creek, PPAI 100’s No. 28 supplier. “Layering an executive team to look cohesively at a large company conference is a great example – it creates uniformity and reinforces the brand,” Ward says. This shift is just as visible in wholesale programs as it is in consumer programs. “Buyers aren’t thinking in single items anymore,” Niemann says. “They’re thinking in systems.” This mirrors what’s happening in retail, where brands show full outfits, encouraging consumers to build looks around versatile, mix-and-match layers. The high-low method of pairing quarterzip sweaters over a fitted turtleneck base layer or a boxy cropped jacket over a performance tee makes layered outfits feel even more intentional. To meet that demand, distributors are building tiered assortments. “Layering pieces have moved from secondary to foundation in how programs are built: tees as the base, fleece as the next level The Men’s Overachiever Sweaterfleece Vest, layered over the Sightseer Short Sleeve Performance T-shirt, pairs a polished sweater-knit look with lightweight comfort. Made from recycled sweater fleece with a brushed interior, the vest has zippered pockets and a storm flap. The T-shirt offers UPF 30+ sun protection and is made with 94% recycled materials and 12 certified post-consumer plastic bottles. Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com Like an upscale jean jacket, the Challenger Super Stretch Jacket, shown layered over the Varsity High Stretch Fitted Tank, is made with bluesigncertified fabric and features cuff zips and lots of pockets. The soft and stretchy tank is made with 93% recycled materials and features UPF 50+ sun protection. Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com Passatic / Shutterstock.com 10 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Essentials | In Style
of value and heavier or specialty pieces sitting at the premium end,” Ward says. While Gen Z continues to influence relaxed layering pieces, corporate and collegiate buyers are also shaping demand for pieces that transition between work, campus and daily life. “Dress codes have loosened, but expectations for how people look in branded apparel have actually gone up,” Niemann says. “The demand is really a combination of lifestyle fluidity, workplace evolution and higher expectations from a single garment.” Foundational pieces include midweight fleece, French terry and dependable hoodies and crews. “These are the workhorses of corporate, collegiate and promotional programs: easy to decorate, scalable and consistently wearable,” Niemann says. While foundational fleece styles remain the backbone of most programs, buyers are also exploring more fashion-forward layering options: heavier fleece, oversized fits, drop shoulders and a strong streetwear influence. “The structure and weight of heavyweight fleece allow for more advanced decoration – puff prints, oversized graphics and appliqué – so the garment starts carrying identity,” Niemann says. Layering creates opportunities for distributors to increase order value and rethink decoration strategies, as well. “To build the best layered looks, start with a base and work out,” Ward says. “A base layer will have a closer-to-skin fit than a vest or jacket.” Ward has also noticed a shift in the way layered looks are decorated. “If you’re wearing a buttondown under a vest, the button-down might get a right bicep logo while the vest gets a left chest,” she says. “That way, both logos always stay visible, and each piece works on its own, too.” Tonal decoration remains a strong trend, providing and elevated look that doesn’t compete with the apparel. “There’s also a lot of interest in rubber patches for a high-end finish,” Ward says. “The decoration quality should match the quality of the garment. That’s what makes people want to wear branded items outside of work.” Overall, the layering styles that perform best are the ones that don’t lock into a single season or use case. “Buyers are avoiding overly specific garments like ‘winter-only fleece,’” Niemann says. “They want pieces that sit in the wardrobe year-round and layer naturally between different contexts.” The Women’s Front Runner 120 GSM Insulated Quilted Vest, layered over the Sightseer Long-Sleeve Performance T-shirt, combines lightweight warmth with a flattering fit. Made with recycled materials and THERMOLITE EcoMade insulation, the windproof, water-resistant vest features horizontal quilting, zippered pockets and a droptail hem. The shirt, made of recycled materials, provides sun protection and thumbholes. Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold / stormcreek.com The soft, relaxed-fit Fleece Quarter Zip is made of a cotton/ poly blend with a cotton-heavy face for breathability and ease of printing. The midweight pullover is available in sizes XS-3X. Next Level Apparel / PPAI 272027, Silver / nextlevelapparel.com The 7.4-oz. Santa Barbara Hoodie offers a comfortable relaxed fit with just the right amount of weight to keep cozy. The 80/20 fleece blend makes it an easy closet staple, and its heavy cotton face offers both breathability and easy printing for your clients’ branding. Next Level Apparel PPAI 272027, Silver nextlevelapparel.com • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 11 In Style | Essentials
The Outdoer Super Stretch Performance Pullover is layered over the Varsity High Stretch Short Sleeve T-Shirt. Featuring four-way stretch, windproof and waterresistant performance, a hidden snap placket and a zippered kangaroo pocket, this pullover delivers comfort and function. Storm Creek / PPAI 438091, Gold stormcreek.com The Heavyweight Pullover Hoodie, made of 80% combed ring-spun cotton and 20% polyester, provides warmth without compromising comfort or looks. The sweatshirt features front kangaroo pockets and comes in 10 colors, including neutrals and trending earth tones. Next Level Apparel / PPAI 272027, Silver nextlevelapparel.com The classic-fit Santa Barbara Full Zip Hoodie has a cotton-heavy face for easy printing, plus a jersey-lined hood and tear-away label for added comfort. Natural drawcords add a pop of contrast. Next Level Apparel / PPAI 272027, Silver nextlevelapparel.com Nicole Rollender heads up New Jersey-based STRANDWritingServices.com. 12 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Essentials | In Style
• SEPTEMBER 2026 • 13 Insurance The Provider The Solution AMBA PPAI 809803, Standard-Base AMBA is a national membership and marketing insurance agency offering PPAI members major medical, Medicare, final expense and business insurance at competitive rates through a streamlined enrollment platform. Insurance solutions help companies protect their businesses and take care of their employees. This PPAI-validated provider offers coverage options and benefits programs tailored to the industry. INSURANCE IS ONE of those things every business needs but few enjoy navigating. For branded merchandise companies, finding the right coverage – whether it’s health benefits for employees, business liability protection or Medicare solutions – can be especially complicated when resources are limited and the options aren’t always clear. That’s where insurance providers working within the PPAI network come in. Rather than sorting through the open market alone, member companies and their employees get access to major medical insurance, final expense coverage and business insurance through providers that already understand the industry – with enrollment handled through a web-based platform that cuts down on the administrative hassle. Real-time quoting, simplified sign-up and competitive product bundles make the process faster on both sides. Less paperwork, fewer headaches and more time to focus on the actual business. For companies that want to offer real benefits without getting buried in the complexity that usually comes with it, PPAI-validated insurance providers make that a lot more doable – for ownership and employees alike. See more on these business services providers and many more. Visit PPAI.org/solutions. Sophon K / Shutterstock.com Solutions Spotlight | Must Read
Products That Warm Up Winter Melissa Maroszek of iPROMOTEu shares must-have branded merch ideas for winter campaigns, including cozy blankets, perfect-for-layering quarter-zips and sleep masks. By Nicole Rollender Melissa Maroszek Manager of Vendor Management iPROMOTEu PPAI 218870, Platinum Wayland, Massachusetts THE WINTER HOLIDAYS and colder months create plenty of opportunities for branded merch that keeps recipients warm and your client’s brand top of mind every time they reach for it. “Winter-themed doesn’t have to mean snowflake or holiday-themed,” Maroszek says. “That alienates several months of the season and pigeonholes you into a certain theme.” Another consideration is the client’s climate and lifestyle. For example, someone in Southern California would prefer a really nice pullover for the cooler temps in the morning, while someone in Wisconsin would want a warm hoodie or an insulated jacket, she says. When choosing warm-for-winter products, Maroszek argues the overall experience matters just as much as the product itself. “You want something that feels luxurious and warms you from the inside,” she says. The Hazelnut Chunky Fur Blanket is Maroszek’s No. 1 recommendation for Main image courtesy of Terry Town Snowflakes: VasylYurlov / Shutterstock.com 14 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Essentials | Use Case
distributors looking for a great client gift at a reasonable price point. “It’s hands-down the fluffiest, snuggliest blanket I’ve ever owned,” she says. “Even taking it out of the box felt like I was unboxing something from Crate & Barrel or Pottery Barn. Wrapping up in this blanket makes you never want to leave the couch.” The 50x60-inch plush blanket is made from double-layered microfiber polyester fur, weighs 5 lbs. and features a sculpted pattern for added warmth. Terry Town / PPAI 230911, Gold / terrytown.com Layering apparel is another great choice for a branded cold-weather gift or campaign. “Whether you’re choosing a product as a gift for clients or outfitting your staff who may be spread out remotely, it’s important to remember that not every climate is the same,” Maroszek says. She points to the Franconia Quilted Pullover as a versatile option for a variety of climates. Made from ultra-soft cotton/poly sweatshirt fleece, this is a classic sweatshirt fit with modern styling. The body has stylish diamond quilting with solid fabric on the collar, sleeves and side panels, along with a durable quarter-zip closure and secure zippered side pockets. “This pullover can easily be dressed up with extra layers underneath for colder temps or worn on its own as a nice business casual choice for the office,” Maroszek says. “We’re seeing more and more apparel suppliers carrying the trendy diamond quilted pattern in their winter apparel now, too.” Charles River Apparel / PPAI 111644, Gold / charlesriverapparel.com Warm-for-winter merch doesn’t need to focus solely on staying physically warm. Maroszek says the colder months bring a greater focus on people finding time to decompress. Beyond blankets and apparel, winter is also an ideal time for branded products that help recipients rest and recharge. “Winter is notoriously a time for things to slow down, especially after the chaos of the holidays is over,” she says. “Whether it’s bringing something along for travel so you’re able to create a relaxing space in a hotel room, something for your at-home desk so you have a positive environment while you’re working, or something you can use to recharge at the end of the day, many clients are looking for useful, purposeful products to gift their clients or staff that are actually going to be used.” Maroszek tried the Wellable Bluetooth Sleep Mask on a trip when she only had a short time to return to her room to recharge. “I was able to lie down, block out all of the light in my room, play white noise with the built-in speakers and Bluetooth connectivity and restore some energy to keep going with my day,” she says. Crafted from soft nylon with added cushioning around the eyes, this brandable mask has an adjustable strap to accommodate different head sizes. Hidden Bluetooth speakers connect to a phone or any Bluetooth-enabled device and feature 10 built-in white noise options. With up to eight hours of playback and a two-hour charge time, this sleep mask helps recipients relax whether they’re traveling, resting at home or winding down for the night. PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com The best winter merch includes products recipients will use regularly throughout the holiday season. By recommending high-quality gifts that provide comfort, warmth or relaxation, you can create a positive brand experience that lasts way beyond the initial giveaway. Nicole Rollender heads up New Jersey-based STRANDWritingServices.com. • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 15 Use Case | Essentials
SPONSORED CONTENT Rediscover Fey Promo: A One-Stop Solution In The Middle Of Everything IF YOU THINK YOU KNOW Fey Promo, think again. While it’s true that for more than 60 years, the family-owned supplier has been proudly manufacturing, decorating and assembling practical, indispensable products at its centrally located Minnesota factory, there’s so much more to the Fey story. Through steady growth, factory expansions and five strategic acquisitions since 2009, Fey has continually renewed its commitment to uncompromising quality and customer service. Today, the company offers thousands of customizable promo products, served up with an unmistakable Midwestern charm that’s rooted in a strong work ethic and backed by a team dedicated to getting things right. Rediscovering Fey starts with a search for the unexpected, and three new Fey products are having quite a moment right now thanks to their retail exposure, eco-friendly vibes and fresh promo applications. Swedish Dishcloth Crafted of 70 percent cellulose and 30 percent cotton, this kitchen staple is not only highly absorbent, durable and longlasting but also sustainable, reusable and biodegradable with FDA-compliant ink. One cloth replaces an average of 17 rolls of paper towels. Choose a single cloth (fits in a #10 envelope) or a set of three wrapped with a customizable paper band. Get the cloths in white or bright colors and add a stock design or a full-color digital imprint to keep a logo or message highly visible in the heart of every home. Beeswax Reusable Wrap This washable, sustainable alternative to single-use plastic food wrap is instantly stopping the scroll for those who care about their food safety and the environment. And with good reason. The reusable, moldable wraps, made from cotton coated with beeswax and plant oil, use the warmth of your hands to create a self-sealing, breathable cover around food and containers. The three-piece set comes in three handy sizes tucked in a customizable cardboard package. Pet Bandana At $165.6 billion this year, the pet industry remains one of the fastestgrowing markets in the U.S. Through a recent partnership with Promopet®, Fey helps clients reach vets, animal hospitals, grooming salons and other pet-focused businesses with a new line of pet products, accessories and travel items. A standout-favorite is the pet bandana. Choose 100-percent cotton with a one-color screen print or 100-percent polyester with a sublimated full-color imprint. Both styles come in two sizes to fit fur babies of any breed. Reflecting on more than six decades of solid success, third-generation CEO Mike Fey says, “At its core, Fey has always been about taking great care of customers. That simple principle has guided us for more than six decades and remains the foundation of everything we do. “What’s changed is how we bring value to the market. Through growth, strategic acquisitions and product innovation, we continue to evolve alongside our customers’ needs. The rediscovery of Fey is really about relevance – finding new ways to deliver practical, high-quality products and exceptional service for today’s marketplace.” Sometimes the best solutions are most unexpected. See what’s waiting to be discovered at Fey Promo. Learn more: Visit FeyPromo.com. 16 • SEPTEMBER 2026 •
RESPONSIBILITY p. 18 IDEAS TO ADVANCE THE MARKETPLACE 09.26 Voices afry_harvy / Shutterstock.com BALANCE BEGINS WITH TRUST The best workplaces believe employees can do great work without sacrificing the rest of their lives. page 22 YOUR BUSINESS • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 17
Good People, Better Business The same values that create standout team cultures are driving responsibility progress in branded merchandise. By Elizabeth Wimbush, CAS STRONG WORKPLACE CULTURES don’t happen by accident. They’re built through trust, good leadership, clear communication and a genuine investment in people. Every year, PPAI’s Greatest Companies to Work For program recognizes organizations that have built cultures where people feel supported, valued and empowered to do their best work. Those organizations deserve to be celebrated. As I reflected on this year’s list, I kept coming back to one thought: Many of the same qualities that make an organization a great place to work are also the qualities that make it a responsible business. Respect. Transparency. Accountability. Curiosity. A willingness to listen and improve. Those values don’t have to stop with our own employees. In fact, I’d argue they shouldn’t. It’s easy for responsibility conversations to gravitate toward environmental topics, from carbon accounting to packaging, waste and circularity. These are all important conversations, and our industry has made meaningful progress in each of those areas. But behind every sustainability initiative is something much more fundamental: people. The people designing products. The people manufacturing them. The people packing, decorating, shipping and delivering them. The people building relationships with clients. The people solving problems when things don’t go according to plan – which, if you’ve worked in branded merch for more than about five minutes, you know happens from time to time. Responsibility has always been about people. That starts inside our own organizations. Creating workplaces where employees feel safe, respected, heard and able to grow isn’t simply good leadership, it’s good business. People who understand their organization’s values and feel connected to its purpose are more engaged, more innovative and more likely to stay through the inevitable challenges that every business faces. Increasingly, that’s becoming an important competitive advantage. Face Stock / Shutterstock.com 18 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Voices | Responsibility
As the branded merch industry works to attract the next generation of talent, company values are no longer just words on a careers page. They’re becoming part of the employee value proposition. Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that 89% of Gen Z respondents consider having a sense of purpose important to their job satisfaction, while nearly half have left a role they felt lacked purpose. Around 4 in 10 have even turned down an employer, assignment or project because it conflicted with their personal ethics or beliefs. For younger professionals, work increasingly reflects what they stand for. And organizations that can authentically demonstrate those values are likely to have an advantage in attracting and retaining great people. But responsibility doesn’t end with our own teams. Every company in our industry relies on a much broader network of people. Suppliers, manufacturers, decorators, logistics providers and service partners all contribute to the products we create and the experiences we deliver. While every organization has a different level of influence within the supply chain, every organization has opportunities to build stronger relationships, ask thoughtful questions and encourage responsible business practices. That doesn’t mean expecting perfection – far from it. One of the biggest misconceptions about responsible sourcing is that it’s about finding flawless suppliers or eliminating every possible risk. In reality, it’s about understanding where risks exist, building trust, creating transparency and supporting continuous improvement over time. The strongest supplier relationships aren’t built through “gotcha” moments, they’re built through collaboration and true partnership. If that sounds familiar, it should. The same philosophy applies to building a great workplace. No company becomes one of the best places to work overnight. Culture is the result of thousands of small decisions to listen to feedback, invest in development, admit when something isn’t working and choosing to make it better. Responsible supply Deloitte’s 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that 89% of Gen Z respondents consider having a sense of purpose important to their job satisfaction. Go to WarwickPublishing.com for details Full Color, Full Coverage Sturdy 4mm Coroplast Corrugated Easy Assembly w/Sturdy Base One or Two Side Printing Available TABLETOP STANDEES NEW! Table and Countertop Full Color Advertising! STE-811 - 8.5"w x 11"h STE-1117 - 11"w x 17"h PPAI/114154 SAGE/57590 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 19 Responsibility | Voices
chains evolve in much the same way. Progress comes through collaboration, consistency and a shared commitment to improving – not because anyone expects perfection, but because everyone believes improvement is possible. That’s one of the many reasons I’m optimistic about where our industry is heading. Across it, we’re seeing organizations strengthen supplier expectations, refresh codes of conduct, invest in education, improve visibility into their supply chains and have more meaningful conversations about worker well-being and ethical business practices. None of those actions, on its own, is a finish line. Together, however, they represent an industry that continues to raise the bar. Perhaps that’s the real connection between a great place to work and a responsible business: Both begin with people. Both require leadership that is willing to listen, learn and evolve. And both recognize that the values we cultivate internally shouldn’t disappear once work moves beyond our own four walls. Responsibility has never been about getting everything right the first time. It’s about asking better questions, making better decisions and continually expanding our understanding of who is affected by those decisions. That’s true for our employees, it’s true for the people throughout our supply chains and, ultimately, it’s true for the long-term health of our industry. As you read this issue and celebrate the organizations recognized as PPAI’s Greatest Companies to Work For, I hope it also serves as an invitation to think a little bigger. The organizations that will stand out tomorrow won’t simply be those that invest in their own people. They’ll be the ones whose values are visible throughout their businesses, from the culture they build internally to the partnerships they develop across their supply chains. In an industry built on relationships, that feels like a pretty good definition of responsibility. Wimbush is the director of sustainability and responsibility at PPAI. Perhaps that’s the real connection between a great place to work and a responsible business: Both begin with people. 20 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Voices | Responsibility
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Balance Begins With Trust The best workplaces believe employees can do great work without sacrificing the rest of their lives. By Mason Linn, CAS WORK/LIFE BALANCE is one of those concepts that nearly every company says it values, but it’s truly evident in the best workplaces. This was far and away the most beloved feature among employees of firms on this year’s PPAI Greatest Companies to Work For list. In the merch business, work/life balance appears in job postings, employee handbooks and conversations about team cultures. Organizations offer flexible schedules, paid time off, wellness benefits and hybrid work arrangements, all intended to help employees manage the demands of their jobs alongside the rest of their lives. Those things matter. But they are only the beginning. A company can have generous policies on paper and still create an environment where employees feel guilty using them. People may technically be allowed to take vacation yet believe they need to monitor email the entire time. They may have flexible hours but worry that arriving later or leaving earlier will be interpreted as a lack of commitment – a sales call that could’ve been made, or an email that could’ve been responded to more quickly. Real work/life balance is not simply a collection of benefits. It is a reflection of trust. afry_harvy / Shutterstock.com 22 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Voices | Your Business
The strongest workplaces trust employees to manage their responsibilities, communicate clearly and deliver good work without proving their dedication through constant availability. Employees, in turn, trust that taking care of themselves or their families will not quietly count against them. That kind of trust is not built through one announcement from leadership. It develops through the daily choices a company makes. Do managers respect time away, or do they regularly contact employees who are supposed to be off? Are people encouraged to set boundaries, or are the employees who answer emails at all hours treated as the most committed members of the team? Is flexibility available across the organization, or does it depend on which manager someone happens to report to? Employees notice the difference between a policy and the culture surrounding it. Balance also looks different for every person. For one employee, flexibility may mean leaving early for school pickup. For another, it may mean caring for an aging parent, attending a medical appointment, volunteering in the community or protecting enough personal time to return to work rested and focused. There is no single schedule or benefit that will meet every need. Great companies understand that supporting employees does not require knowing every detail of their personal lives. It requires giving them reasonable freedom to manage those lives. That does not mean deadlines disappear or that employees can work only when it is convenient. Every business has responsibilities to its customers, members and partners. There will be busy seasons, major projects and moments when a team needs to stretch. Our industry certainly understands that. Trade shows, large orders, unexpected client requests and major events do not always fit neatly into a predictable workday. Healthy balance does not mean pretending those pressures do not exist. It means making sure that periods of intensity are not treated as the permanent operating model. The best workplaces can ask employees to give more during an important moment because those employees know the effort will be recognized and the pace will eventually ease. Flexibility works both ways. When people feel that their company respects their time, they are more willing to step forward when the organization genuinely needs them. Managers play a particularly important role in creating that environment. Employees can communicate their needs and establish personal boundaries, but leaders determine whether those boundaries are realistic. Managers set priorities, assign workloads and demonstrate what is truly expected. A leader who takes vacation and fully disconnects gives 4 Ways Burnout Hurts Your Business 1. Creativity declines Exhausted employees have less energy for problem-solving, innovation and fresh thinking. 2. Patience wears thin Burnout can strain communication, teamwork and customer relationships. 3. Turnover increases People are more likely to leave when an unsustainable pace becomes the norm. 4. Experience walks out the door When employees leave, organizations also lose valuable knowledge, trusted relationships and institutional memory. • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 23 Your Business | Voices
others permission to do the same. A leader who avoids sending unnecessary messages late at night shows that every thought does not require an immediate response. A leader who notices when a dependable employee has become the default solution to every problem can prevent burnout before that employee has to ask for help. No workplace gets all of this right every day. People make mistakes. Busy weeks become busy months. A wellintentioned manager sends a Sunday email and accidentally creates pressure for the entire team. The goal is not perfection. It’s awareness. In my work with communities and partnerships at PPAI, I see repeatedly that people are more likely to contribute when they feel respected, included and supported. That is true in professional networks, volunteer groups and workplaces alike. A strong community does not value people only for what they can produce. It recognizes that people bring their best ideas, energy and judgment when they have room to be whole human beings. That is part of what makes PPAI’s Greatest Companies to Work For honorees worth celebrating. Great workplaces do more than attract talented people. They create environments where those people can continue doing excellent work without exhausting themselves in the process. Work should matter. It should challenge us, provide purpose and give us opportunities to grow. But meaningful work should not require people to surrender everything outside of it. The goal is not to make work the center of an employee’s life. It is to make work a positive, rewarding and sustainable part of it. That begins with trust. Linn is the senior manager of communities and strategic partnerships at PPAI. Work should matter. It should challenge us, provide purpose and give us opportunities to grow. 24 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Voices | Your Business
STORIES TO KEEP AND USE 09.26 Must Read MERCH ON THE MENU If experience is the main course at food halls and truck parks, then branded merchandise is the take-home treat. page 78 PPAI GREATEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR p. 26 THE STATE OF INNOVATION 2026 p. 84 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 25
26 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Culture and balance drive success at these standout industry workplaces. By Russ Tan
The PPAI Greatest Companies To Work For list keeps growing. This year’s superlatives go to 138 companies, up 22 from last year’s list, with 80 returning honorees showing that a strong culture doesn’t happen by accident. The list spans six-person shops to organizations nearing 1,000 employees and includes suppliers, distributors and business service firms, both family-run and publicly held. What ties them together is simple: Every company on this list puts employees at the forefront, according to the staffers themselves. Ask this year’s winners what keeps people around, and one answer comes up more than any other. Roughly 3 out of every 4 winning companies named work/life balance as one of their employees’ top three reasons for staying, putting it well ahead of everything else in the survey. Trust in leadership and a company’s stated values weren’t far behind, and workers consistently pointed to feeling heard and having their contributions noticed. Pay and benefits still matter, but this year, the companies that stood out were the ones where employees feel they are treated as people, not widgets. The full list of winners follows, along with what their employees have to say. How This Survey Is Conducted The annual competition is open to all PPAI member companies with at least five full-time employees. Companies are nominated by their employees, and then each company submits an employee roster to which PPAI sends a 15-question survey. The survey asks employees to rate the company in key areas including employee benefits, workplace culture and leadership. Each company must achieve the established survey participation rate to be eligible for consideration. Survey results are then tabulated using the same standards as in previous years to reveal the toprated companies. • SEPTEMBER 2026 • 27
28 • SEPTEMBER 2026 • Must Read | Greatest Companies to Work For The Greatest Companies To Work For (In alphabetical order by size) Top Micro Companies (5-9 employees) ATX Promos Gift House Givenly Identify Yourself PackKits PromoCorner Romano Promo Southwest Solutions Top Small Companies (10-25 employees) Artina Promotional Products Award Maven Beehive Specialty Blue Dog Merch Bradley + Company Bright Ideas In Broad Ripple Inc. City Apparel + Merch College Hill Cubik Dei Rossi Marketing Executive Advertising eXtendTech Fairware Fill it Forward Fossa Apparel Gator Garb Promotions Gift House GMG Works Headwear USA HF Custom Solutions IDProductsource Image Masters Imagen Infinity Product Group INM Marketing Group Jeckil Promotions Mac Mannes Advertising Magellan Promotions Maple Ridge Farms Mid-America Merchandising Perfect Promotions Printable Raining Rose RED Swag Seville Gear Smith Promotional Advertising Spark Branded Solutions Specialty Incentives Stowebridge Promotion Group Wabii Branding Walker-Clay YNIS Zagwear Top Midsize Companies (26-75 employees) Acehigh Promo BEL Promo BLACK FOREST Blink Marketing BMP Partners Boost Engagement Brand Fuel Brand IQ Cklass Competitive Edge Centricity Chipply City Paper Company Companystore.io Concepts & Associates Consortium Gifts CorporateGift.com Fey Promo Goldner Associates Greater Pacific Industries HDS Marketing Horizon Promotional Products Imprint Plus Indoff Inspired Results J. Charles JH Specialty LogoJET LogoSpeed Look Brilliant Pty Ltd. MadeToOrder Martket Branding Midnite Snax MyBrandPromo OTTO International Peerless Umbrella Picnic Time Pop! Promos PowerStick.com Pro Towels PromoCentric Promotional Source RUPT Scrub Authority Show Your Logo Signet Sky High Marketing Sock Club Sock101 Storm Creek Team SCG The J Paul Company The Kanata Group TPS Promotions & Incentives TSC Visions Whitestone Top Large Companies (more than 75 employees) ASB AnyPromo Apex Advertising BAMKO Boundless Brandability Cap America commonsku Concord Marketing Solutions Edwards Garment ePromos Promotional Products ETS Express Gemline Genumark GO2 Partners Gold Bond HPG iCoStore Image Source iPROMOTEu Nadel Proforma PromoShop Spector & Co. SRG Staples Promotional Products Starline Stormtech USA Stran The Magnet Group Vantage Apparel Vernon NOTE: Company sizes reflect the number of full-time employees as of spring 2026, when rosters were submitted to PPAI.
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