| A Juggling Act! | |
Dear ,
The Economic Recovery - A Juggling Act.
Since the end of 2009 we have been blogging about the impact of the economic downturn. While everyone may not feel like they are in the midst of their own personal recovery, all of the global and domestic indicators show that an economic upswing has begun.
The challenge as it relates to the promotional products industry is two-fold. The first is the backlash of the massive inventory reductions that took place during 2009. As sales declined all of the suppliers cut back on the number of days' supply of product to raise cash. The second is the impact of work force reduction.
Our blog post on 10-10-09 spoke about how this would result in a number of year end inventory bargains. Then on 01-08-10 we blogged about inventory shortages and on 03-24-10 we wrote about challenging service levels. This week we compiled information that shows that Q1 2010 is really taking off both here in the US and globally. However, domestic unemployment numbers are not improving at a rate that shows employers are ready to replace large numbers of laid off personnel.
Our prediction is this growth will make it harder to replenish the inventory and service levels, as most suppliers will not yet return to the standards that we have become accustomed to prior to 2009.
We strongly recommend that all of this is taken into account for the remainder of this year and that we factor longer lead times into our overall planning process. We will all be keeping many balls in the air at the same time for the remainder of 2010.
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| What's Hot | |
 Based on our clients response to our 12-19-09 post on Banner Bags we wanted to share our thoughts on this hot product. It started in Europe where both fashion and recycling are working harmoniously. Companies, municipalities and organizations are taking Vinyl, PVC and Polypropylene banners and signs and remanufacturing them into trendy looking totes, messenger bags, duffels and more.
It's a smart way to keep your logo out of landfills and show that you are doing your share in the green movement. At this year's Sundance Film Festival the bags were the rage. We just produced the bags for this year's Boston Marathon that John Hancock gave as gifts to key volunteers and partners.
We have really perfected the process and can't wait to tell you how to put your old banners back to work. Check out out Banner Bag post for more details.
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| Blogospshere. | |
 Blogosphere. OK, we just love the term and wanted to use it but we also wanted to let you know that our resident blogger was featured in the April issue of Advantages, a leading industry periodical. Our new web site which was launched on 12-15-09 is what we call a blog powered web site. Instead of traditional pages of static content we publish brief and timely posts on a weekly basis. For our readers it translates to current and relevant information that you can use to stay current with promotional marketing news and trends. Here is a sampling of our most highly viewed posts that are packed with product information that will keep you in the know.
- Wine Totes
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