Flash Towards Increased Visibility
In an otherwise extremely depressed market the continued growth of USB storage devices is a shining light on an otherwise grim horizon. Flash devices provide two unique opportunities, one in branding of the product itself and also in the expense saving of on publishing costs. Many of the most widely received USB storage drives now have the capability to have data uploaded to them prior to delivery. A couple in particular stand out from the rest.
The Rotate USB Flash Drive 1GB can be packaged with an optional lanyard and key ring. There are dozens of similar looking drives on the market but very few will come with a gift box and the ability to upload data. The color selections are also nice in what has become a commodity drive. If you need a larger file storage space the Rotate USB Flashdrive V.2.0 2GB greatly adds to the amount and number of files you can store as well as upload. The end user can easily store hundreds if not thousands of digital images on a drive of this size. If you are looking for something that is a bit newer in appearance the Cosmo USB Flash Drive V.2.0: 1GB looks a lot like a lipstick case which is designed to store easily in a pocket or purse. The entire mechanism of the drive snaps open and shut with a simple twist of the drive. The imprint is carried on the outside of the case. For an even more unique look the Slide USB Flash Drive V.2.0 1GB is a product not seen among other manufacturers. It offers an interesting twist action that protects the external drive parts. The fact that you cannot find this in many places helps to increase the value. If you are looking to tap into the automotive segment the Pull & Lock USB Flash Drive V.2.0 1GB gives the flexibility of being both a keychain and USB drive in one. Affordable and attractive it provides users on the go with vast data moving abilities.
A slew of data today on the state of the domestic economy only further illustrates how far we have fallen. Consumers began to show some interest in spending over the last few months but a surprise decline in consumer confidence in the latest survey has investors nervous. When you take a culmination of the data whether it be the lack of oil demand, lack of demand for business loans or non automotive retail spending the data all points to more difficult times ahead with the holiday season being critical. The key for any business right now is finding the next hot item. In our industry the antibacterial gels are huge as we discussed in responsible and timely ideas during crisis situations. Furthering that point it is not a bad idea to provide customers with relevant information in a timely manner. A suggestion for those selling the hand cleaner gels would be providing CDC recommendations on staying healthy. Providing a simple link from your site helps to get the word out.
Recycled Rising Once Again
One of the many victims of the downturn in the economy was the slightly more expensive recycled and organic products. In the apparel industry many have fizzled entirely but they are making a strong comeback in the accessories market.
The Recycled Horizon Tote is a throwback to the non-green model which has been a huge seller for Gemline. Like the earlier release it has long 27 inch handles and is made from PET fabric. There is also a nice pen loop and like the Laminated 100% Recycled Shopper it is a reusable tote that includes a hand tag that provides educational information. The process of lamination adds to the durability of the bag and will also allow you to wipe it clean with ease. We like the idea that it should increase the useful life of the tote. The Going Green Grocery Set combines a couple of different products into one and offers an outside insulated tote and 2 interior grocery totes. This offers some interesting branding opportunities but more importantly provides a substantial amount of safety for those in warmer climates. Up until this custom grocery set there was little opportunity to keep items cold from the store. As with all items used to carry food it is important that you keep the bags clean. This can be accomplished by washing in hot water and using antibacterial cleaners as needed. Always be sure to spot test first.
Recycled and organic items continue to pop into the market. There long term success depends a lot on price and on the economy at large. We like this introduction from Gem and believe the price is right for the current economy. Recycled apparel continues to falter and we believe that it will be some time before comfortable and attractive garments hit the market. Right now customers are falling back on what they know which is the less expensive traditional goods.
Bodek and Rhodes recently celebrated their 70th anniversary. Considering how tough things have been for suppliers we felt it was worth a mention. Their company was founded in a basement but has become one of the largest suppliers in the industry. Here is to hoping they pick up parts of the Columbia line which have vanished from Sanmar. Sad to see what was a dominate brand retreat almost entirely from the corporate market. Stock was always an issue with Columbia as they clearly were more concerned with the retail channel but let’s hope the new relationship prospers as the choice is good for everyone.
Summer Stall Becomes Autumn Slide
After a long summer hiatus we are back to introduce new items and also to discuss the overall state of affairs within the business and overall economy. To be plain and relatively simple the words the economy is still sliding sideways at the very best. This is concerning as billions of stimulus dollars have been pumped into the economy since our last article. Gas prices once again rose for no real apparent reason other than the fact a few traders said it should and were able to once again manipulate the market with words rather than barrels. As we turn the calendar and approach the holiday shopping season we have an economy in danger of beginning another leg down but one in which it now appears to many has at least stabilized.
Two introductions in particular have caught our eye this fall. The Network Zippered Tote is one of the items that has arrived on scene and provides high quality construction at the value prices of lesser totes. Available in several colors it is constructed of non PVC materials which provides the customer with a great deal of safety. PVC has no place around any item that may be used by young children as it can potentially contain contaminants. Eliminating any worries of PVC the Recycled Cotton Mini Tote carries along the same lines of earlier releases. It looks a lot like several industry leaders and like those bags has the educational hand tag which gives the end user reassurance that they are buying a “green” product.
This industry has been rocked by many of the same problems that shook other sectors. Several major vendors are reportedly trimming staff and a couple have vanished outright. Bic bought out Norwood at the last minute and so far has kept the lines entirely separate but it is widely expected they will eventually merge operations. The economy is at best being propped up by the tremendous infusion of government dollars and barring a very good holiday season it is likely it will stagger into next year. There is no rapid growth on the horizon and the fallout from the housing market still needs to ripple through. The lack of credit and lending is a huge hinderance to any business expansion and non stressed merger activity is still very slim.
We will continue to provide updates over the next few weeks as we roll out new offerings. In the meantime we remind you to take a look at some of the earlier entries such as Catching the Chill on the Rebound and our other entries.
