PM Longform

Meet 12 professionals who are making moves and laying the groundwork for the next generation of women entering the print and promo world.

This time last year, the print and promo industry seemed poised for an explosion of M&A activity as the business fallout from the pandemic became clearer. Did it happen? Plus, recapping the big acquisitions from the last year, predicting where industry M&A will go next, and things to consider if you’re buying or selling...

Product prices are up across the board for 2022—in some cases greatly so. For some product categories, like tech and outdoor products, prices are still rising. How can distributors protect their margins while keeping customers from leaving for the lowest bidder?...

The supply chain is making life hell for promo distributors and suppliers, leading to mounting frustration that’s costing time, money and jobs. As burnout sets in, it’s only adding to the supply chain mess. What can the industry to do stop it? And what happens if it doesn’t?...

The print side of the industry has seen a number of mergers and acquisitions since the start of the pandemic, but the promo side has been relatively quiet. Here's how a top supplier and top distributor have navigated the M&A landscape—plus, what to know if you’re buying or selling, and what’s in store for industry M&A in 2021 and beyond...

"Gifting-as-a-service" or "one-to-one gifting" companies are attracting big investments from venture capital firms as they bring tech-startup sensibilities to corporate gifting. But what exactly do these companies do—and why should the promo industry be paying attention?...

The pandemic is wreaking havoc on the global supply chain, with real consequences for print and promo businesses. Shipping delays and price increases are happening now, but other impacts will take time to play out—and last long after the pandemic ends. Here's what distributors should know and what actions they can take...

Are you a promo distributor or a print distributor? Or, are you a print and promo distributor? There was a time when these were two different paths—two different industries even. That's not the case anymore, and especially after a grueling 2020, selling both print and promotional products is necessary for growth...

Apparel orders can be messy—but they don't have to be. From decorating to customizing to kitting, promo suppliers are offering one-stop-shop apparel solutions for distributors that can simplify orders, add value and save on costs. Here’s how...

Overruns have long been a standard part of doing business in the promo industry, but not everyone is on board. We talked to distributors and suppliers to learn the reasons behind overruns, identify strategies for dealing with them and attempt to settle a surprisingly philosophical question they pose. Plus, we ask if the economic fallout from the pandemic rekindled the debate...