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Dear readers,
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Just-released Q1 ESP search data from ASI Research shows what we had anticipated – in the midst of trade disagreements, Canadian distributors are increasingly shopping for Canada-made items for their clients. We look at what was popular in the quarter, what’s fallen in frequency and the economic challenges industry firms are contending with.
We’ve also got our first-quarter sales numbers for North American distributors and our “Next 5 Years” package from Counselor magazine, in which promo leaders answered a big question: What will the industry look like in 2030?
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Sara Lavenduski
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Executive Director, Client Education & Content
Editor, PromoGram Canada
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New data from ASI Research indicates that, while classic categories once again took the top search spots in Q1, Canadian distributors also expressed growing interest in domestic items. Promo companies say they’re seeing the same trend, though they’re also contending with skittish customers.
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Findings from ASI Research show distributor sales in North America declined by 3.6% and industry confidence plummeted, though there were some success stories.
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The White House is reportedly considering reducing the 145% rate in additional tariffs it has placed on China-made imports in 2025 – a potential boon to industries that rely on importing from there.
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Executive Chairman Jonathan Isaacson spoke with Willy Shih, a professor at Harvard Business School, about the interdependence of supply chains, the price increases consumers are likely to see and where the promo industry goes from here.
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The Counselor Top 40 supplier has tapped executive talent to lead on sales, merchandising and strategy/operations.
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The event signage supplier said it also recently introduced a new 100% PVC-free banner stand as part of its sustainability efforts.
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The three-day event, which celebrated the Counselor Top 40 distributor’s 25th year in business, included sessions with senior leadership, networking opportunities and an awards ceremony that recognized top franchisees.
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On its third birthday, our hub for sustainability news and education is debuting some new and exciting changes.
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So much has happened in the 2020s. No matter what comes next, here’s how promo companies can be successful in adaptability, automation, the global market, sustainability, personalization and personnel.
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ADVERTISEMENT |
Connect, Collaborate & Grow Your Business |
You don’t have to do it alone! Become part of the iPROMOTEu Affiliate community to connect with peers, gain valuable insights, and access exclusive resources, training, and events to help your business thrive.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
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It’s time to recognize the creative and effective use of promotional products with Counselor magazine’s Promo Campaign Awards. We want to hear about your company’s top campaigns that used unique products, generated incredible results or got everyone talking. To nominate your company’s successful promo campaigns, fill in the details here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/25_PCA
Nominations are being accepted for the following categories:
- Distributor Self-Promotion
- Distributor Client Promotion
- Supplier Self-Promotion
- Best Use of Video
- Best Sustainability Campaign
- New* Best Integrated Print & Promo Campaign
Email Managing Editor Joan Chaykin at jchaykin@asicentral.com with supplemental materials or questions. Deadline is May 23, 2025.
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Commonsku has hired Dileshni Jayasinghe as vice president of technology. Jayasinghe has over 15 years of experience building software and a strong passion for AI-led development. “Her deep understanding of building scalable software systems and her passion for cultivating strong engineering teams align perfectly with our vision for the future, particularly as the industry has grown more complex,” said CEO Catherine Graham.
Facilisgroup recently hosted a Top Executive event at the headquarters of Counselor Top 40 supplier Hit Promotional Products (asi/61125; Canada, 61126) in Largo, FL. The event, held April 2 to 4, brought together a select group of distributor and supplier executives and featured a curated agenda focused on innovation, growth and partnership.
Visit ASI Central for more industry news.
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Keep your skills sharp with free online classes at ASIuniversity.com. We have webinars and videos – available exclusively to ASI members – that will help boost your social media skills, increase your sales, improve your decorating knowledge and more. Check out the titles below or browse ASI University to get learning.
Please reach out to Kerry Boderman, ASI Education Director, with any questions you may have: kboderman@asicentral.com. |
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Need to drive your 3rd- and 4th-quarter sales? Attend ASI Show Chicago, July 22-24, the industry’s final show of the year and your last chance to find everything you need to end 2025 on top. Meet in-person with over 500 suppliers to solidify relationships and source the products and ideas that’ll get you to your end-of-year sales goal! Register today.
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SPONSORED BY
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Advertising Specialty Institute®, 4800 Street Road, Trevose, PA 19053 |
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