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FEATURED POST

Tariffs and the Promo Industry: Mitigating Risk

Update – June 4, 2025 The Tariff Plot Continues to Thicken Tariffs on imported goods are still bouncing around: the White House won a last-minute court stay that keeps the “Liberation Day” 10% blanket tariff alive, metal duties just jumped to 50%, and a big batch of product exemptions got a short-term reprieve. All of […]

Top 5 Trade Shows to Attend in the 2nd Half of 2025

Posted on Wed May 28, 2025.

Summary: Explore five of the top remaining 2025 trade shows to boost brand exposure, generate leads, and forge partnerships—essential for maximizing your company’s presence in the evolving trade show landscape. Trade shows hold immense opportunities for businesses both small and large. The ability to promote directly to would-be partners, customers, and beyond is more valuable […]

Imprint Engine Breaks the Top 40 in PPAI’s 100 List for 2025!

Posted on Tue May 27, 2025.

Summary: Imprint Engine debuts at #28 on the PPAI 100 List, a top honor recognizing branded merch leaders for innovation, CSR, and global brand experience excellence. We’ve officially arrived. Imprint Engine has been named to the PPAI 100 list of top distributors—and not just anywhere on the list. We landed at #28, making our first-ever […]

How to Build a Tailored Employee Incentive Program

Posted on Wed May 21, 2025.

Summary: Learn how to design an employee incentive program using personas, SMART goals, and branded merch to drive motivation, retention, and team alignment. In today’s competitive and hybrid work environment, a one-size-fits-all employee incentive program just doesn’t cut it. Top-performing teams are fueled by recognition that feels personal, purposeful, and aligned with what truly motivates […]

Hoodie Design Ideas for Custom Merch & Corporate Gifts

Posted on Tue May 13, 2025.

Need to Skim? Key Takeaways: Table of Contents The hoodie has evolved from a utilitarian garment for laborers in the 1930s to a wardrobe staple for everyone: athletes, soccer moms, high-fashion models, loungewear aficionados, and everyone in between. Naturally, they’ve become one of the most popular apparel options for branded merch. When coming up with […]

Planning a Corporate Event? Don’t Do It Alone – Try Our Guide

Posted on Fri May 9, 2025.

Planning a corporate event can feel like herding cats (minus the claws, hopefully!). The first time, you’re blindsided by the chaos, but as you gain experience, you learn to keep a few treats in your pocket. Metaphorically, of course. That’s where this corporate event planning guide originated. As difficult as they are to plan, corporate events […]

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What is Promotional Mix? Real-World Examples + Tips

Posted on Wed May 7, 2025.

A promotional mix is the combo of marketing tools and communications you use to promote your products or service to your target audience. Think your promotional mix is just about blasting discounts and hoping for the best? Think again. Many marketers fall into the trap of treating the promotional mix as a one-size-fits-all solution, but […]

Is Direct Mail Still Effective? How We Leverage It For Success

Posted on Sun May 4, 2025.

First, what is direct mail marketing? It’s a form of advertising that leverages physical promotional materials. Think postcards, brochures, or even small gifts. Digital and social media marketers want you to think direct mail is dead. But as the online world gets more saturated, consumers are craving tangible, “real life” brand experiences! At Imprint Engine, […]

How Screen Printing Works (And Why It’s So Popular)

Posted on Thu May 1, 2025.

It’s likely that nearly every graphic tee in your collection was made using screen printing. It’s a versatile method for applying designs using a mesh screen, ink, and a rubber blade. If you’re designing your next batch of merch but are curious about why exactly screen printing is one of the most popular decoration methods, […]

Building a Merchandising Strategy? Use Our Process

Posted on Tue Apr 22, 2025.

Whether your retail merchandise lives online or in the real world, crafting an effective merchandising strategy should be your first step in designing a customer experience that keeps people coming back. We build company stores and in-person displays for companies of all industries and sizes, so we’ve compiled our key insights and approaches to meeting […]

9 Appreciation Gift Ideas For Hybrid Workers

Posted on Tue Apr 15, 2025.

9 Appreciation Gift Ideas for Hybrid Workers Summary: Discover 9 top gift ideas for hybrid workers that blend branded merch with practicality—like backpacks, tech accessories, and drinkware—to boost morale and brand loyalty. Since 2020, many organizations have adopted a more flexible work environment. Some businesses operate entirely remotely, some have returned to the office full-time, […]

Capture Attention With These Direct Mail Examples

Posted on Tue Apr 8, 2025.

Direct mail is an advertising tool that allows your brand to reach people offline through printed mailers, swag, or other physical items. Digital marketing has become so oversaturated that consumers are experiencing information overload, resulting in decreased engagement and analysis paralysis. Direct mail provides an opportunity to connect with consumers in a more memorable, tangible […]

How We Design for Screen Printing (So You Don’t Have To)

Posted on Thu Mar 27, 2025.

Custom merchandise gives businesses the opportunity to showcase their brand personality through fashion and design while advertising their business each time the product is worn or used. One of the most popular decoration techniques for branded merch is screen printing, which requires special tools and skills to manage and produce high-volume production orders. That’s where […]