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PromoWire (7/7-7/8)

News And Notes From Around The Industry

adidas Names S&S Its Exclusive US Distributor For Team Apparel

1/8

SanMar Announces Exclusive Apparel/Bag Partnership With MiiR

2/8

PCNA Partners With Caran d’Ache

3/8

Proforma Wins 4 GDUSA Awards

4/8

Picnic Time Launches Giveback Partnership With World Central Kitchen

5/8

Thumbprint Announces 2 VP Promotions

6/8

Akran Marketing Gamifies High-Pressure Training

7/8

Calverley Partners With Secrid

8/8

PromoWire

adidas Names S&S Its Exclusive US Distributor For Team Apparel

S&S Activewear (PPAI 256121, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 2 supplier, has been named the exclusive U.S. distributor for adidas team apparel, expanding a partnership between the two companies that spans more than a decade. The agreement provides customers with access to a broader range of adidas products across teamwear, corporate apparel and gifting, while also creating additional opportunities in team programs, team stores and school athletics.

The adidas team apparel collection is designed for schools, athletic programs and team organizations and builds on the global brand’s reputation for performance, innovation and style. According to S&S, the expanded partnership supports its strategy of offering premium, retail-recognized brands alongside business solutions, customer service and a nationwide distribution network.

“This is an exciting new chapter in our relationship,” says Kendall Whitley, vice president of team sales for S&S. “For more than a decade, we’ve built a strong partnership with adidas, and this expansion reflects our shared commitment to customer success.” Nick Blannin, senior vice president of product for S&S, added that the company will continue investing in products, capabilities and partnerships that help customers differentiate themselves and meet growing demand for premium brands.

PromoWire

SanMar Announces Exclusive Apparel/Bag Partnership With MiiR

MiiR, the Seattle-based lifestyle brand known for its premium drinkware and giving-focused business model, has entered a wholesale partnership with SanMar (PPAI 110788, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 1 supplier. Beginning in July, SanMar will distribute MiiR’s newly launched apparel and bag collection for use in corporate gifting, employee recognition, hospitality and event programs. MiiR’s drinkware and coffee accessories will continue to be distributed exclusively through Gemline through the end of 2026, with SanMar assuming responsibility for the full MiiR product portfolio, including drinkware, in January 2027.

The partnership supports MiiR’s expansion from a drinkware-focused company into a broader lifestyle brand. SanMar, which operates nine distribution centers nationwide, will provide increased scale and customization opportunities for business customers. The new collection includes 31 men’s and women’s apparel styles, along with a range of bags designed for everyday use and travel. MiiR said the offerings are intended to provide organizations with a broader set of branded merchandise options.

“This partnership with SanMar represents a new chapter of growth for MiiR in how we think about access and reach,” says Bryan Papé, CEO and founder of MiiR. “Partnering with SanMar elevates what we’ve already been building in the corporate space, bringing our full ecosystem to more businesses through the most trusted name in the industry.” Papé also thanked Gemline, PPAI’s No. 9 supplier, for its role in growing the MiiR brand within the promotional products market and said the company’s continued exclusive distribution of drinkware through 2026 will help ensure a smooth transition for customers and partners.

PromoWire

PCNA Partners With Caran d’Ache

PCNA (PPAI 113079, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 6 supplier, has announced a partnership with Caran d’Ache, a Swiss manufacturer of art materials and writing instruments.

PCNA will carry the brand’s 849 Ballpoint Pen product line (three offerings). The supplier will also carry the 888 Infinite Ballpoint Pen. These offerings are now available in the U.S.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Caran d’Ache to the PCNA portfolio and bring this iconic Swiss brand to our distributor partners and their customers,” says Liz Haesler, global chief merchandising officer of PCNA. “For more than a century, Caran d’Ache has represented exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design, making its premium stationery products a natural fit for executive gifts, recognition programs, and elevated corporate moments where distinction matters.

“At PCNA, we’re continually expanding our offerings so distributors have the variety and caliber of options they need to meet their clients’ evolving needs in the high-end space. This partnership reflects that commitment, further strengthening our portfolio with a distinctive writing collection that helps brands create lasting, memorable connections.”

 

PromoWire

Proforma Wins 4 GDUSA Awards

Proforma (PPAI 196835, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 5 distributor, announced that it has won four Graphic Design USA American Inhouse Design Awards in the 2026 competition, continuing a 15-year streak of consecutive wins.

This year, Proforma earned top recognition in four categories for four standout campaigns:

  • Direct Mail & Direct Response: On Point Onboarding
  • Integrated Marketing Campaigns: Unbox Possibilities
  • Branding & Identity Programs: Proforma New Owner Welcome Kit
  • Catalogs: Proforma Retail Catalog

“The goal of each campaign is not only to make a visual impact but also to spark conversations among distributor owners, their customers and prospects,” says Tim Nale, chief brand officer at Proforma. “This national recognition from GDUSA is a proud moment for Proforma and a testament to the talent on the Proforma brand team and the quality of work produced.”

PromoWire

Picnic Time Launches Giveback Partnership With World Central Kitchen

Picnic Time (PPAI 143980, Silver), PPAI 100’s No. 75 supplier, has announced a new giveback partnership with World Central Kitchen. In an effort to support global humanitarian relief, Picnic Time will donate 1% of sales from all branded merchandise orders directly to WCK.

  • Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, WCK has served more than 600 million meals around the world.
  • WCK’s Relief Team mobilizes with urgency during disasters, partnering with local organizations, restaurants and food trucks to quickly and effectively serve comforting meals to communities in need, while simultaneously supporting regional economies by purchasing local ingredients.

“It’s incredibly moving to watch World Central Kitchen step up and feed communities the moment a crisis hits,” says Brandon Vasquez, director of promotional sales at Picnic Time Family of Brands. “We are so proud to stand behind it. It feels great knowing that every order placed with our team translates to real, immediate help for people all over the world.”

PromoWire

Thumbprint Announces 2 VP Promotions

Thumbprint (PPAI 638974, Gold), PPAI 100’s No. 31 distributor, has announced the promotions of Brandi Johnson to vice president of program operations and Brandon Holloway to vice president of logistics.

  • Johnson has been with Thumbprint for more than a decade, playing a pivotal role in developing and managing the operational systems that power the company’s client programs.
  • Holloway has also spent more than 10 years helping build Thumbprint’s logistics and fulfillment capabilities.

“One of the things that makes Thumbprint different is that we don’t just grow our business – we grow our people,” says Tom Rector, founder and CEO of Thumbprint. “Brandi and Brandon have helped build this company through every stage of our journey. They represent the kind of leaders who quietly make extraordinary things happen every single day.”

PromoWire

Akran Marketing Gamifies High-Pressure Training

Akran Marketing (PPAI 228797, Standard-Plus), PPAI 100’s No. 74 distributor, took its employees on a shopping spree to teach them how to cope with the stress that can arise from client demands, such as short delivery times, quick response times and tight budgets.

“If we take our team members on a shopping spree with a limited time, they will be forced to act and work in a limited time,” says Mikas Agarwal, chief digital officer at Akran. By putting a strict clock on their buying time, the exercise was designed so team members wouldn’t just make test decisions but deliver proven results.

“I was thrilled with the outcome of the event,” says Raman Agarwal, president and CEO of Akran.
“Our success relies entirely on our team members.”

PromoWire

Calverley Partners With Secrid

Calverley (PPAI 752653, Standard-Base) has partnered with Secrid, the Dutch pocketwear brand, to manage and grow its corporate gifting business in the United States.

A Certified B Corporation, Secrid makes its products in Europe and assembles them in sheltered workshops in the Netherlands.

“We selected Calverley for its proven track record in developing the branded gifting channel for Life360’s Tile range, alongside its strong reputation for delivering exceptional customer service,” says Camiel Mulders, lead for corporate gifts at Secrid.

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