China will remain a competitive and important part of the branded merchandise industry, especially in hard goods, for the foreseeable future.It’s currently the source for most of the products we sell in this industry. Leaving Chinese factories i...

Not every merch buyer is looking for the same thing. Some care about creativity, while others prioritize speed or sustainability. That’s where buyer personas come in. They’re snapshots of your ideal customers that allow you to better understand thei...

ASB (PPAI 101656, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 11 distributor, has announced the promotion of President Justin Zavadil to CEO. His father, founder Larry Zavadil, will transition from his role as CEO to chairman of the board.While stepping away from...

In May, the Association announced the 100 suppliers and 100 distributors that made the cut for the 2026 PPAI 100.Of course, the PPAI 100 is more than an annual ranking. It’s a practical benchmark that helps branded merchandise companies track pr...

In the hands of a skilled designer, printer, embroiderer or craftsman, decorating adds the wow factor that can transform almost any product into an instant fan favorite.In this year’s PPAI Pyramid Awards in Supplier Decorating, judges awarded go...

“Robotics” used to sound like something futuristic and far off, like robot butlers or flying cars. But it’s not so space-age anymore. Robotics are part of everyday life, from helping vacuum floors to nudging drivers back into their own lanes. Before...

Access benchmarking information to compare your company's key performance indicators to others in your competitive segment through this 2026 PPAI Magazine special report.Expand and download the report below.PPAI 0726_StateOfGrowthDownload ...

Running your own merch business has plenty of perks, but it can also get lonely. When you spend most of your days working from home, it’s easy to realize you haven’t connected with another industry peer in weeks. The good news? You can build a commu...

The branded merchandise industry enters mid-year 2026 with strong consumer relevance, positive but measured growth and a rapidly changing operating environment.Demand isn’t the core problem. Consumers continue to value useful, well-designed merc...