E-News Insider

Missed a trend report, industry news, hot deal or other informative tidbits from our wide array of e-newsletters? You can access all our archives by going to asicentral.com and clicking on "Newsletters." In the meantime, here are some highlights from recent editions.

From "Advantages Hot Deals"

Jot It Down

The Pitch: Perfect for all kinds of promotions, the Scribbler from HandStands (asi/59525) is a dry-erase board you can stick anywhere. Sticky Pad Technology grips to most surfaces including vinyl, metal, plastic and laminate, allowing the recipient to jot notes anywhere: fridge, desk, car dashboard, console, bathroom mirror, locker and more. It includes a dry-erase marker with eraser end and a slot for easy marker storage. Suggest it for new hire welcome gifts, college recruitment efforts, auto promotions and more. Check it out: http://bit.ly/1CIyc77.

The Bottom Line: Leave a reminder.

Dunk It

The Pitch: Just made my annual purchase of Girl Scout Cookies (Thin Mints and Peanut Butter Patties) and if you, too, are placing cookie orders for your clients, be sure to suggest the Cookie Dipr from Quickpoint (asi/80150) as an add on. It's new for 2015 and as the name implies, it helps you dip your cookies into milk (or whatever you want to dip them in) without getting fingers messy. Pricing starts at 100; $2.50-C. Click here for further info: http://bit.ly/1JOrjBi.

The Bottom Line:That's the way the cookie crumbles.

Girly Girls

The Pitch: As someone who regularly buys cosmetics of all types (and I've got the drawers full to prove it), I know I'd appreciate a gift of lip gloss or nail polish from Diamond Cosmetics Inc. (asi/49640). They have tons of colors available, with names like Bahama Mama, Fab Original and It's Never Too Late. And it's never too late for you to suggest these for any female-focused promotions. To see available colors and get more info, click here: http://bit.ly/1BeOH6F.

The Bottom Line: Polish your act.

From "Wearables Style"

Trend Alert: Mélange

The distinctive pattern of mélange fabric makes it a perfect choice for fresh, retail-inspired promotions in the new year. Industry suppliers offer everything from full-zip hoodies to lightweight tech polos in mélange, making it an ideal style to transition clients from winter to spring. Also known as heathered fabric, mélange is traditionally made of dyed and undyed fibers weaved together inconsistently, resulting in a unique, eye-catching pattern. Wearers will appreciate the soft hand, striking design and plethora of garment styles available.

   

"The demand for mélange is strengthening because its fabric variation adds to the garment's visual value." Andrea routzahn, alphabroder

"The demand for mélange is strengthening because its fabric variation adds to the garment's visual value," says Andrea Routzahn, vice president of portfolio and supplier management at alphabroder (asi/34063), which currently offers a mélange bonded fleece jacket (88697/78697), piqué heather polo (DG210/DG210W) and performance shirt (87045/77045). "We're seeing this trend across many applications, from basic performance tees and polos in uniforming brands, to corporate outfitting with outerwear, fleece and wovens," says Routzahn. "It's especially popular for corporate, team and activewear applications, but it's been resonating in all markets."

Gina Barreca, director of marketing at Vantage Apparel (asi/93390), says that, while traditional gray and blue shades continue to own the day, brighter colors, especially for women, are gaining traction. "Mélange is showing up in all types of silhouettes, from classic jacket styles to sportier activewear pieces," says Barreca. "It adds interest to a fabric, which gives the garment a higher perceived value."