A new online poll on asicentral.com shows nearly eight in 10 industry respondents are concerned about Walmart entering the promo products industry. The results come just days after Walmart launched a promo products site that features imprintable T-shirts, sportswear, drinkware, bags, pens and other logoed items. An online design tool allows shoppers to personalize/customize products with imagery and text.

Counselor has learned the site’s promo items are being supplied – at least in part – through Texas-based distributor Harland Clarke (asi/219943), using products from BIC Graphic (asi/40480) and SanMar (asi/84863). Other brands for sale in apparel included Gildan (asi/56842) and Hanes (asi/59528).

According to the poll, about 35% are “a little” concerned with Walmart’s entry into the industry, while 25% are concerned “a lot.” Another 19% of poll voters choose the option “we’re doomed,” while 21% said they were not concerned by Walmart’s promo product offerings.

Across ASI Central’s social media platforms, reaction has also poured in. On Twitter, @MuktaSareen1 wrote: “I guess [Walmart] will have limitations and not be able to provide that personal touch clients want, but [this is] maybe a game changer.”

On Facebook, Darren Storr wrote: “There goes the neighborhood,” and Kenneth Raper wrote: “I retired at just the right time. It's over for the little guy.” But Matt Kadesh countered with: “Walmart may be good for some things...this is not one of them,” and Mary Poissant said: “Eh, no different than Amazon and then all the crowdfunding sites. It’s only as good as their customer service. Been to Walmart lately?”

Finally, on LinkedIn, Nathan Dufek simply wrote: “Boooooooooo.”

While promo industry reaction has been considerable, Walmart is keeping mum. The company has not responded to multiple attempts by Counselor for comment.