Hawaiian Theme Promotions

It must be luau season again, because we are getting a lot of interest in Hawaiian Themed Promotions on the American Promotions website. We just had an order for 75 Hawaiian shirts with embroidery on the back, and we have had a lot of interest in Hawaiian tote bags.

It is always interesting to me what sells and what doesn't in our industry and the market is far from predictable. But with Hawaiian and other island themed parties and promotions, it is easy to see the appeal. The island lifestyle is an intoxicating dream for most Americans. This explains the success of brands like Tommy Bahama, whose entire lifestyle brand is meant to evoke a kind of stylized island experience.

Luau's are a very popular form of summer company party, and a luau is a good way to provide something a little different in place of the company bar-b-que.

DILBERT - Imprint Stress Toy

Working folk, like myself, love Dilbert. Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert has created a group of characters that create a sometimes biting but mostly gentle satire about heartlessness, bureaucracy, greed, stupidity, office politics and mediocrity in the American corporate experience.

I think that many companies are at least somewhat aware of their inefficiencies and quirks, and these fun and coy stress toys can give any company or human resource department a way to laugh at itself and show employee appreciation. The whole gang is available, so check them out:
Dilbert stress toy, Catbert stress toy, Dogbert stress toy, Alice stress toy, The Boss stress toy, Wally stress toy

Patriotic Stress Toys

Promotional stress toys, also referred to as stress relievers or stress balls come in a huge assortment of types. My favorite supplier is Ariel Premium Supply. They have a very deep selection of styles.

Here are a handful of styles for your company's Fourth of July or other patriotic themed promotion:

Uncle Sam Hat Stress Toy

American Eagle Stress Toy

United States Stress Toy


Statue of Liberty Stress Toy

Landing The Account

I have been in the promotional products business for more than 10 years. The bulk of those years, our company obtained business the old fashioned way: we worked through cold calls, direct marketing and relationship marketing (which was by far the most successful).

However, about two years ago, under the wise and tenacious direction of my partner, LaRae Crane, we started a major web initiative to move the majority of our sales online. We are well into that process.

Our company had tried to land an order with the Swire Coca-Cola account in Draper, Utah (the local Coca-Cola bottler) for the last eight years. We had sent them materials, called on them, provided quotes. However, we had never landed an order.

However, without any notice, a buyer with Swire Coca-Cola contacted us after browsing the website of an H2GO water bottle. He needed a large order to do cooperatively with the Training Table Restaurant, and he contacted our office and asked us to "sharpen our pencil." We landed that order with this item:

I am just amazed at the power of the web. When you have what people want, presented in an attractive and service-friendly way, they come looking for you.