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Industry Trends

The ebbs and flows of the economy can rock any company who isn't current on events and changes in the market. Following are a few trends that FedEx sees as very important to the ongoing development and growth in the promotional products industry.

Consolidation Among Suppliers and Distributors
Leed's parent buys Bulletline. Cyrk buys Apex-Multizen. It seems headlines like these are appearing more often, and it isn't only the largest companies that are merging or being acquired. M&A activity usually stems from a very short list of reasons, such as to make the business larger and more profitable, increase geographic reach and penetration, and provide a wider array of products.

The challenge to merged companies is to make sure that their supply chain can maintain the desired service levels and order cycle times as they support their growing businesses.

Asian Products Dominate Imported Promotional Products
A recent study of promotional product suppliers indicates that of the 68 percent of suppliers who import products, 80 percent source from China, with Taiwan and Hong Kong in distant second place. The study also shows that most companies choose to decorate the product once it is in their possession, rather than have this done in China. This strategy allows suppliers to more quickly pull items from stock and do final decoration. For suppliers, their main concern is to manage inventory levels to ensure that they don't significantly outpace demand.

Industry Programs & Events

FedEx is an active supporter and participant in the promotional products distribution industry. We frequently provide educational programs and participate in a variety of industry events. Look for upcoming activities in your area including:

PPAI The Expo 2007
Las Vegas, Nevada January 2–6, 2007
The Expo is the largest gathering in the U.S. of suppliers and promotional consultants. Promotional consultants can take part in a variety of educational sessions helping advance to their coveted CAS and MAS certifications. The suppliers showcase their new products and services. Come hear FedEx speakers and use the convenient FedEx ship center to send catalogs and samples back to the office. Find more information and register with at: http://ppaiexpo.expoexchange.com/

Imprinted Sportswear Show
Long Beach, California January 19–21, 2007
Come out and see the latest lines and latest techniques from suppliers across the country. Attendees can learn how to sell items better from seminars, when not strolling through the hundreds of suppliers. For more information visit: http://www.issshows.com/iss/index.jsp

Industry Associations & Publications

Promotional Products Association International (PPAI)

Universal Promotional Identification Code (UPIC)

Promotional Products Business (PPB) Magazine