BIC Graphic Debuts 200+ New Products at PPAI Show
BIC Graphic has launch of over 200 exciting new products for 2015, across nearly all major product categories.
A few highlights: BIC Graphic launched several new styles of pens including two completely new BIC® branded designs that are both elegant and modern – the BIC® Emblem Pen and the BIC® Journey Pen. Two of its most popular pens, the Digital Clic Stic® and the Digital Round Stic®, have been updated to include a full barrel, full color imprint.
Norwood by BIC Graphic has significantly expanded its technology offerings with nearly 60 new items ranging from modern, stylish watches to USBs to smartphone and tablet accessories such as myCharge® power banks, phone holders and stands. It also introduced several branded drinkware items such as the REALTREE® bubba® Envy Tumbler and three new Cool Gear™ items. Also new are 27 products in the JAFFA® by BIC Graphic awards and recognition category, and a variety of calendars in the Triumph® and Good Value Calendars® lines. For more information visit norwood.com and bicgraphic.com.
Online Commerce Company Alibaba, CPSC Working Together on Consumer Safety
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is collaborating with China-based Alibaba to block the sale of banned or recalled goods to U.S. buyers on its online marketplace platforms. Alibaba Group had more than 300 million annual active buyers in 2014, and many U.S. firms purchase goods from Alibaba sellers for resale on other marketplaces.
Alibaba has also agreed to create access points on its business to business (B2B) platform that would guide U.S. importers to U.S. safety standards for higher risk consumer products.
Speaking from the Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, CPSC chairman Elliot F. Kaye commended the China-based online giant’s commitment to cooperate with CPSC in making illegal or recalled products in the United States unavailable to buyers who are identified as being located in the U.S.
Under the arrangement, Alibaba Group has established a direct line of contact for CPSC. The company has pledged to work swiftly with CPSC on requests to block sales of illegal and recalled consumer products to U.S. buyers on Alibaba Group platforms. Product safety information for U.S. importers will also be available on Alibaba Group platforms in the coming days.
Starline Introduces TruColor Digital Prints
Starline introduced a new imprint method, TruColor™ Direct Digital Print at the PPAI Expo in Las Vegas.
The unique process allows the printing of borderless logos in vibrant color directly onto the company's vacuum drinkware and other select products. In addition to the vibant color, the imprint has a raised feel. For more information visit Starline.com.
4Imprint Expands Facility
4imprint announced it plans to build a 100,000-sq.-ft. addition to its Oshkosh, WI distribution center plus lease another 25,000 square feet next to its North American headquarters in downtown Oshkosh.
According to the company, the $8-$9 million expansion of the distribution center will help 4imprint keep up with increased demand as well as provide space for its free promotional products sample programs, embroidered apparel products and distribution workers. The headquarters expansion will create room for more workers.
4imprint expects to add 150 new jobs in the next three years. Those jobs are in customer service, marketing and merchandising, art, embroidery, information technology, accounting and other support.
“As a team, we are humbled by the strong customer demand we are experiencing and the loyalty our customers demonstrate,” CEO Kevin Lyons-Tarr said. “Our ongoing growth and these expansions, in particular, are a credit to our hard-working associates and their commitment to doing right by others every day.”
4imprint says it has nearly doubled its sales in the past five years to $399 million in 2014.