Print+Promo (P+P): How does the economy continue to affect the promotional products industry?
Paul Bellantone (PB): We've continued to see steady year-over-year and quarter-over-quarter growth for both suppliers and distributors. Distributor members I speak with tell me their customers are more optimistic, beginning to think longer-term and discussing future programs. Clearly, that is good news for our industry. I am most encouraged that our research shows promotional products sales are growing faster than 11 of the 14 competitive media. In fact, only Internet, mobile marketing and cable TV are experiencing faster growth. As one of the most effective media, we can gain strength by positioning ourselves as a true advertising medium, rather than a "product" or "giveaway." In an industry of our size, this involves maintaining a level of awareness that will offset the competitive media. Herein lies our opportunity to leverage what we already know—promotional products work—by positioning promotional products at the forefront as one of the most cost-efficient and effective media in the advertising industry. Never has there been a better time for businesses to embrace promotional products.
- People:
- Paul Bellantone
- Places:
- Dallas