Everyone's got baggage (and not just the emotional kind). Bags and totes are staples of the promotional products industry. You see them at every grocery and retail store, as part of most awareness programs, and on all trade show floors.
Despite heated debates on the environmental and economic impact of one-time-use and reusable bags, bag sales continue to hold steady for many companies. Still, in addition to navigating bag bans and responsibility trends, careful attention should be paid to materials and features.
Feeling overwhelmed yet? Here are some creative options for bags and totes promotions.
Aca-Awesome
The Vertical Two-Tone Tote from Arlington Keepsakes is great for holding music, making it pitch perfect for an a capella group. (See what we did there?) The polyester bag measures 15.25x15.5", includes a 7x7" imprint area and has a Velcro closure. Five color combinations are available. For more information, visit www.adgpromo.com.
Tailgating for the Home Team
Tailgating is a year-round hobby. Help end-users become expert tailgaters with the 16-Can Backpack Cooler from Logomark. The 600D polyester backpack has two side zippered pockets, a front mesh water bottle holder, and a carry handle and padded backpack straps. The main compartment is insulated, watertight and heat-sealed with PEVA lining. The 12x15.1875x1.125" bag holds a 5x3" imprint. For more information, visit www.logomark.com.
On Good Authority
Political delegates are important people, so they need important-looking baggage. Bags Depot Inc.'s Delegate Briefcase is just right for the job with its double zipper main compartment, organizer front pocket, adjustable and detachable shoulder strap, and 8x6" imprint area. The 600D polyester bag has PVC backing, measures 16x12x4.5", and comes in navy/khaki only. For more information, visit www.bagsdepot.com.
End-User the Explorer
Going on adventures without a backpack is a bad idea (just ask Dora). Crown Products offers the Adventure Drawstring Back Pack for all an end-user's wandering needs. The 210D polyester bag has adjustable shoulder straps, a side mesh pocket, a front slip pocket, and a fold-over flap with hook-and-loop closure. It measures 16x14.5" and includes a 4x6" imprint area. For more information, visit www.crownprod.com.
Totes Trendy
Reusable cotton totes are not only trendy, they are also Earth-friendly. Take Garyline's 15" Cotton Tote-it can hold groceries inside its 15x15" body, fit easily over the user's shoulder with its 26" handles, and boast your client's brand with its 10x10" silkscreen area. The 100 percent cotton tote comes in lime green, navy blue, red or yellow. For more information, visit www.garyline.com.
The Big Cheese
Most grocery shoppers like to get as much as they can in one stop. The only hindrance? Having a bag that falls apart when you throw in a pound of mozzarella, a wedge of cheddar and a roll of Brie. (Our diets consist mostly of cheese. Can you tell?) Otto International Inc.'s Non-Woven Grocery Tote can solve this problem with its bound edges, reinforced dual shoulder straps, hard bottom board insert, and gusseted bottom and sides. The 100 percent polypropylene tote measures 15.25x14x63.75", comes in five colors and features a 6x7.5" imprint area. For more information, visit www.ottocap.com.
Time for Lime
Lime green seems to be the "it" color for bags in 2013. Try Prime Line's Two-Pocket String-A-Sling Backpack in the bright green hue to brighten up your programs. The 210D polyester bag has a front pocket with Velcro closure and a side pocket. Your clients can choose a 5" silkscreen or 8.5x11" Image Bonding four-color imprint. Other color options are black, blue or red. For more information, visit www.primeline.com.
Sunny Sailing
The picture of The Portland Bag from Towel Specialties almost tricked us into thinking we didn't live in an icy, snow flurry-filled city, but rather a happy, sunny place with nautical-inspired baggage. Alas that is not true for us, but it can be for your clients with this 10 oz. cotton canvas bag. Features include a nautical rope handle, a magnetic closure, a 6" inside zippered pocket, and two exterior pockets. The 15x17x7" bag comes in white with turquoise, red or navy pockets. For more information, visit www.towelspecialties.com.
Camp & Promote
Starline USA Inc.'s Urban Peak 25L Superlight Daypack is good for camping programs with its Cool-Sweep ventilation system, silicon coating for water resistance and reflective trim for visibility. The 20x12x7" bag is made of 600D polyester and holds a 2x2.5" silkscreen or Geo-Panel design. Features include a zippered main compartment, EVA padded shoulder straps, an adjustable sternum strap, two side stretch material pockets and a waist strap pocket. For more information, visit www.starline.com.
- People:
- Colleen McKenna