July/August 2026

IMPRINT CANADA THE MARKETING AND INFORMATION SOURCE FOR IMPRINTABLE PRODUCTS

A Tristan Communications Ltd. Publication

INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE PRODUCTIVITY TRAP

We highlight the blurred lines between productivity that drives a business forward and busy work that erodes time.

1,10

WHY GRAPHIC DESIGN MATTERS MOST IN PROMO

We examine how good creative design is often the difference between memorable and average promo campaigns 1,6

BEYOND THE FIRST INVOICE

Four important tips for transforming one-time buyers into long-time loyal and profitable clients.

8,12

WHY AI WILL REDFINE THE AVERAGE SALES REP

AI is removing low-level repetitive work, which will force the average sales rep to adapt to deliver more value.

14

NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

Showcased are the newest product offerings courtesy of the industry’s leading suppliers.

16

JULY/AUGUST 2026

Volume 33, Issue 4

Are You Too Busy to Be Productive?

Constant Activity Is Not the Same as Meaningful Progress

By Adriano Aldini, Imprint Canada

The promotional products industry demands a lot from business owners and managers. Success requires constant multitasking between customer requests, supplier issues, production deadlines, artwork approvals and shipping challenges.

Operators are expected to make hundreds of decisions every day.

Add a steady stream of emails, CRM reminders, Teams messages and social media notifications, and it’s easy to spend an entire day reacting instead of leading.

By 5 p.m., you may have answered dozens of messages, attended several meetings, solved multiple problems and crossed a long list of small tasks off your schedule. But did you accomplish anything that will make the business stronger next month, or even next year?

That is the difference between being busy and being productive.

Productivity, continued on Page 10

More Than a “Just a Logo”

Why Great Creative Drives Better Promotional Campaigns

By Olivia Bennett, Imprint Canada

Promotional products are often described as advertising that people can touch, wear and use.

That physical connection is what gives the medium its staying power, but it also raises the stakes for graphic design. Unlike a digital advertisement that disappears with a swipe, a decorated garment, drinkware item or business accessory may represent a company for months or years.

Good design makes that representation valuable.

It helps the product attract attention, communicate the right message and feel desirable enough to keep. Poor design can make even a premium product look cheap, or cause it to be ignored altogether.

Good design influences perceived value, The better the design, For promotional products distributors and the more the product will be used. decorators, graphic design should not be treated as the final step of placing a logo on an item. It is a strategic part of selecting the product, developing the campaign and creating something the recipient will actually want to use.

Design, continued on Page 6

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JULY/AUGUST2026 Cool and Steady It came as no surprise to Canada and Mexico that on July 1, the United States declined to extend the Canada - USAMexico (CUSMA) trade agreement in its current form, opting instead to trigger annual reviews and shift toward demanding major concessions on rules of origin, and sector-specific trade controls.

The US administration recently escalated its trade dispute with Canada, announcing that it would impose new 50 per cent tariffs on Canadian goods that had, to date, moved tariff-free under CUSMA. Ottawa’s primary objective has always been to secure permanent relief and duty-free access for industrial and energy exports.

According to a recent research report published by ABICUS DATA, Canadians have by now accepted that our relationship with the US has been irrevocably altered.

The report’s findings suggest that Canada should negotiate from a position of strength, “even if it means living with uncertainty for longer.”

IMPRINT CANADA THE MARKETINGJuly/August AND INFORMATION SOURCE FOR IMPRINTABLE PRODUCTS 2026 - Volume 33, Issue 4

ONLINE EDITION

www.imprintcanada.com/magazine

NEWS 1

THE PRODUCTIVITY TRAP - CONTINUED ON 10

1

WHY GRAPHIC DESIGN MATTERS- CONTINUED ON 6

8

BEYOND THE FIRST INVOICE - CONTINUED ON 12

14

WHY AI WILL REDEFINE THE AVERAGE SALES REP

32

BY THE NUMBERS

NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS The report also highlighted that 55 per cent of Canadians believe that Canada’s highest trade priority over the next decade should be to reduce its reliance on the US by expanding trade with other countries.

While it sometimes seems that reaching any kind of agreement with the current US administration is tantamount to chasing a constantly moving target, avoiding any overreactions will be the key to achieving Canadian goals.

All provincial leaders must buy into and present a uniform negotiations position. While chaos may be the norm south of the border, cool and steady must form the basis of our position.

Finding common goals with an unpredictable trading partner will not come as easy as in the past. The politics of the negotiations have shed light on who we are as Canadians, and how we are perceived by the rest of the world.

16 26 32

WEARABLES SHOWCASE ADVERTISING SPECIALTY SHOWCASE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT SHOWCASE

PUBLISHER

MARKETING COORDINATOR

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

ADVERTISING SALES

Tony Muccilli : tony@imprintcanada.com

Adriano Aldini : news@imprintcanada.com

CONTRIBUTORS

feedback@imprintcanada.com

Tony Muccilli (Toronto) Tel: (905) 856-2600 Fax: (905) 856-2667

Adriano Aldini, Olivia Bennett, Jonathan Kim

Imprint Canada is published six times per year by Tristan Communications Ltd. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced either in part or in whole without the consent of the copyright owner. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Request for missing issues are not accepted after three months from the date of publication.

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4

IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

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News {Business Development} Design, Continued from Page 1

Design Influences Perceived Value

Customers evaluate a promotional product as a complete package. They do not separate the quality of the item from the quality of the decoration. A premium quarter-zip with an oversized, poorly positioned logo can feel less valuable than a modest garment with restrained, carefully executed branding.

The same principle applies across categories. A stainlesssteel tumbler with an elegant tone-on-tone imprint may feel sophisticated and executive-level, while the same tumbler covered with competing messages can look like a flimsy giveaway. The underlying product has not changed, but its perceived value has.

This matters because perceived value influences whether an item is used, displayed, shared or discarded. A successful promotional product should feel like something the recipient received from the brand, not something a company just slapped a logo on.

Better Design Increases Product Use

The real advertising value of a promotional product is generated after it has been distributed. Every time a person wears a branded hoodie, carries a tote or uses a travel mug, the campaign receives another impression.

That return depends heavily on design. If the decoration is attractive and appropriate to the product, recipients are more likely to make it part of their routine. If it is too promotional, visually cluttered or awkwardly positioned, the item may never leave the closet.

This is especially important with apparel. Most people do not want to feel like walking billboards and they are more likely to wear clothing that reflects a shared identity, community, event or idea, with the corporate brand incorporated in a tasteful way.

Rather than asking, “Where should we put the logo?” distributors should encourage clients to ask, “What would make someone want to use this product repeatedly?”

Design Creates Brand Consistency

Promotional campaigns don’t exist in isolation. They may support a product launch, employee program, sales conference, customer appreciation initiative or broader marketing campaign. The artwork should therefore feel connected to the company’s established identity and goals.

Consistency does not mean that every item must carry the same logo at the same size. It means the collection should share a recognizable design language through colour, typography, imagery, messaging and tone.

A technology company may favour clean typography, minimal decoration and modern product choices. A construction company may benefit from bolder graphics, durable materials and highly visible branding. A financial organization may require a more conservative treatment, while a consumer lifestyle brand may have greater freedom to use illustration, pattern and humour.

Good graphic design translates the brand into the physical environment while respecting the character of the product.

Begin With the Objective

Before designing anything, establish what the promotional product is expected to accomplish.

Is it intended to increase brand awareness, reward employees, support a sales promotion or identify participants at an event? Is the audience composed of executives, tradespeople, students, loyal customers or prospective buyers? Will the product be distributed in person, mailed individually or included in a larger kit?

These questions influence everything from product selection to artwork placement. A design intended for a trade show giveaway may need immediate recognition from several feet away. An employee recognition gift may require a more understated approach. A direct-mail item may need to communicate the campaign message without the benefit of a salesperson explaining it.

Design decisions become much easier once the objective and audience are clearly understood.

6

IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

Establish a Visual Hierarchy

Corporate artwork often contains several competing elements: a logo, tagline, campaign name, date, website, sponsor information and call to action. Giving every element equal prominence usually creates confusion.

Visual hierarchy establishes what the recipient should notice first, second and third. The primary message should dominate, while supporting information should be reduced in size or moved to a secondary location.

On a garment, the campaign graphic might appear across the back while a small corporate imprint is placed on the left chest or sleeve. On a tote, the main message could receive the largest area, with the website positioned discreetly below. On drinkware, where the imprint area may be limited, the logo alone may be more effective than a complete marketing message.

A good test is to view the design at the approximate size and distance from which the product will normally be seen.

If the hierarchy is unclear, adding more information will not solve the problem.

Good graphic design needs to be proportionate to both the product and its imprint area.

Respect Scale and Proportion

Artwork needs to feel proportionate to both the product and its imprint area. A logo that looks appropriately sized on a monitor may become overpowering when applied to a shirt or disappear when reduced for a pen or USB drive.

Each product category requires a different approach.

Apparel provides relatively large decoration areas, but placement must account for garment size, seams, pockets and body movement. Bags offer broad surfaces but may include folds and zippers. Curved products such as bottles and mugs can distort artwork or prevent the entire design from being visible from one angle.

The relationship between the graphic and the available space is more important than simply using the maximum imprint dimensions. Empty space is not wasted space; it can give the design clarity and allow the product itself to remain part of the presentation.

Prioritize Legibility

Small type, thin lines and complex illustrations are frequent sources of production problems. Even when they can technically be reproduced, they may not remain legible or visually appeal when produced.

Typography should be selected for the product, audience and decoration method. Fine fonts may work beautifully in print but lose definition when embroidered. Condensed lettering may become difficult to read when engraved at a small size. Large areas of reversed text can close up during screen printing if the negative spaces are too narrow.

The copy itself should also be edited carefully.

Promotional products are rarely the right place for long explanations. A concise message, supported by a clear logo or visual, will usually outperform a product crowded with contact information and multiple calls to action.

Web addresses, QR codes and phone numbers should only be included when they serve a realistic purpose. A QR code printed on the back of a moving person’s shirt, for example, may be technically possible but practically useless.

Use Colour Strategically

Colour is one of the strongest tools for creating recognition, but it must be considered in relation to the product.

Corporate colours may need to be adjusted to remain visible against different backgrounds. A dark logo can disappear on navy apparel, while a light-coloured imprint may lack contrast on a pale product. In some cases, a white underbase, outline or alternate brand colour is needed to maintain legibility.

Designers should also distinguish between monitor display colours and production colours. A colour displayed on a monitor will not necessarily match thread, ink, vinyl, ceramic glaze or laser engraving. Pantone references can provide a production target, but the material, decoration method and product colour will still influence the result.

Limiting the palette can often make a design stronger while reducing production costs. A thoughtfully designed one- or two-colour imprint may be more distinctive than a full-colour graphic that contains unnecessary visual information.

Match the Artwork to the Decoration Method

Every decoration process has its own strengths and limitations. Embroidery creates texture and perceived value but may require simplified shapes and heavier lettering. Screen printing performs well with bold spot colours, controlled halftones and larger production runs. Direct-to-garment and direct-to-film processes can reproduce detailed, fullcolour artwork but still require suitable resolution and tonal contrast.

Laser engraving removes or alters the product surface, producing a permanent result without printed colour. Pad printing can decorate irregular objects but generally works within smaller imprint areas. Debossing and embossing create subtle dimensional marks that are particularly effective on notebooks, leather goods and premium packaging.

Designers should not create artwork independently of these processes. The decoration method should influence line weight, colour count, detail, scale and file preparation from the beginning.

Create a System, Not Just an Imprint

Corporate programs often include multiple products: apparel, drinkware, bags, notebooks, headwear and packaging. Applying one identical graphic to every item may produce consistency, but it does not necessarily produce good design.

A stronger approach is to create a flexible visual system.

The primary campaign graphic might appear on a T-shirt, while a simplified logo treatment is used on a cap. A pattern derived from the artwork could be applied to packaging, and a short campaign message might be reserved for the drinkware.

The products feel connected without being repetitive.

This also allows the design to respond to the physical characteristics of each item rather than forcing every surface to carry the same artwork.

Proof the Entire Experience

Artwork approval should include more than checking spelling and logo placement. Distributors should review how the product, decoration, packaging and presentation work together.

Digital mock-ups are helpful, but they can make artwork appear cleaner, brighter and more perfectly positioned than it will be in production. Whenever practical, clients should review decorated pre-production samples, especially for large orders, complex artwork or colour-sensitive brands.

The final review should consider whether the design is appropriate for the audience, readable at normal size, compatible with the decoration method and consistent across the campaign.

Ultimately, graphic design is what connects a client’s brand to the product in the recipient’s hand. It shapes first impressions, influences perceived quality and determines whether the item becomes useful advertising or unnecessary clutter. When distributors treat design as a strategic service rather than a production requirement, they help clients create promotional products that people notice, value and continue using.

News {Business Development}

Beyond the First Invoice

Four Tips for Transforming One-Time Buyers into Profitable Clients

By Adriano Aldini, Imprint Canada

Congratulations, you’ve landed a new order! Whether it was a new account ordering branded apparel for a corporate event, promotional products for a trade show or recognition gifts for employees, you’ve done the hard part. You earned a client’s trust, beat the competition and secured an order.

Unfortunately, that’s where too many salespeople stop.

They process the order, ensure it ships on time, thank the customer and move on to chasing the next opportunity.

That’s a costly mistake because a successful first order does not guarantee customer loyalty.

Customers don’t wake up thinking about your business.

They’re focused on running their own. If their order arrived as promised, that’s simply what they expected. Delivering A a successful first order does not guarantee customer loyalty.

on your promise doesn’t make you exceptional, it just makes you competent.

Without a deliberate strategy, that first sale often becomes exactly that: one sale.

The most successful distributors understand that the real value of a new customer isn’t the first invoice, it’s everything that comes after it.

The objective isn’t simply to make another sale. It’s to become the first company they think of whenever branded merchandise, apparel, recognition programs or marketing campaigns are discussed.

Here are four ways to turn a single order into a longterm, profitable relationship.

1. Celebrate Their Purchase

Most suppliers acknowledge the sale, but few truly celebrate it.

A simple thank-you email is appreciated, but it rarely creates a memorable experience. Instead, look for opportunities to reinforce the customer’s decision.

After a successful delivery, send a personalized, handwritten follow-up and ask how the products were received.

You could even request a photo from the event so that you celebrate the campaign on LinkedIn (with permission).

These small gestures accomplish something important: they reassure customers they made the right choice.

Psychologists call this reducing buyer’s remorse. People naturally seek confirmation that they made a good decision. By reinforcing the success of the project, you increase the perceived value of the purchase long after the boxes have been delivered.

When customers consistently receive useful ideas from you, they stop comparing you solely on price and you become part of their marketing process.

2. Stay Involved After the Order Ships

Many salespeople disappear once the invoice is paid, which is a costly, myopic mistake.

The weeks following delivery provide an opportunity to deepen the relationship. Did employees enjoy the apparel?

How many promotional items were distributed? Did the trade show generate leads? Would they change anything next time?

These conversations shouldn’t feel like sales calls, but rather project reviews. They demonstrate that you’re invested in your customer’s results and not simply their purchase order.

More importantly, they often uncover future opportunities. Perhaps their inventory is already running low, or the company is planning an impromptu event.

These conversations happen naturally when you remain engaged instead of waiting for the next request for quotation.

Profitabilty, Continued on Page 12

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IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

News {Business Development} Productivity, Continued from Page 1

Busy people respond to what is immediately in front of them.

Productive people make time for the work that improves profitability, strengthens customer relationships, develops employees and prevents tomorrow’s emergencies.

For business owners and managers, the distinction matters.

Activity may feel rewarding, but the true measure of productivity is not how much work was completed. It is whether that work moved the business forward.

The Modern Productivity Trap

Technology was supposed to make work more efficient.

In many ways, it has. Today’s businesses can automate order updates, generate quotes, collaborate on artwork, communicate with customers and create marketing content faster than ever.

However, every new tool also creates another potential interruption. Microsoft’s Work Trend Index found that employees can be interrupted by a meeting, email or chat notification as often as every two minutes during core working hours. That fragmentation has a cost.

Research consistently shows that switching repeatedly between complex tasks reduces productivity. The brain does not truly perform several demanding tasks simultaneously. It shifts attention from one to another, losing time and concentration with every switch.

In a promotional products business, that might mean moving between: • preparing a major client presentation; • answering production questions; • checking LinkedIn or Instagram; • reviewing artwork; • responding to internal chats; • approving invoices; and • returning to the presentation several minutes later.

Every interruption may feel brief, but the cumulative effect can consume much of the day. The result is a strange contradiction: we have more productivity technology than ever, yet many managers have less uninterrupted time to think.

What Should You Do First?

Consider your normal start to the workday. What is usually your first task?

A) Check and respond to email B) Review administrative reports C) Work on a strategic business priority D) Respond to customer requests E) Check social media and industry news F) Deal with employee questions

For many people, the honest answer is some combination of A, B, D, E and F. The most productive answer, however, is C: work on a strategic business priority.

Strategic work includes projects that can increase revenue, improve margins, reduce recurring problems or strengthen the company’s long-term position.

That could mean: • creating a structured client-retention program; • reviewing the profitability of major accounts; • building a better follow-up system; • identifying services that could increase revenue per customer; • reducing production bottlenecks; • evaluating equipment utilization; • improving quality-control procedures; These projects are easy to postpone because they rarely arrive with an urgent deadline in the same way that emails or customer requests do. The danger is that managers begin confusing urgency with importance.

When choosing between major projects, which one normally receives your attention?

A) The project with the nearest deadline B) The project that can be finished most quickly C) The project that has the greatest long-term financial impact

Being busy can feel productive, but unless these tasks are driving the business forward, all your to-do’s might be not as important as you make them out to be.

The Tyranny of the Notification

In the past, distractions came primarily from ringing telephones, paperwork and unexpected visitors.

Today, urgency is manufactured digitally. An unread-email badge creates pressure to respond. A Teams or Slack notification suggests someone is waiting. A CRM task appears overdue. LinkedIn announces that someone commented on a post.

Instagram offers new engagement statistics.

Each notification asks for a small piece of your attention.

Designed for modern apparel decoration

10 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

Individually, these requests seem harmless. Collectively, they can dictate the entire workday.

The solution is not to abandon technology. It is to decide when technology is allowed to interrupt you.

Try establishing a protected block of 60 to 90 minutes at the beginning of the day for strategic work. During that period work on one clearly defined business priority without any interruptions or distractions.

That first uninterrupted block may produce more meaningful value than several hours spent reacting to messages.

It also changes your mindset. Instead of beginning the day on someone else’s agenda, you begin it on your own.

Which Project Comes First?

PATCHES THAT STAND OUT Scan & Order

Rush orders will always exist.

Inventory problems will occur.

Equipment will fail. Customers will change their minds. However, when the same crisis continues appearing, management should stop treating the symptom and examine the system.

The best answer is usually C. That does not mean deadlines can be ignored. It means at least part of your best working time should be reserved for projects that improve long-term profitability.

Imagine that you have three items on your list: prepare paperwork due tomorrow; respond to a routine customer request; and develop a retention plan for your company’s 20 most profitable accounts.

The first two tasks will probably get completed because they create immediate pressure. The third may be postponed repeatedly, even though losing one major account could have a much greater financial impact than either of the other tasks.

While deadlines create action, priorities dictate results.

Productivity, continued on Page 12

News {Business Development} Productivity, continued from Page 10

The New “Adminis-Trivia”

Administrative work remains one of the most seductive productivity traps. It is usually structured, measurable and easy to complete. It offers the satisfaction of checking boxes without requiring difficult decisions.

For managers, this type of work should be examined carefully.

Can it be eliminated, automated or delegated?

Administrative work is necessary, but that does not mean the owner or senior manager must personally perform it.

If a task does not require your judgement, experience, relationships or decision-making authority, it may not be the best use of your time.

Use AI to Create Capacity, Not Noise

Artificial intelligence has added another layer to the productivity discussion. Used properly, AI can help businesses with a host of repetitive, mundane tasks.

Slack’s workforce research has found that frequent AI users report meaningful improvements in productivity and focus, although adoption and training remain uneven across organizations.

The key is to use AI to remove low-value work, not simply to produce more content, more reports and more messages.

Technology is productive only when it gives people more time for judgement, creativity, selling, relationship-building and strategic thinking.

Social Media: Business Tool or Expensive Habit?

Social media is essential for many promotional products businesses. It can showcase creative work, strengthen supplier relationships, generate leads and keep a company visible to customers.

It can also become a highly sophisticated form of procrastination. Checking LinkedIn may feel like networking. Watching competitor content may feel like research. Reviewing Instagram engagement may feel like marketing.

The solution is to give social media a defined business purpose. Prepare your content in batches and use scheduling tools to publish it throughout the week.

Before opening a social platform during working hours, ask one question: What business outcome am I trying to achieve?

If there is no clear answer, close the app.

Rewarding Firefighting Administrative work remains one Stop Many owners and managers quietly enjoy solving emergencies. of the most seductive productivity Putting out fires creates an immediate sense of accomplishtraps...It offers the satisfaction of ment. The problem is visible, the response is urgent and the person who resolves it feels valuable. checking boxes without requiring Rush orders will always exist. Inventory problems will occur.

Equipment will fail. Customers will change their minds. However, difficult decisions. when the same crisis continues appearing, management should

stop treating the symptom and examine the system.

A Practical Daily Productivity Test

At the end of each workday, ask yourself: What did I accomplish today that will make the business stronger tomorrow?

A completed inbox is not necessarily an achievement. Neither is attending every meeting, responding instantly to every message or working late into the evening.

Productivity is not about squeezing more activity into every hour, but it’s about directing your limited attention toward the work that creates the greatest return.

The most effective leaders are the ones who know what deserves their attention, and have the discipline to protect it.

Less Busy Works Makes You More Valuable.

The promotional products industry will always involve deadlines, details and unexpected problems. Responsiveness matters, especially in a relationship-driven business.

But responsiveness without direction eventually becomes permanent crisis management. You simply need to stop allowing every incoming request to outrank the work that builds the business.

Automate what can be automated. Delegate what can be delegated. Schedule communication rather than constantly monitoring it. Protect your best working hours. Address the causes of recurring problems.

Most importantly, make strategic work part of the daily schedule. The goal is not to become busier. The goal is to become more valuable.

Profitability, Continued from Page 8

expertise and earn a place as a valued business partner.

The companies that consistently outperform their competitors aren’t necessarily those with the biggest product selection or the lowest prices, but rather the the ones that understand a simple truth: A single order generates revenue while long-term relationships builds business.

3. Become Their One-Stop Marketing Resource

One of the biggest opportunities in the promotional products industry is moving beyond order-taking.

Most clients don’t know what’s new and they haven’t the slightest clue of emerging decoration techniques, or creative campaign ideas.

Instead of contacting customers only when you have something to sell, provide ideas they can use. Ideas like: sharing a unique product that supports employee engagement; recommendations of premium gifts for top-performing clients or creative onboarding kits.

When customers consistently receive useful ideas from you, they stop comparing you solely on price and you become part of their marketing process.

This what changes the relationship completely and cements loyalty. Remember that trusted advisors rarely compete against the lowest bidder.

The objective is to automate the routine tasks so you have more time to strengthen the relationship itself.

4. Make the Second Sale Easy

Loyalty Is Earned Between Orders

Ironically, many businesses spend enormous effort winning the first order and very little making the second one happen.

It’s your job to remove as much friction as possible and to keep accurate records of artwork, previous orders, decoration specifications, et cetera.

Use your CRM to schedule follow-ups around annual events, conferences, employee recognition programs and seasonal campaigns.

Technology can make this process remarkably efficient.

Artificial intelligence can summarize customer conversations, identify buying patterns and generate follow-up reminders. CRM platforms can automate check-ins, while marketing automation can deliver relevant product ideas throughout the year.

Most clients don’t know what’s new and they haven’t the slightest clue of emerging decoration techniques, or creative campaign ideas.

The promotional products industry has never been more competitive. Products are widely available and pricing is becoming increasingly more transparent.

Artificial intelligence can generate product recommendations in seconds, but what technology cannot replace is genuine customer understanding. Relationships are built in the conversations that happen after the order is complete.

They’re strengthened by thoughtful follow-up, proactive ideas and consistently demonstrating that you care about your customer’s business, not just your next sale.

Ironically, many distributors invest thousands of dollars attracting new customers while overlooking the tremendous opportunity sitting inside the accounts they already have.

Increasing customer retention by only a few percentage points can have a significant impact on long-term profitability because loyal customers typically purchase more frequently, refer others and are less sensitive to price.

The easiest sale you’ll ever make is often to someone who already trusts you.

When customers consistently receive useful ideas from you, they stop comparing you solely on price and you become part of Thinking Beyond the First Invoice Winning a new customer deserves to be celebrated. Every their marketing process. first order is an opportunity to build trust, demonstrate

12 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

News {Business Development}

Why AI is Coming for the Average Sales Rep

By Jonathan Kim, Imprint Canada

Artificial intelligence has become impossible to ignore any longer. Every week seems to bring another platform promising to write proposals, generate marketing content, answer customer questions or automate sales and marketing activities.

Predictably, the conversation often turns to the same question: Will AI replace salespeople?

The short answer is no. The longer, and perhaps more important answer is that AI will almost certainly replace average salespeople.

That may sound overly dramatic, but history tells us that technology rarely eliminates an entire profession. Instead, it tends to change what customers value. Case in point: calculators didn’t eliminate accountants; CAD software didn’t eliminate engineers, and E-commerce didn’t eliminate retail.

Each innovation simply automated routine work while exponentionally increasing the value of expertise, judgement and relationships. The same transformation is now occurring in the promotional products industry.

Customers can already search thousands of products at the click of button. They can compare prices, generate logo mock-ups and even ask AI to recommend promotional ideas for an upcoming event. Those capabilities are becoming commodities. The distributors who thrive over the next decade, however, will be the ones who help customers make strategic business decisions.

Ironically, AI may become the greatest opportunity the sales profession has seen in years because it allows good salespeople to spend less time acting like administrators or order takers.

Better Research Creates Better Conversations

One of the biggest advantages AI offers is preparation.

The best sales calls have never been about presenting products. They begin with understanding the customer’s business.

Before meeting a prospective client, AI can quickly gather publicly available information about their industry, recent expansion plans, hiring initiatives, sustainability commitments, charitable involvement or upcoming events.

This is valuable information that can help salespeople ask better questions rather than delivering a generic presentations.

For example, instead of asking, “Are you looking for promotional products this year?” a distributor might say, “I noticed you’re opening two new locations this fall. Have you started planning employee onboarding or grand opening merchandise?”

The difference is powerful: AI supplies information, and the salesperson creates insight.

The irony is that salespeople who fear AI are often the ones spending most of their day performing tasks that never required human expertise in the first place.

Better Follow-Up Wins More Business

Most sales opportunities are not lost because of poor presentations. They disappear because follow-up is inconsistent.

Every salesperson has experienced the following: an excellent conversation take place, genuine interest is expressed… and then nothing happens. Weeks later the opportunity has gone cold because another priority took over.

Artificial intelligence and modern CRM platforms are solving this problem.

AI can remind salespeople when accounts haven’t been contacted, summarize previous conversations before meetings and even suggest personalized follow-up emails based on prior discussions.

Instead of relying on memory, overburdened salespeople can maintain consistent communication with dozens or even hundreds of customers without losing the personal touch.

Consistency builds relationships, and AI simply makes consistency easier to achieve.

Marketing Content Is No Longer a Differentiator

As impressive as AI has become... it fails incredibly with the qualities that separate exceptional salespeople from average ones.

14 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

They want ideas that solve business problems, such as:.

How can promotional products improve employee retention?

Which items create memorable onboarding experiences?

What products work best for customer appreciation programs?

How can branded merchandise support fundraising events?

AI can certainly help develop content, but it cannot replace the real-world experience that comes from helping hundreds of organizations execute successful campaigns.

That experience still belongs to salespeople.

What AI Can’t Replicate

AI Should Remove Low Value Work

Many distributors spend surprisingly little of their day actually selling. Instead, they answer routine emails, prepare quotations, search for product information, summarize meetings, update CRM records, schedule follow-ups and create presentations.

Individually, each of these tasks are necessary, but collectively they consume hours that could be spent selling and building deeper relationships with existing and prospective customers. This is where artificial intelligence delivers its greatest value.

Today’s AI tools can summarize most customer meetings, draft proposal emails, organize research, generate first drafts of presentations, compare supplier information, prepare social media content and even recommend follow-up questions after a sales call.

None of these activities replace the salesperson. They simply eliminate much of the administrative work surrounding the sale.

Imagine arriving at a meeting with a prospect having already reviewed the company’s website, recent LinkedIn activity, industry trends and annual report, summarized in minutes by AI. Consider how much faster proposals can be prepared when AI creates the first draft that you simply fact-check and refine with your own recommendations.

Think about the countelss hours saved when meeting notes are automatically converted into CRM updates and future reminders. The result isn’t fewer salespeople but more productive salespeople.

AI can certainly help develop content, but it cannot replace the real-world experience that comes from helping hundreds of organizations execute successful campaigns. That experience still belongs to salespeople.

One area where AI has rapidly gained popularity is in the content creation field. It can write blog posts, newsletters, product descriptions and promotional emails within seconds.

That capability is impressive, but it also creates a new challenge. If everyone is using AI to publish similar content, then it follows that content marketing quickly becomes indistinguishable. Customers aren’t looking for another social media post featuring the latest tumbler or hoodie.

As impressive as AI has become (and will continue to become), it fails at the qualities that separate exceptional salespeople from average ones.

Here’s what AI cannot do: Read body language during a difficult negotiation; recognize when a customer is hesitating because of an internal political issue rather than price; reassure a nervous client when a major event is approaching and an order absolutely must arrive on time.

Nor can it replace the creativity that emerges during collaborative brainstorming sessions where ideas evolve naturally through face-to-face conversation and connection.

Our industry has always been a relationship-driven business. Clients will always want to know and be reassured that someone they put their trust and marketing spend behind actually understands their objectives, anticipates problems and will find solutions when circumstances change unexpectedly.

Adapt or Become Average

Almost every major technological shift rewards those who adapt early. The distributors who learn to use AI to research prospects, prepare proposals, automate follow-up and eliminate tedious and low-profit administrative work will build stronger customer relationships because they will have more time to invest in them.

The irony is that salespeople who fear AI are often the ones spending most of their day performing tasks that never required human expertise in the first place.

Those who embrace AI will simply have more time to do the work that customers value most.

There is no fighting it; AI is coming to replace sales reps who simply forward catalogues, wait for quote requests and who foolishly mistake their order taking for active selling.

News {Business Development}

Beyond the Connection Request

6 Ways Promotional Products Professionals Can Build Meaningful Business Relationships on LinkedIn

By Adriano Aldini, Imprint Canada

For many professionals and business owners, LinkedIn has become little more than an online résumé or a place to announce promotions and company news.

Many log in only when they’re looking for a new job or attending an industry event. Yet, with more than one billion professionals using the platform worldwide, LinkedIn has evolved into one of the most effective business networking tools ever created.

The problem is that far too many people approach it the wrong way. They send connection requests to strangers, immediately follow them with a sales pitch and then wonder why their messages are ignored.

Imagine walking into a networking event, introducing yourself and asking someone to buy from you before learning their name. Most of us would never do that in person, yet it happens every day on LinkedIn. Successful networking, whether online or face-to-face, has always been built on relationships, credibility and consistency. The platform has changed, but the fundamentals have not.

If you’re looking to generate more opportunities through LinkedIn, here are six strategies that can help you build a network that actually leads to business.

1. Optimize Your First Impression

Before reaching out to anyone, take a moment to view your own profile through the eyes of a prospective customer. Does your headline simply list your job title, or does it explain how you help clients?

Does your profile photo appear professional and approachable? Have you included examples of your work, customer testimonials or successful projects?

Your LinkedIn profile is often the first impression someone has of your business. Before they respond to a connection request or agree to a meeting, they’re likely to spend a few seconds deciding whether you appear knowledgeable, credible and worth engaging with.

A polished profile won’t win business all on its own, but it will make people far more comfortable when you are trying to start a conversation.

2. Build the Right Network Not Simply the Largest One

Many people measure LinkedIn success by the number of connections they have, but a better measure is relevance.

For promotional products professionals, that means connecting with people who influence purchasing decisions.

Those could include human resource managers, marketing directors, other business owners, event planners, sales leaders, and procurement professionals, all of whom represent potential opportunities. Existing customers, supplier partners and industry colleagues also deserve a place in your network.

Quality relationships will always outperform large numbers. Instead of sending dozens of generic connection requests every week, personalize your invitations whenever possible. Mention a mutual connection, a recent conversation, an event you both attended or an article they shared.

Even a brief sentence demonstrates that you’ve taken the time to learn something about them.

People are far more likely to accept an invitation when it feels like the beginning of a relationship rather than the beginning of a sales campaign.

3. Share Ideas, Not Advertisements

One of the biggest mistakes businesses make on LinkedIn is treating it like an online catalogue.

A steady stream of mugs, water bottles and branded apparel rarely gives people a reason to follow your content.

Customers already know you sell promotional products.

What they want are ideas that help them solve business challenges.

Instead of asking yourself, “What product should I post today?” ask, “What problem can I help my customers solve?” This simple mindset shift will open up new doors to content ideas you may not otherwise have thought about.

Share ideas about employee recognition programs, onboarding kits, customer appreciation campaigns, fundraising events or trade show strategies that you helped execute. Highlight creative branding concepts, discuss emerging workplace trends or explain how promotional products can support recruiting, retention or corporate culture.

Facts tell, but stories sell. When your content consistently teaches rather than sells, people begin to see you as a resource instead of a salesperson.

Ironically, that often leads to more sales.

Business networking is about creating connections that lead to conversations, partnerships and long-term trust. LinkedIn simply gives professionals another way to build those connections at scale.

4. Engage Before You Reach Out

Networking isn’t just about publishing your own content, but also about participating in conversations.

Before reaching out to a prospective customer, spend time engaging with what they share. Congratulate them on a company milestone. Comment thoughtfully on an article they’ve posted. Celebrate an expansion, an award or a successful event that they were a part of.

Meaningful engagement creates familiarity, so by the time you send a connection request or suggest a conversation, your name is no longer unfamiliar. You’ve already demonstrated an interest in their business without asking for anything in return.

This approach requires patience and you need to be genuine, but it often produces far stronger relationships than cold outreach alone.

Facts tell, but stories sell. When your content consistently teaches rather than sells, people begin to see you as a resource instead of a salesperson. tions, build familiarity and open the door to meaningful conversations.

Once you’ve established a connection, look for opportunities to continue the relationship offline. That might involve a phone call, a virtual meeting, coffee or a visit to learn more about their business.

The objective isn’t to sell through LinkedIn. The objective is to create enough trust that people are willing to have a conversation.

6. Be Consistent

This is probably the easiest thing to get right, but it slips through the cracks for so many.

Like any form of networking, success on LinkedIn comes from consistency rather than intensity. You don’t need to publish every day or spend hours scrolling through your newsfeed.

Instead, set aside 15 to 20 minutes a few times each week to respond to comments, congratulate connections on career milestones or share an article that offers practical value.

You can take the time to comment thoughtfully on posts from customers and prospects, or reconnect with someone you haven’t spoken to in a while.

These small actions accumulate over time, gradually strengthening your professional network and keeping you visible to the people who matter most.

You can use AI to automate for consistency, but you need to ensure your outreach is genuine and reflects your authenticity, otherwise people will pick up on that and your efforts will likely fall short.

Networking Is About Relationships

The promotional products industry has always been built on relationships. Customers don’t simply choose suppliers because they offer another branded notebook or polo shirt.

They choose people they trust to understand their business, solve problems and deliver consistently.

LinkedIn simply gives professionals another way to build those relationships at scale. The most successful users aren’t the ones with the largest following or the most viral posts.

They’re the ones who consistently provide value, participate in meaningful conversations and stay visible long before an opportunity arises.

Business networking has never been about collecting contacts. It’s about creating connections that lead to conversations, partnerships and long-term trust.

Approach LinkedIn with that mindset, and you’ll discover that it’s far more than a social media platform. It becomes a valuable business development tools in your sales strategy.

Successful networking, whether online or face-to-face, has 5. Use LinkedIn to Start Conversations, Not always been built on relationSales ships, credibility and consistency. Close Too many professionals expect LinkedIn to generate The platform has changed, but immediate transactions. That’s not how business relationships develop, grow or thrive. the fundamentals have not.

Think of LinkedIn as the beginning of the sales process rather than the end of it. Its purpose is to create introduc-

July/August 2026 | IMPRINT CANADA 15

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16 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

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18 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

Back Bone Beanie 2.0 Slouchy or cuffed. Outdoors or in. The Oakley acrylic Back Bone Beanie 2.0 is made with 50% recycled acrylic for sustainable style and cold-weather cool. Pull on and warm up with your new winter staple. Features an Oakley logo stitched for branding touch, this beanie can be worn slouch or cuffed, for any style For more information, please visit www.dmlcreation.com

Performance Double Knit Pullover Hoodie Canada Sportswear is showcasing the Adult Performance Double Knit Pullover Hoodie, style L06400. Constructed from a 54% polyester, 40% cotton, 6% spandex blend, this double knit hoodie features wicking and antibacterial finishes, a 3-piece self-lined hood, self fabric cuff and hem, and a kangaroo pocket with hidden pocket inside. The Tear away label allows for easy customization. Available in Black, Navy, Ash Grey and Sand. Also available in youth L6400Y. For more information, please visit www.canadasportswear.com

Best-Selling Trucker Cap KC Caps' best seller (#6420) is the perfect mesh back cap designed for promotional programs and everyday wear. Features include a light brushed cotton front and poly mesh back panels and finished with a self-fabric Velcro closure for easy adjustability.

Available in a wide range of solid and two-tone colours.

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Stadium Print Short Sleeve Hooded Tee Bring stadium-inspired style to every event with the Stadium Print Short Sleeve Hooded Tee ( B11012). Crafted from lightweight 100% polyester flatback mesh with a subtle tonal print, this performance-driven essential delivers breathable comfort and a modern athletic look. A three-piece hood with drawcord, sport-paneled shoulders, and side vents provide unrestricted movement, while the heat-sealed label enhances all-day comfort.

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ReFlex Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie Sustainability and versatility come together in American Apparel’s ReFlex Fleece Full-Zip Hoodie (RF497). Crafted from a lightweight 3-end fleece blend of combed ring-spun U.S. cotton and recycled polyester, this modern essential features a 100% cotton face for exceptional printability across a wide range of decorating techniques. A relaxed fit, drawcord-free hood, dyed-to-match zipper with recycled tape, and on-seam pockets deliver clean, contemporary styling, while thoughtful details like a tear away label and a back neck patch make customization easier than ever.

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Quarter Zip Sweatshirt Canada Sportswear's Quarter Zip Sweatshirt (L00602) is made from a blend of 80% cotton and 20% recycled polyester fleece. Detailing includes 3-ply fleece, a 100% cotton face for superior print surface, rib knit cuff and hem with spandex, a metal YKK front zipper closure and a tear away label. Available in Black, Navy, Mid Grey, Ivory, Sage Green, Taupe.

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Hala Lighweight Vest Layer up without slowing down. The Hala Vest, style FW3041, delivers lightweight warmth with a 3-layer bonded fleece construction that’s breathable, waterproof, and ready for unpredictable weather. With warmth rating 2 and a sleek full-zip design, it’s the perfect transitional piece for work, play, and everything in between.

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Women's Stockton Fleece Pullover Hoody

Fall’s Favourite Go-To Layer Cool mornings, changing weather, busy schedules—the CH Essential® Go-To Puffy Vest (CH7691) is ready for it all.

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Jersey Knit Mesh Back Cap A modern take on the classic trucker cap, Style 8964 is a structured 6-panel cap with a soft 65/35 cotton/poly heather jersey knit front, available in Charcoal or Light Grey. The front panels are paired with contrasting mesh back panels offered in a variety of colours. Finished with a precurved peak and adjustable poly-snap closure.

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Ladies' Court Skort Designed for versatility on and off the court, the Ladies' Court Skort (223322) is made with Eco-Revive® recycled stretch fabric which delivers moisture-wicking performance and a water-repellent finish. Detailing includes built-in compression shorts, a wide flat waistband, hidden waistband pocket and phone pocket.

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20 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

Stormtech's Stockton Fleece Pullover Hoody (FPL7W) is a basic layering favourite. On-seam hand warmer pockets and a drawcord adjustable hood provides practical protection from wind and crisp weather conditions. The rib knit construction at the hem and cuffs delivers enhanced durability while providing comfort effortlessly. Made from Certified Cotton for superior softness with Polyester fleece to help maintain shape. UPF rating of 50+.

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Heavy Rib Spaghetti Mini Dress This 100% cotton heavy rib mini dress (Style RHR318GD) from Los Angeles Apparel features spaghetti straps and a slight a-line shaped silhouette. Made in Los Angeles, California, this style is available in a wide range of colours.

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Duck Canvas / New Colourways AJM is expanding their popular Duck Canvas lineup by adding 2 new colourways; Olive/Tan (DKOL/TN) and Slate/Black (DKSL/BL) in styles 8D017M & 7F640M. Built for durability, Duck Canvas delivers exceptional strength and the rugged appeal of tough workwear. Tough enough for everyday wear, yet perfect for showcasing your brand.

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Heavy Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt Canada Sportswear's Heavy Pullover Hooded Sweatshirt (L00580). At 440GSM, this 70% cotton, 30% polyester heavyweight fleece features a 100% cotton face for superior print surface. The relaxed oversized fit is on trend, and detailing includes drop shoulder styling, a crossover neckline self-lined hood, a rib knit cuff and hem with spandex and a kangaroo pocket. The tear away label allows for easy customization. Also available in Crew Neck L00585 and matching Pants P00587 in 4 colourways.

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Gildan® Performance® Adult T-Shirt Designed for performance and decoration, the Gildan® Performance® Adult T-Shirt (42000) delivers the comfort of cotton with the durability of 100% spun polyester. Engineered with moisture-wicking, odour-control, and snag-resistant properties, it's an ideal choice for activewear, team apparel, and promotional programs. The soft hand, modern classic fit, and side-seamed construction provide all-day comfort, while the polyester fabric offers an exceptional surface for vibrant sublimation printing. Finished with a tear-away label and OEKO-TEX certified low-impact dyes, this versatile tee is built to perform in every setting.

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Saskatoon Tuque Cool weather’s favourite accessory.

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Adidas Men's Ultimate365 Elevated Hoodie Performance meets everyday versatility in the Adidas Ultimate365 Elevated Hoodie (A2009). Made from a soft, textured blend of 88% recycled polyester and elastane, this lightweight layer delivers exceptional comfort with the stretch needed for active lifestyles. Clean selffabric cuffs and hem create a streamlined look, while a subtle contrast Adidas heat-transfer logo on the left sleeve adds a premium finishing touch.

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22 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

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Swindon Lightweight Jacket

Warmth That Means Business Built for cold mornings and long shifts, the ATC WeRK™ Quilted Freezer Ladies’ Jacket (WeRK7611L) combines dependable warmth with a clean, versatile look. Diamond quilting, wind and water resistance, and a detachable hood deliver comfort without the bulk. This jacket is designed to work hard, layer easily, and look sharp wherever the day leads.

Don’t let the forecast decide your plans. The Swindon Jacket offers lightweight protection with breathable, waterproof fabric and critically seam-sealed construction to keep wind and rain at bay. Finished with E-Zip™ embroidery access, Style FW3059 is the perfect grab-and-go layer for transitional weather.

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Columbia Men's Steens MountainTM Printed Shirt Jacket II Classic outdoor styling meets everyday comfort in the Steens Mountain™ Printed Shirt Jacket II (209769). Constructed from plush yet lightweight 250g MTR filament fleece, this versatile layer delivers warmth without the bulk. A regular fit, hand pockets, and a functional chest pocket offer everyday practicality, while the Columbia woven patch adds an authentic outdoor-inspired finish. Equally suited for corporate apparel, retail collections, or lifestyle branding, this shirt jacket combines premium comfort with timeless appeal.

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Men's Stockton Fleece Crew Neck The efficient simplicity of the Stockton Fleece Crew Neck (FPL-6M) makes it a versatile style contender at work or play. Featuring hardwearing, cotton-rich performance fleece, the Stockton Fleece Crew allows for easy movement, and maintains a smooth silhouette in any position. An ideal solution for everyday wear, the ribbed hem band and cuffs provide ultimate comfort and durability.

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24 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

Solid Half-Pipe Cap Style 8368 features a structured cotton twill 6-panel design with a pre-curved peak highlighted by a contrast piping along the edge of the brim. This detail creates a subtle underline that complements and enhances logo and brand visibility, making it a versatile choice for promotional use. With a performance sweatband for added comfort and a self-fabric Velcro closure for an adjustable fit, this cap is a great fit for any sports day or everyday wear. Available in a variety of colour combinations, choose yours to add a special effect to your brand.

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Unisex Zip Front Multi-Pocket Hoodie Engineered for demanding work environments, the Unisex Zip Front Multi-Pocket Hoodie (ZT468) combines heavyweight warmth with practical functionality. Made from a durable cotton-polyester blend with a soft brushed lining, it delivers lasting comfort on and off the job. Detailing includes secure hip pockets, oversized kangaroo pockets, and a contrast arm pen pocket. Finished with a mesh-lined hood, heavy ribbed cuffs and hem, and a safety drawstring designed to reduce snagging hazards, this hardworking hoodie is built to perform wherever the job takes you.

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Edson Staff Jacket Enhance your corporate image with the Edson jacket.

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Classic Bucket Hat Top off your look with a Bucket Hat from ADG Promo. A laid-back classic that has been remained for modern branding. Made from durable cotton twill, this hat features a wide, downward-sloping brim for sun protection and a relaxed silhouette that suits any casual setting. Whether you’re outfitting a team, launching a campaign, or building a lifestyle collection, this bucket hat delivers both comfort and visibility. Available in timeless colours like Charcoal, Denim, Olive and Burgundy.

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Auto Emergency Kits Big K Auto Emergency Kits

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Metropack Backpack Some bags carry things. Bugatti’s Metropack carries you through cities, terminals, and time zones without so much as a wrinkle in your composure. Designed for those who move between the boardroom and the boarding gate, it’s one bag that never asks you to compromise. Features include a top-access laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 17”, quick-access passport pocket, a water bottle side pocket, see-through toiletry panel, side compression straps and an ergonomic back system to support the lumbar.

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Burn First Aid Kits

Hydro Flask® CarryoutTM Soft Cooler The Hydro Flask ® 10L Carryout™ Soft Cooler fits up to 12 cans, and keeps them cold all day. The new Carryout™ Cooler merges the best of high-performance insulation with innovative comfort and intuitive design features. The compression-moulded body style was created with comfortable carrying in mind. The easy to use FlexClip™ Strap System and handles are removable and customizable. The 100% recycled main body fabric with a durable coating is bluesign® approved.

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Big K is offering RAM Burn First Aid Kits, designed to keep burnresponse supplies organized and easy to access in workplaces, kitchens, shops, and high-heat environments. The compact hard case offers visible, convenient storage for everyday emergency readiness. Corporate branding is also available.

For more information, please visit www.bigkclothing.ca

Sleek Makeover for the Cerruti Pen Cerruti 1881 “Brick” pen receives a sleek makeover this year in a black & gun edition. Its diamond-engraved surface adds an extra touch of luxury, complemented by beautiful gun trims. The CRR logo is subtly printed in a tone-on-tone dark grey. A surprisingly modern yet simple writing piece, available in ballpoint, roller, or fountain styles.

For more information, please visit ca.stregisgrp.com

VISIT US IN BOOTHS 319, 418 & 419B AT THE MONTREAL SHOW

26 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

Single-Head & Multi-Head Embroidery Machines

Shop Machines Shop Supplies

BARUDAN CANADA 1-888-835-8413 www.barudanamerica.com

NEW TECHNOLOGY SMART TENSION SYSTEM Smart Tension System automatically adjusts thread tension by analyzing the stitch type and machine speed.

Produce consistently high-quality embroidery with STS and reduce lost productivity in manual adjustment of thread tensions.

SLIM CYLINDER ARM Redesign of the cylinder arm improves the quality of embroidering on products.

Reduction of the cylinder arm circumference to 170mm.

Reducing working space between the needle plate and cap frame.

SMART ACTION PRESSER FOOT

PICKER ON / OFF

Smart Action Presser Foot (SAP) adjusts the height of the presser foot automatically by way of an independent presser foot motor.

We offer Picker on/off both two versions. You can get below meaningful result when selecting Picker Off version.

Regardless of the thickness of the fabric, the best quality embroidery can be completed easily with SAP.

Do not need to replace picker when it’s bent or snapped.

Adjust the minimum height of the presser foot by setting preferences on the operation panel

Easy to change bobbin and bobbin case.

SWF CANADA INC.

300 Trowers Road, Unit 13 Woodbridge, ON, L4L 6A1

Please call 416-889-3598

AD SPECIALTY

Central Duffle Bag

Carhartt 28L Dual-Compartment Backpack

The Central collection duffle from Bugatti is your new go-to travel companion. Made with textured vegan leather, this duffle is not only stylish, but also sustainable a large main compartment and top zip closure, you can easily store all your essentials for a weekend getaway or an overnight trip. Features include an interior zippered pocket, an organizer panel, a separate side compartment, trolley pass-through and a removable and adjustable strap. Whether you’re a frequent traveler or just looking for a stylish and functional duffle for your next trip, the Central collection textured vegan leather classic duffle bag is the perfect choice.

This durable, rain-resistant backpack comes equipped with sweat-wicking shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and secure storage compartments.

Style SPG0535 features a top compartment with dedicated pocket for power pack and cord port, a 200-denier polyester with Rain Defender™ durable water repellent and coated fabric in key wear zones. Other detailing includes a padded air mesh back panel and contour fit shoulder straps with FastDry™ technology wicks away sweat for comfort. The dedicated padded compartment with side zipper can hold 15-inch laptop. Available in Carhartt Brown and Black.

For details visit www.bugattiwholesale.com

Branded BBQ Scrapers Fire up the grill with a branded BBQ Scraper!

Your brand is featured on the biodegradable birch handle. This premium crafted tool has a durable 304 stainless steel frame, adjustable settings to match every grill’s profile and hook for hanging.

Email Orest@thecsigroup.net or visit www. thecsigroup.net for a free virtual mock-up and summer sale pricing

The Freshman Skate Backpack Point “A” to point “B” just got easier thanks to the utilityfriendly The Freshman Skate Backpack. Tough water resistant fabric protects your gear and keeps Mother Nature in her place when facing the elements, and the structured mesh-molded back panel delivers ergonomic comfort across a variety of activities. It’s finished with several secure pockets and a convenient sunglass stow away loop system for your shades.

For more information, please visit www.dmlcreation.com

Catone 20 oz Recycled Vacuum Tumbler with Slider Lid The Catone 20 oz Recycled Vacuum Tumbler with Slider Lid features a double-wall stainless steel vacuum construction with copper insulation. It keeps beverages hot for up to 12 hours and cold for up to 24 hours while helping prevent exterior condensation. Both the inner and outer walls are made from RCS-certified 304 stainless steel containing 91% recycled post-consumer metal, combining dependable performance with responsible materials. Hand wash is recommended to preserve the decoration.

For more information, please visit www.pcna.com

For details visit corporateworkapparel.com

40 Oz. Double Walled Tumbler Magnus is introducing its premium Stainless Steel double wall insulated Tumbler (DW-028). This sleek tumbler comes complete with a convenient drinking straw and acrylic lid and features an easy lock button for added security and peace of mind. With a generous 40 ounce capacity, this tumbler is perfect for keeping your beverages at the perfect temperature for hours on end. Please note, this tumbler is not microwave or dishwasher safe. Enjoy approximately 20 hours of hot or cold beverage bliss with this top-of-the-line tumbler.

For more information, please visit www.magnuspen.com

Dash Recycled Polyester Tote Compact, practical, and ready for everyday use, the Dash Recycled Polyester Tote (BG507) is designed to keep pace with life on the go. Crafted from durable recycled polyester canvas with stylish contrast trim, this lightweight tote offers thoughtful organization with multiple interior pockets and dedicated bottle storage inside and out. A secure snap closure keeps belongings protected, while the integrated trolley sleeve makes it an ideal companion for commuting, business travel, or weekend getaways.

For more information, please visit www.spectorandco.com

Blake Crossbody Bag

Available through Big K, RAM Marine First Aid Kits provide organized first aid supplies for boats, docks, and marine work environments. Their durable, portable format helps keep essential items close at hand when help may be farther away. Corporate branding is available for a professional, safety-focused presentation.

Discover the perfect blend of style and functionality with Bugatti’s Blake Crossbody Bag, designed to keep you organized and ready for anything on the go. Features include an adjustable strap for a comfortable fit, a RFID-protected pocket to keep your cards and personal information safe, a built-in key leash for easy access to your keys, and quickaccess zippered pocket for storing essentials like your phone or wallet.

For details, please visit www.bigkclothing.ca

For details visit www.bugattiwholesale.com

Marine First Aid Kits

26 oz Recycled Stainless Steel Bottle The Sunny Side Bottle (DW336) combines minimalist styling with practical everyday performance. Crafted from durable recycled stainless steel, its lightweight single-wall construction and soft silicone carry handle offers grab-and-go convenience, while the generous 780 ml (26 oz) capacity keeps hydration within reach throughout the day. Blending sustainability, functionality, and clean design, the Sunny Side Bottle is an ideal choice for corporate gifting, wellness initiatives, and promotional campaigns.

For more information, please visit www.spectorandco.com

30 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

Pitcher Perfect: Heavy Base Pitcher with Lid DezineCorp is proud to introduce the new and exclusive style T9001CL. This 50oz Heavy Base Pitcher is made with with nearly indestructible Tritan™ by Eastman material. Despite its glasslike look, the heavy-duty plastic material will not shatter, crack or dent if tossed around, making it a perfect fit for your next promotional event.

Please contact DezineCorp at (866) 625-7820 or visit www.dezinecorp.com

THE

1/4 ZIP REIMAGINED. The comfort of a hoodie The polish of a quarter zip

FAIRMOUNT L00602

6 COLOURS AVAILABLE

canadasportswear.com

SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT Summa DTF Cutter (S3TC) Automate your DTF cutting workflow with the automatic Summa S3TC DTF Cutter, designed specifically for high-volume DTF production.

Featuring OPOS camera technology, barcode automation, and seamless Digital Factory integration, it delivers fast, accurate contour cutting while reducing manual work. Produce consistent, professional-quality transfers with greater efficiency and confidence.

For more information, please contact RB Digital, Tel (800) 263-1413 or visit www.rbdigital.ca

Epson SureColor F2270 DTG/ DTF Printer The Epson SureColor F2270 is a next-generation hybrid printer engineered to deliver both directto-garment (DTG) and direct-to-film (DTF) output with outstanding efficiency and colour precision.

This versatile system integrates Epson’s advanced printhead technology with UltraChrome DG2 inks to achieve vibrant results on cotton, blends, and films alike. With its dual capability, the F2270 allows businesses to expand into DTG for apparel decoration while also taking advantage of the flexibility of DTF transfers for polyester and hard-to-print surfaces. This makes it a powerful all-in-one solution for shops seeking to maximize productivity, reduce downtime, and increase profitability.

For details, please visit www.jotoimagingsupplies.ca

Hoop the Impossible With Mighty Hoops Embroidery Systems Canada is showcasing its collection of Mighty Hoops. These Hoops reduce hoop burn and stress on arms and wrists while providing a very tight hold on your garment. Lined with powerful rare-earth magnets, which creates an even, solid, effortless hooping experience, this product is ideal for thicker, hard to hoop garments. When the upper hoop gets near the lower hoop, the magnets snap the two rings together, securing your garment quickly and firmly. The brackets for Tajima, Ricoma, and SWF come with the standard 360 arm spacing for the smaller hoops.

For more information, please visit www.embroiderysystemscanada.com

Premium UV DTF Ink Achieve vibrant, high-resolution prints with Flacon Transfer’s premium UV DTF CMYK Ink, specially formulated for UV Direct-to-Film printing applications. Designed for hard surface decoration, this ink delivers exceptional colour accuracy, strong adhesion, and outstanding durability across a wide range of materials such as glass, metal, plastic, wood, and more. These inks deliver Stable Performance ensuring low clogging, consistent ink flow, and reliable output.

For more information, please visit www.falcontransfers.ca

Gio-Lite Special Effect HTV Some effects simply can't be achieved with ink alone. Add reflective, puff, silicone, flock, glitter, hologram, metallic, and other specialty vinyl finishes to create garments with texture, dimension, shine, and eye-catching effects. Whether you're producing workwear, fashion, or promotional apparel, Gio-Lite specialty vinyl helps your designs stand out from the crowd.

For more information, please contact RB Digital, Tel (800) 263-1413 or visit www.rbdigital.ca

32 IMPRINT CANADA | July/August 2026

The Art of Bullion Bullion emblems have long been the gold standard of distinction.

Crafted from metal threads, wire, and rich fabrics, these hand-finished pieces carry a weight and presence no printed badge can match. From military dress uniforms to luxury hospitality brands, bullion embroidery signals quality, heritage, and pride. As demand for premium branding grows, organizations are rediscovering this centuries-old craft — not as a relic, but as a bold statement of excellence.

For more information, please visit emblemtek.com

Dash 150GH Garment Steamer Compact, lightweight, and travel-ready, the Dash 150GH Garment Steamer makes quick work of wrinkles wherever you are. Heating up in just 30 seconds, this powerful 1,200-watt steamer features a pump system that delivers a continuous flow of dry steam to safely refresh garments, while the integrated ceramic soleplate provides added versatility for quick pressing touch-ups.

Weighing less than three pounds and equipped with an 8.2-foot power cord, it's ideal for home, office, or travel. A continuous steam lock and refill-while-in-use design ensure uninterrupted performance, making the Dash 150GH a convenient solution for keeping apparel looking its best.

For more information, please visit www.cansew.ca

Tajima TMEZ Heavy garments, thick seams, and challenging materials are no problem for the Tajima TMEZ. With intelligent automatic thread management, this machine removes much of the guesswork from embroidery, helping shops achieve cleaner results, reduce downtime, and embroider confidently across a wider range of applications.

For more information, please contact RB Digital, Tel (800) 263-1413 or visit www.rbdigital.ca

Digital Tumbler Mug Press Joto Imaging Supplies is showcasing the Digital Tumbler & Mug Press Single Station with 7 Elements for versatile drinkware customization. From standard mugs to tumblers, water bottles, and specialty cups, this versatile press ensures professional-quality transfers with precision and consistency. Equipped with seven interchangeable heating elements, its digital controls for time and temperature provide accurate settings, ensuring vibrant and durable transfers across different substrates For details, please visit www.jotoimagingsupplies.ca

Madeira Polyneon® Polyester 40 Madeira's 100% polyester machine embroidery thread, Polyneon is constructed of a specially developed raw material which eliminates looping, puckering and virtually all thread breaks. Suitable for almost any embroidered application, Polyneon's unique formula makes this thread extremely durable and smooth running. Made in Germany using the finest raw materials, this thread offers a high resistance to abrasion, industrial detergents and chlorine.

For more information, please visit www.cansew.ca

MAJOR ECONOMIC INDICATORS Retail & Manufacturing Sales

Source: Statistics Canada

Retail Sales Continue to Climb as Manufacturing Hits Record High Consumer spending remains resilient while inflation continues to moderate Manufacturing Sales Reach New Record

Canadian retail sales increased 1.0 per cent to $73.7 billion in May, marking another month of broad-based growth as consumers spent more across all nine retail subsectors.

At the same time, Canadian manufacturers posted a record $78.1 billion in sales, while inflation eased slightly in June despite continued pressure on food prices.

Retail Sales Rose In All Major Categories

Retail sales rose in every major retail subsector in May, with the strongest gains coming from gasoline stations and fuel vendors (+3.1 per cent), followed by motor vehicle and parts dealers (+0.7 per cent).

Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations and motor vehicle dealers, increased 0.9 per cent, reversing April’s decline.

General merchandise retailers led the advance with a 1.0 per cent increase, while sporting goods, hobby, book and miscellaneous retailers climbed 1.8 per cent. Grocery store sales also moved higher, rising 0.5 per cent.

Retail Sales Increase in All Subsectors

Canadian manufacturing sales climbed 1.3 per cent to a record $78.1 billion in May, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase. Sales increased across 14 of 21 manufacturing subsectors, led by transportation equipment and chemical manufacturing.

Adjusted for inflation, manufacturing sales increased 0.5 per cent, while producer prices continued to edge higher.

In volume terms, however, retail sales increased a more modest 0.3 per cent, suggesting that higher prices continued to account for part of the overall growth.

Retail Sales Rise in Nine Provinces

Retail activity increased in nine provinces during May. British Columbia recorded the strongest provincial gain, with sales increasing 2.1 per cent, while retail sales in Vancouver climbed 3.4 per cent. Ontario posted a more modest 0.5 per cent increase, driven primarily by higher gasoline sales, with Toronto retail activity rising 0.8 per cent.

Nova Scotia was the only province to report a monthly decline.

E-Commerce Slips Slightly

Seasonally adjusted retail e-commerce sales fell 1.5 per cent to $5.0 billion in May, accounting for 6.8 per cent of total retail trade, down slightly from 7.0 per cent in April.

34 IMPRINT CANADA

| July/August 2026

CPI Eases in June as Fuel Costs Drop

Auto & Chemical Manufacturing Lead Growth

Motor vehicle manufacturing rebounded strongly, with sales increasing 11.8 per cent following April’s decline. Chemical manufacturing also posted another solid month, rising 4.6 per cent to its highest level since July 2024.

The largest decline occurred in the electrical equipment, appliance and component sector, where sales fell 5.8 per cent, largely due to weaker seasonal demand.

Ontario Continues to Drive Manufacturing

Ontario remained Canada’s manufacturing engine, with sales increasing 2.0 per cent to $32.6 billion, the province’s fourth consecutive monthly gain and its highest level since September 2023.

Transportation equipment and chemical manufacturing generated the largest increases, helping offset weaker performance in computer and electronic products.

Saskatchewan also recorded strong growth, largely due to increased grain and oilseed processing, while Quebec experienced a slight monthly decline following four consecutive gains.

Inflation Rate is Moderating

Core retail sales, which exclude gasoline stations and motor vehicle dealers, increased 0.9 per cent, reversing April’s decline.

consecutive month. Consumers continued to see higher prices for staples such as chicken, bread and frozen prepared foods, although fresh fruit prices moderated.

Falling 0.4 per cent, the CPI basket witnessed the largest monthly decline since December 2024

Building Construction Investment Dips Total investment in building construction edged down 0.3 per cent to $23.4 billion in May, as weaker residential construction offset modest gains in the nonresidential sector. Despite the monthly decline, overall investment remained 5.9 per cent higher than one year earlier.

Adjusted for inflation, construction investment declined 0.4 per cent from April but was still up 3.1 per cent compared with May 2025.

Canada’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.8 per cent year over year in June, down from 3.2 per cent in May as gasoline prices eased.

Excluding gasoline, inflation remained unchanged at 2.2 per cent, suggesting underlying price pressures continue to stabilize.

On a monthly basis, the CPI declined 0.4 per cent, the largest monthly decrease since December 2024.

Gasoline prices remained well above year-ago levels but increased at a slower pace than in May. Lower global oil prices during June contributed to a 10.2 per cent month-over-month drop at the pump, providing the biggest relief to overall inflation.

Investment in non-residential building construction edged up 0.2 per cent to $7.1 billion, led by continued strength in the industrial sector.

Industrial construction rose 1.8 per cent, with British Columbia and Ontario posting the largest increases. Meanwhile, commercial investment slipped 0.2 per cent, largely due to lower spending in British Columbia and Ontario, while institutional construction edged down 0.1 per cent as gains in Ontario partially offset declines elsewhere.

Travel Demand Pushes Prices Higher

Single-Family Construction Weakens

Travel-related costs moved sharply higher in June as increased tourism and World Cup activity boosted demand. Hotel rates climbed 10.1 per cent, while airfares rose 9.6 per cent and travel tours increased 6.8 per cent compared with a year earlier.

Grocery Prices Remain Stubborn

While food inflation continued to ease, grocery prices still increased 3.9 per cent year over year—outpacing overall inflation for the 17th

Industrial Construction Leads Non-Residential Growth

Residential building investment declined 0.5 per cent to $16.2 billion in May, driven by a 1.9 per cent drop in single-family construction. New Brunswick and Quebec posted the largest declines, with additional decreases reported across much of the country.

Multi-unit residential construction continued to provide support, increasing 0.7 per cent to $8.8 billion. British Columbia and Ontario led the gains, alongside Manitoba and Saskatchewan, helping offset a sharp decline in Alberta.

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