The Petrie Dish

Every week there are articles published that are of interest to promotional products industry professionals across the land. To save you time, I have culled the internet for the ones you should read and the ones you should skip. 

UL-Lafayette Bookstore Commits to Stocking Fair-Trade Apparel Made by Workers Receiving Living Wages – “Must Read” Article of the Week

This is simply fantastic. After a student-driven campaign for socially conscious clothing, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette bookstore has made a commitment to carry as much fair-trade apparel as possible. By looking at every purchasing act as a moral – and human – transaction, it was easy for the bookstore to make the change. Sadly, due to Adidas’ support of the Ragin’ Cajuns football team as the official apparel sponsor, it will take some time before the entire bookstore only carries fair-trade apparel. Even so, this is a HUGE step in the right direction.

Blue Jays, Dodger Phantom Apparel

In every sport there are winners and there losers (sorry wimpy parents, not everyone should get a trophy). However, before any championship game or series there are promotional products produced for each team as a “just in case.” In this article, we get a sneak peek at the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers merchandise had they advanced to the World Series. Maybe next year, Toronto and Los Angeles.

Bobbleheads Get an Upgrade, Thanks to NBA Giveaways

This is a fun little article about some of the better promotional merchandise to be given to NBA fans this season. Notice I didn’t say “swag” or “giveaway” which erodes the value our industry provides….but I digress. From a Miles Plumlee (Milwaukee Bucks) bobblehead toothbrush holder sponsored by a local dentist to a Andre Iguodola (Golden State Warriors) bobblehead that features the player and his two favorite hobbies (golf and tech), there is some excellent – and creative – promotional products to be had.

American Apparel Prepares to File for Bankruptcy, Again

Just when you thought the stench of failure emanating from American Apparel was dissipating, you see this headline which really says it all. Essentially, this move will likely set the stage for a sale of the company in the coming months. It’s a fair guess that many of the retail stores will be shuttered at some point during the process as unattractive leases are jettisoned under federal bankruptcy law. Who knows what this means for American Apparel in the promotional products space. Frankly, I wonder if anyone even cares.

Chicago Cubs World Series Will Break Retail Records – “Don’t Waste Your Time Reading” Article of the Week

Really? You think so? Next you’ll tell me that Notre Dame has a popular football team. The fact that a bunch of Cubs fans – real and bandwagon – will snatch up a bunch of merchandise is as about as surprising as the sun rising in the east. If you want to read about how poor Cubs fans have suffered so long to win another World Series that they feel compelled to drop their dollars on merchandise, feel free to click the link above. Me? I’ll be sitting over here waiting for next year with the other bitter Texas Rangers fans.