Industry Mini Dive: Bars & Restaurants

Feb 9

The bar and restaurant industry is a thriving and competitive field that caters to a wide range of customers looking for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a mea...

Case Study: Jamming Out

Nov 4, 2025

A shopping mall was holding a summer promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex were given a “passport” to take to different stores within the...

Case Study: A StuPENdous Promotion

Jun 18, 2025

Description: Dart Pen Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A data storage company wanted an item they could put on their company store website in which branches or divisions could purc...

Case Study: Keep it Cooler

Mar 25, 2025

Description: Dual Compartment Cooler Bag Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: An annual company picnic for employees and their families. Each year they give thei...

Case Study: The Techno Pup!

Feb 18, 2025

A software company creates attention at tradeshow events with custom plush animal mascot giveaways. This plush Leonberger Dog Mascot for the company as giveaways at trade shows and other marketing ...

A Case Study in Promo: A Medieval Dinner Theater Chain

Jan 13, 2025

Romanticizing medieval European life, particularly medieval fantasy life, has a distinctly modern allure. Americans especially have a deep affinity for medieval culture, evident not only in our med...

Industry Mini Drive: Doggy Daycare

Dec 1, 2024

The doggy daycare industry is booming, and for good reason. With more and more people owning pets and treating them as members of the family, the demand for quality pet care services has never been...

Industry Deep Dive: Salons & Spas

Oct 26, 2024

Salons and spas are part of a booming industry that continues to grow yearly as the demand for beauty and wellness services is at an all-time high. From haircuts and manicures to massages and facia...

Case Study: Save the Date, Save the Day

Oct 11, 2024

Description: Trifold Calendars Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high perceived va...

Case Study: Time for a Rebrand

Jul 24, 2024

Objective: A university had just completed a major rebrand complete with a new logo and wanted to make sure they had all the necessary branded items for functions throughout the year. They had prev...

Case Study: Shine Bright

Jun 25, 2024

Description: Sunglasses and Sunglass Case Industry: Food & Beverage What it was purchased for: Summer is a big opportunity for coffee chains to sell frozen drinks. Part of an employee reward duri...

Case Study: Piece of Cake

Jun 3, 2024

Objective: A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry, but they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Produc...

Case Study: Calendar Puns are Week

Feb 23, 2024

Objective: A real estate agent wanted a useful promotional item to boost her personal branding and promote her services while staying top of mind all year round. Product: Desk Calendar with 4-Co...

Case Study: A Spoon-taneous Promotion

Jan 24, 2024

Description: Spoon Mug Industry: Advertising What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers. How it was distributed: The spoon mug...

Case Study: Pull Up a Chair and Stay Awhile

Jan 17, 2024

Description: Foldable Chair Industry: Education/Sports What it was purchased for: A high school wanted to purchase an item they could resell to the parents in the spirit shop for fundraising doll...

Case Study: Paw-se and Appreciate the Little Things

Jan 9, 2024

Description: Big Paw Bear Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A senior living community was looking for holiday gifts for their residents. How it was distributed: W...

Case Study: Roaming Free with the YUMA Clear Freedom Bottle

Dec 25, 2023

What do outdoor gear brands like Marmot(r) and Teva(r) have in common? Their target customers, high-value brand partners, and pretty much all of their employees are thirsty for adventure in the m...

Case Study: Health & Wellness Spas

Dec 10, 2023

Products Javalina Jewel(r) Pen Industry Health & Wellness Spas Application Future Visits A day spa wanted to ensure that its guests always received the royal treatment. To encourage ...

Case Study: A

Dec 3, 2023

Organization Tanning Salon Product Featured Polyester Lanyard Goal of Promotion To create new clients for salon Description of Case History A tanning salon wanted a creative way to give ou...

A Lunch That Packs a Punch

Nov 3, 2023

Description: 3 Section Lunch Container Industry: Healthcare What it was purchased for: A hospital was looking for a unique lunch packet for nurses, doctors, and anyone else employed at any of the...

Case Study: Roll Up in Style

Sep 27, 2023

Description: Roll-Up Blanket Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: A reward to employees for good service. How it was distributed: These blankets were mailed to locations ...

Case Study: A Getaway Promotion

Sep 20, 2023

A resort wanted to make sure guests felt safe as they reopened after COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were lifted. At check-in, they chose to provide each guest with a Fold-Up Cinch Corner Tote to ke...

Case Study: Snap a Pic!

Sep 13, 2023

Objective: A large photography studio wanted a better welcome kit for their wedding clients than just a few loose flyers. Product: Mini Horizontal Pocket Folder Personalization: The photography s...

Case Study: A Comforting Friend

May 10, 2023

This ambulance service is very active in its local community. They use this plush Saint Bernard for children faced with the trauma of when an ambulance is needed. They consider their Saint Bernard ...

Case Study: Life of the Mardi

May 3, 2023

Market: Hospitality Objective: With their event scheduled close to Mardi Gras, event planners wanted to provide a themed goodie package for attendees with giveaways from event sponsors. They wan...

Case Study: It Takes a Village

Apr 19, 2023

Objective: A village needed an easy way to let residents know when there were issues with their water meters. They wanted a faster method of communication than mailing letters, and something more...

Case Study: Let the Games Begin!

Apr 11, 2023

Product: Custom Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Automotive/Banking What it was purchased for: A car company wanted to find a product that would promote their brand at a local college BCS Bowl Games. ...

Case Study: Resort Incentive Yields Oceans of Opportunity

Mar 28, 2023

A five-star resort that frequently hosts corporate events for Fortune 500 companies wanted to reach out to corporate guests to entice them to return for family vacations. The goal was for the guest...

Case Study: Work it Out!

Mar 21, 2023

A nationwide insurance company shifted their employees out of their field offices to at-home workspaces due to the Coronavirus outbreak. Their HR team was tasked with providing a team appreciation ...

Case Study: Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time

Feb 20, 2023

Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time Organization High School Product Featured Spray Hand Sanitizer Goal of Promotion To promote good health for the winter season Description of Cas...

Case Study: Computer Repair At Your Fuzzy Fingertips

Jan 23, 2023

A computer repair store attended a local home show and wanted something useful but unique to attract attendees to their booth. They also wanted something that would keep their name top of mind when...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass

Jan 9, 2023

The NY Yankees wanted to create special commemorative bottles to celebrate Derek Jeter's accomplishments at Yankee Stadium. They chose 150 magnum-sized (1.5L) bottles with a special logo and Jeter'...

Case Study: Jot It Down

Dec 24, 2022

Description: Mini Flip Pad Jotter Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: An investment firm wanted to promote their new financial blog to their existing customers with a memorable branded...

Case Study: Go Green or Go Home

Dec 9, 2022

Item: goingreen(tm) Stapled Appointment Calendar Purpose: Promote awareness of recycling programs and provide recycling information to the community Audience: Residents of the company's service...

Case Study: Do a Double Take

Oct 3, 2022

Objective: A general contracting company was looking for a fun way to provide "before and after" photos to their clients after a remodeling project was complete. Product: Double-Sided Portrait F...

Case Study: Fresh Mesh Promotions

Sep 18, 2022

Market: Real Estate Product Use: Incentive Gift Promotion: A high-end resort selected the Atlantis Mesh Beach Tote as an incentive gift for the visitors who attended their timeshare presentatio...

Case Study: Spec-Tacular Promotions

Sep 10, 2022

Description: CUSTOM Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Food & Beverage What it was purchased for: The end user wanted to give something away at this year's Spring Break in Jamaica for an MTV event t...

Case Study: I Was Framed!

Aug 19, 2022

Objective: The city was celebrating National Public Works Week with a community event. The event provided education for community members, as well as games for entertainment. Event planners wante...

Case Study: Zip It Up

Aug 11, 2022

Description: Hit Sports Pack with Front Zipper Industry: Broadcast Media/Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A cellular provider needed giveaways for an event at a major university. How ...

Case Study: Wheelie Important Paperwork

Jun 13, 2022

Market: Automotive Objective: A motorcycle dealership wanted professional, branded document pouches to hold important paperwork for new customers to take home after their motorcycle purchase. Th...

Case Study: Financial Industry

May 15, 2022

Products Javalina(r) Classic Pen Industry Financial Application Direct Mail A local bank wanted to increase awareness of its low mortgage rates and decided to do a direct mailing ...

Case Study: Custom Caps with a Budget Cap

Apr 30, 2022

Description: Custom Cap Industry: Trade Show/Convention/Events What it was purchased for: A major national racing event was looking for giveaways to hand out to folks in suites and VIP sponsors. ...

Case Study: Fun in the Sun

Apr 22, 2022

Product: Two-Tone Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Sports What it was purchased for: A major sports team was having difficulty keeping attendance up at weeknight games. They came up with the idea of d...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass!

Apr 7, 2022

Objective A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales and highlight their weekly specials while encouraging enrollment for their...

Case Study: Do the Wave

Mar 8, 2022

Market: School Objective: A school's athletic program was struggling to pay for recurring expenses. Game attendance had dropped over the previous year, and alumni attendance was weak. The schoo...

Cheers! Let’s Sell More Beer!

Feb 22, 2022

Description: Custom Wave Table Tent Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sale...

Case Study: Snack Pack It!

Jan 31, 2022

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Gift with Enrollment Promotion: An ocean excursion company chose the Igloo(r) Marine Backpack Cooler as a gift with enrollment for customers participatin...

Case Study: Stick to the Schedule

Jan 24, 2022

Industry: Hospitality Personalization: A small sandwich shop wanted to increase their business during lunch hour. Their target market was people who worked near their restaurant. Method of Distri...

Case Study: A Race to Remember

Jan 16, 2022

Item: Sport Bottle with Metallic Ring – 28 oz. Purpose: Race day giveaway Audience: Breast cancer survivors and race participants A regional race supporting breast cancer research added an...

Braving Campground Antics with the SAHARA Sports Bottle

Dec 18, 2021

Camping isn't always a vacation, y'all. Seasonal KOA(r) Work Kampers help KOA owners wrangle feisty RV transients (a.k.a. retirees) for their supper. The least they deserve is a free RV hookup&he...

Case Study: The Write Way

Nov 19, 2021

Item: WideBody(r) Message Pen Purpose: Inform people about range of services Audience: Clients and general public A chiropractic office wanted to inform clients and others about their range o...

Case Study: A Not-So-Silly Idea

Nov 12, 2021

An insurance company signed up to be the “hydration” sponsor for a fun and colorful 5K run/walk for charity. The race was popular in the community because it was known as a vibrant, fun...

Case Study: A Shoe-In

Oct 29, 2021

Golf Mesh Shoe Bag for Association Tournaments A national golf association wanted a giveaway item for golfers in weekend tournaments and high school students considering golf at the collegiate lev...

Case Study: Bear With Us

Oct 14, 2021

Description: Plush Big Paw Bear with Shirt Industry: Financial Services / Banking What it was purchased for: A bank chain needed a product for tellers to hand out to new account members. How it ...

Case Study: A Golfer Giveaway

Sep 23, 2021

Objective An event organizer wanted consistent branding for everything from their tournament save the dates to golfer giveaways. Products Custom Tri-Fold Calendar, A2 (4-1/4" x 5-1/2") Folded Pr...

Case Study: Improve Sales and Traffic

Sep 9, 2021

A hotel wanted to promote its amenities to guests in a personable, yet non-intrusive manner. The goal was to encourage guests to utilize hotel amenities instead of going off-site to fulfill their n...

Case Study: This Event Needs More Cowbell

Sep 2, 2021

Description: Cow Bell Industry: Trade Show / Convention / Events What it was purchased for: A charity marathon coordinator wanted a giveaway that spectators could use to cheer on their runner...

Case Study: Lunchtime Appreciation

Aug 18, 2021

Description: ID Lunch Bag Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A hospital wanted a unisex item to give out for Nurses Week. Since most of the nursing staff brought th...

Case Study: Brighten Their Day

Aug 3, 2021

A realtor wanted to give a thank-you gift to those who purchased a new home with them. They chose the LED Carbon Fiber Aluminum Flashlight. They printed their logo along with the tagline, "We will ...

Case Study: Practice Putting

Jul 20, 2021

2 Ball Pillow Pack – Titleist(r) TruFeel for Non-Profit Event When a non-profit had to cancel their annual fundraising dinner due to Coronavirus, a golf course donated their clubhouse patio ...

Case Study: Sometimes You Just Need to Vent

Jul 12, 2021

Description: Auto Air Vent Magnetic Phone Mount Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A technology business was looking for a giveaway item that was unique but also fit within their b...

Case Study: Don't Bottle It Up

May 8, 2021

An oil & gas company was building employee gift packages that would appeal to their entire workforce during the COVID-19 public health crisis. With employees working both at home and continuing to ...

Case Study: Employee Appreciation Gift

Apr 9, 2021

A company with many sales representatives needed an item for their top sales performers. Since their sales staff has both men and women, they needed an item that could be used by either gender. The...

Case Study: It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Mar 26, 2021

Item: Puppies & Kittens Mini Appointment Calendar Client: Pet Food Manufacturer Purpose: Increase pet food sales through goodwill campaign A pet food manufacturer partnered with a nationwide ...

Case Study: Bake in Business

Mar 19, 2021

Description: Set of 4 Measuring Cups Industry: Hospitality / Tourism What it was purchased for: A casino in the Milwaukee area wanted to spice up a "normal giveaway" with a theme. They had come t...

Case Study: Lunchtime Loot

Mar 12, 2021

A restaurant supply company was planning its annual company picnic for employees and their families. Every year, the company gives employees a nice gift in the $10 range. This year, the company cho...

Case Study: Have a Seat

Feb 18, 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic spread, a non-profit healthcare provider needed additional waiting room seating for their clinics and health centers across the state. As a non-profit, they needed an affor...

Case Study: Celebrate Milestones

Feb 11, 2021

A bank wanted to promote 110 years of serving individuals and businesses in Pennsylvania through an "Open House" celebration at their branches. Among the many products selected to commemorate this ...

Case Study: The Write Stuff

Feb 4, 2021

Description: Rumba Pen Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: An automotive supplier wanted to make their name visible in automotive stores around the country. How it was distributed: P...

Case Study: Inking Impressions

Jan 28, 2021

Portability and permanence are among the desirable traits sought in an effective promotional product. A company was looking for a unique self-promotion that incorporated these elements and decided ...

Case Study: Keeping it All Together

Jan 7, 2021

Objective: An insurance company wanted to send new customers home with a special gift and a way to keep their new insurance policy documentation organized. Product: Insurance Document Pouch & Fu...

Case Study: The Big Picture

Dec 31, 2020

Description: Coupon Photo Folder Industry: Hospitality What it was purchased for: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repea...

Case Study: Getting Bent out of Shape for More Business

Dec 24, 2020

Product: Gel Stress Toy Client: Health Food Store What it was purchased for: As a gift to reward customers for spending over a certain amount. Why it worked: The gel stress toy which, unlike the...

Case Study: Look, Ma, No Hands!

Dec 16, 2020

Description: Auto Air Vent Magnetic Phone Mount Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A technology business was looking for a giveaway item that was unique but also fit within their bud...

Case Study: Shop 'til You Drop

Dec 9, 2020

A shopping mall was holding a late-winter promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex received a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for...

Case Study: Don't Run from this Promo!

Dec 2, 2020

Description: Running Belt Fanny Pack Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: A nationwide gym chain was looking for an item to give away with the purchase of yearly memberships....

Case Study: Adventure Awaits

Nov 24, 2020

An event promoter was compiling a gift box for top-tier ticket holders for a large-scale national summer concert tour. The Koozie(r) Adventure Dry Sack 10L was a natural fit for the outdoor lifesty...

Case Study: Make a Spectacle

Nov 3, 2020

Description: Rubberized Sunglasses Industry: Broadcast Media / Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A vampire-based television show hosted blood drives at outdoor events. These were given...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Recognition

Oct 26, 2020

Item: JAFFA(r) Wave Award Purpose: Welcome gift for incentive winners Audience: Software company sales representatives A software company held a sales incentive contest for reps to win a trip...

Case Study: Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic

Sep 6, 2020

The “Golden Lanyard” to Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic Organization: Health Care Organization Product Featured: Cotton Water Bottle Strap Goal of Promotion: Driving Traff...

Case Study: Bringing Back the Fanny Pack

Aug 22, 2020

Market: Entertainment Product Use: Gift With Purchase Promotion: A major theme park chose the Safeguard Security Waist Belt as a gift with purchase for customers who bought season passes. The w...

Case Study: Guess the Flavor Lip Balm

Aug 15, 2020

Guess the Flavor Lip Balm Organization Health Insurance Organization Product Featured Lip Balm & Lip Balm Sleeve Goal of Promotion Generating positive reinforcement with sales reps ...

Case Study: Good Deeds for Kids in Need

Aug 8, 2020

Item: Landscape Mesh Tote Purpose: Fundraising Gala gift bag Audience: Kids in Need Foundation supporters The Kids in Need Foundation Gala is one of the organization's largest fundraising eve...

Case Study: Sharper Students

Jul 17, 2020

Description: Pencil Sharpener Industry: Construction What it was purchased for: A shipyard in a major city harbor has advocates who go out to local schools to promote shipbuilding. These advocate...

Case Study: 3D is the Key

May 13, 2020

A company was looking for unique items to commemorate the celebration of its 45th year in business. They wanted to incorporate a new logo that communicated the anniversary as well as the range of p...

Case Study: Where Has Your Pen Been?

Mar 31, 2020

Products Javalina Splash(r) Pen Industry Technology Application Contest An internet company created a branded website for a promotion called “Where has your pen been?”...

Case Study: What Does Your Phone Stand For?

Mar 24, 2020

Product: Phone Stand Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A local financial institution needed a giveaway item for current and potential clients. It had to be useful to keep their name ...

Case Study: Plastics Make it Possible

Mar 17, 2020

Description: Oasis Recycled Bottle Pen Industry: Chemicals What it was purchased for: Trade Show Giveaways How it was distributed: A chemical company needed something to give away at a tradeshow...

Case Study: These Calendars Aren't Week

Mar 10, 2020

Objective: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high-perceived value. Product: Beach Trifold Calendar Personalization: The b...

Case Study: Charity Fundraiser

Mar 3, 2020

The organizer of a charity fundraiser wanted to add an element of fun and excitement to their door prize giveaways. As each guest arrived, they were given a Mardi Gras Jubilee pen and instructions ...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Promotions

Feb 24, 2020

Description: Custom Wave Cap Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: The client was looking for a signature cap that would be unique, high-quality, and something that the recipien...

Case Study: College Fair Giveaway

Feb 10, 2020

Description: 4" Mini Plush Buddies Frog with Shirt Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A community college was looking for a giveaway item to have at their booth for the upcoming colle...

Case Study: The Weather is Snow Joke

Dec 29, 2019

Description: Keep Warm Buddy Set Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A local school was looking for a fundraiser item to help older kids raise money for an overnight camping trip. Th...

Case Study: This Promotional Product is in the Bag

Aug 14, 2019

Description: Laundry Bag Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A credit union wanted to target college students and offer them an incentive to open a new account. They chose a stock desi...

Case Study: Wine for the Win

Jul 30, 2019

A local winery at their annual fall festival was looking for a way to boost their sales on take-home bottles of wine. So, they gave away the imprinted Winged Corkscrew to anyone who purchased three...

Case Study: Safety First

Jul 16, 2019

Product: Auto Safety Kit Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: As a gift to anyone who opened a new bank account for over $1,000.00. How it was distributed: The bank was looking for a bra...

Case Study: Rock out on the Run

Jul 9, 2019

Description: Earbuds With a Wristband Industry: Marathon What it was purchased for: A sponsor was looking for an item or items that runners/walkers could be given at the race that they could use ...

Case Study: Pillow Box

Jun 3, 2019

Objective A children's hospital wanted to send a thank you gift package to donors. They wanted patients to be able to add a personalized touch to the gift to connect donors better to the cause. P...

Case Study: Success on Campus

Jul 2, 2019

A large university needed a useful tool to promote its school app to students and faculty because it wanted to use the app to communicate important college news and upcoming events. Since most stud...

Case Study: Happy to Hang Around

Jun 17, 2019

Description: Standard Door Hangers Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: A collision center wanted to increase the number of customer satisfaction survey responses and boost online appo...

Case Study: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions

Jun 10, 2019

Clever Meets Subtle: A New Way to Do Cross-Promotions Organization: Department Store Product Featured: Lanyard with Vinyl Pouch Goal of Promotion: Promoting Store Sales Description of Case ...