Grand Prize Winner of Ash City’s CORE365™ Contest Announced
Ash City is delighted to announce the grand prize winner of the WIN MORE WITH CORE365™ contest! Congratulations to Trudy McAuley of British Columbia-based Lightning Sportswear Inc. (pictured above with Ash City's Brian Bliss) who is the proud winner of a customizable dream vacation worth $7500.
The WIN MORE WITH CORE365™ contest ran during the month of April with daily giveaways of the CORE365™ CLIMATE jacket (88185/78185) and one grand prize winner of the $7500 vacation. In order to enter the contest, customers either placed an order from the CORE365™ collection during the month of April or registered online.
"Thank you, Ash City, for this wonderful prize! Since I heard this amazing announcement, I cannot stop smiling and have already started looking into some trips that I have on my bucket list,” said McAuley.
Ash City Appoints New Vice President of Canadian Sales and New Communications Manager
Ash City Worldwide is proud to announce two recent additions to their team, with the appointment of Craig Ryan as Vice President of Canadian Sales, and Nadia Santoli as the company's new Communication's Manager.
Ryan's role will be responsible for Canadian Sales and Sales Support, and will oversee both Ash City's Canadian Sales Representatives and Key Account Managers.
Craig joins Ash City with a wealth of experience in Sales, most recently at Easton Sports, where he was the Vice President, Product Marketing and Global Hockey Sales. His experience also includes senior roles at Reebok/CCM and The Hockey Company, within the Apparel and Ad Specialty Apparel sales functions.
"Craig's apparel industry experience and his deeply established Canadian market relationships are a significant asset to our Senior Management team," said Doug Hayes, President and CEO, Ash City. "We are pleased to have him on board, and look forward to achieving the next level of excellence and growth at Ash City."
"I'm thrilled to be a part of the Ash City team – this company has made huge strides in the apparel industry, and I look forward to generating even more success for this already outstanding corporation," said Craig Ryan. "Solidifying expansion and reaching additional key target markets will be my priority in the next coming months."
New Communications Manager
Nadia Santoli's role as the company's new Communications Manager will be responsible for public relations, media management, copywriting and internal communications.
With over nine years of PR and communications experience, Nadia most recently held the District Public Relations Manager role at Robert Half International, and successfully elevated its brand presence in the Canadian market. She has also held roles within the technology and education industries, as a PR representative at AMD and a Communications Coordinator at FrontRow, respectively. As a marketing graduate from the Schulich School of Business, Nadia brings solid education, PR expertise and creativity to this position.
“Nadia’s unique experience and enthusiasm will complement our Marketing Team tremendously, and we’re looking forward to leveraging her skills, as we continue to tell the Ash City story,” said Laura Turner, VP of Marketing, Ash City.
BrandAlliance Welcomes Marc Roy as CEO
BrandAlliance™ is pleased to announce the appointment of Marc Roy as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors, effective May 27th, 2013.
Marc Roy brings 20+ years of industry experience to BrandAlliance, having previously served as CEO of Accolade Reaction from January 1999 to February 2010.
“We are thrilled to have Marc play a significant role in our long-term strategic plan of accelerating growth in North
America, as well as globally” explains Nick Thompson, Chairman of the Board. "Marc’s extensive experience in the
promotional products industry and track record in delivering results, while leading transitioning companies, made him the
ideal addition to our executive team. He is also a motivational leader who will continue to inspire and support our award
winning culture” says Nick Thompson.
“I am elated to be joining such a dynamic group of talented and creative people. BrandAlliance’s collaborative culture has
always attracted me and was a key factor in my decision to come on board” explains Marc Roy. “I’ve seen firsthand what
can be achieved when you combine a strong team immersed in an extraordinary culture. I look forward to nurturing the
collaborative nature, creativity, energy, as well as excitement, that is the foundation and strength of this organization
while assisting in the development of strategic initiatives to catapult us to new heights in the industry. The executive
team and I share a common vision not only for the company but the entire industry, making this move a perfect fit.”
Gildan’s balancing act in Bangladesh
In light of the recent factory collapse in Bangladesh, the Globe and Mail reports how Gildan Activewear drew the line on cost-cutting when it acquired a factory three years ago in Savar.
American Apparel Announces Comparable Sales for March 2013 up 8%
April 2013 - American Apparel Inc. announced preliminary sales for the month ended March 31, 2013, and reported that comparable sales increased 8%, including a 5% increase in comparable store sales for its retail store channel and a 26% increase in net sales for its online channel.
Wholesale net sales decreased 7% for the month of March primarily due to one less shipping day in March 2013 than in March 2012.
On a preliminary basis, total net sales for March 2013 were $50.3 million, an increase of 2% over the prior year period. For the quarter-ended March 31, 2013, total net sales increased 5% to $138.8 million, with an 8% increase in comparable store sales and a 2% increase in wholesale net sales.
"March represents our 22nd consecutive month of positive comparable store growth," said Dov Charney, Chairman and Chief Executive of American Apparel, Inc. "I'm excited by our sales results as well as our prospects for the second, third and fourth quarters of this year. Customer demand and our product assortment are strong as we continue to enhance the customer experience in our retail and online channels."
ESP Acquires Promobilia
April 2013 - ESP Canada has announced the acquisition of Promobilia.
“The fit and culture between the two companies will make for a very positive experience for our valued customers going forward. I was impressed with the professionalism and product knowledge the Promobilia staff has acquired," said Merrick Falkenstein, president of ESP.
"I was looking to exit the business so I could focus on some other business interests I have," said Paul Kan Lum, owner of Promobilia. "I wanted to ensure there was a proper fit and future going forward. We have built an amazing team and I am so proud of their accomplishments. We approached ESP as I was impressed with their operations. We share the same culture and philosophy of building a solid team, being honourable, with first class professional customer service. ESP fits all I was looking for.”
Promobilia’s offices in British Columbia will remain operational with key employees and all corporate contact information being retained.
Spector & Co. Hires COO/CFO
April 2013 - Spector & Co. has appointed Hillel Frankel as the company's new Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
Frankel's aim is to bring an enhanced focus on all operational and financial aspects of the business. Frankel was president of Madacy Entertainment for 10 years, and more recently provided legal counsel as a member Stikeman Elliot national law firm.
Hillel Frankel can be reached at hillel@spectorandco.com.
Ash City Announces New Dedicated Sales Representative Position
Toronto, ON, February 2013 - Ash City is very pleased to announce that Spencer Linwood has taken on the newly created position of Dedicated Sales Representative for the Golden Horseshoe and South Central Ontario territory.
After two effective years leading Ash City's Canadian sales force as National Sales Manager, Spencer has chosen to embrace his passion for selling and “get back on the road” fulltime. He looks forward to providing a focused service approach to the valued customers in his home territory of South Western Ontario – essentially, making a return to his roots.
With 20 plus years of experience, working as a mentor and “Coach” to both his co-workers and customers, Spencer is the ideal candidate to spearhead this new Dedicated Sales Representative position for Ash City.
The combination of Spencer and Mike Bernard completes the dedicated sales approach for the company in South Western Ontario. Together, they will work to ensure that a new standard for sales and customer service will be achieved for Ash City’s customers within their respective territories.
Gildan's Super Bowl Ad Runs During the Big Game
New CORE365™ Line Spearheads Exciting New Spring Collection From Ash City
Toronto, ON, February 2013 - Ash City launched their exciting new CORE365™ line as part of their dynamic Spring 2013 Collection which is made up of 39 new styles. The new CORE365™ line places a strategic focus on functional styling and performance, which makes it well suited for uniforms, team wear, the hospitality industry, golf and fundraising activities.
The CORE365™ line is comprised of five innovative styles: a performance pique polo (ORIGIN); a performance crew neck (PACE); an unlined lightweight jacket (MOTIVATE); a 2-layer fleece bonded soft shell jacket (CRUISE); a seam-sealed lightweight variegated ripstop jacket (CLIMATE).
“This product line has all the quality you expect from Ash City, and is extremely affordable” said Mabel Kwok, Director Design and Merchandising. “CORE365™ has great appeal from its amazing range of matchable colorways, to the uncompromised functions and style details."
Ash City’s 2013 Spring Collection also includes two polos - SYMMETRY and REFRESH - which are an extension of the UTK cool·logik™ Technology™. These polos deliver the same cooling benefits as Ash City’s proprietary cool·logik™ fabric technology, but with the added advantage of odor control. By utilizing yarns with embedded micron particles from recycled coffee grounds in the fabric, Ash City has utilized the natural odor-controlling properties of coffee while finding another great way to reuse natural resources.
Another part of Ash City’s Spring Collection is the unique introduction of NORTH END SPORT® BLUE, a line where outdoor performance meets urban sophistication. Ash City has fused downtown style with uncompromising functionality, creating a new line that is perfect for the modern lifestyle, corporate office or style-conscious customer. “NORTH END SPORT® BLUE is an edgy, retail inspired collection”, said Elson Yeung, Product Line Manager, Design. “It was an exciting line to design because we were able to incorporate some unique fabrics as well as introduce a sophisticated on-trend look and feel to the industry”. From UPTOWN’s suiting inspired soft shell fabric to BOARDWALK’S wrinkle free multi-color stripe; you won’t miss a step with this city inspired collection.
Fersten Worldwide Hires Industry Leading Sales Team
January 2013 - Fersten Worldwide (FW) an industry leading supplier for decorated corporate promotional apparel, outerwear and headwear, as well as the exclusive licensee for FILA Golf in North America, proudly announces the addition of TC Sports Marketing to our elite sales force.
Chuck Loreto, Mark Cavallin, Todd King, Nicole Coulton and Josee Quann make up this extraordinary team of industry veterans with over 10 years of sales experience in the field of promotional products. TC Sports Marketing will represent the complete line of FW and FILA Golf products in Eastern Ontario, Barrie and Northern Ontario regions.
TC Sports Marketing has represented major suppliers in both hard and soft goods. They have significant experience in sales and marketing within the promotional industry and are committed to offering exceptional service and customer relations.
“FW continues to grow aggressively and we are excited to have the team at TC Sports Marketing join the FW/FILA team as the new representatives in Eastern & Northern Ontario, as well as Barrie” says Jonathan Epstein, Sales Manager at FW. “I am confident that their sales expertise, industry knowledge and customer relationships will significantly strengthen the FW and FILA presence in the territory.”
TC Sports Marketing Inc. can be reached at (613) 728-2495, or Toll-Free at (888) 808-0985
Redwood Classics Apparel Announces Patrice Dulac as New Sales Representative for Quebec
January 2013 - Redwood Classics Apparel is proud to announce the appointment of Patrice Dulac as its new Quebec sales rep.
Dulac is a bilingual sales representative with extensive knowledge of the Quebec region. His career as a proactive and outside-the-box salesperson has spanned upwards of two decades. He brings to Redwood Classics a wide range of experience from his past & current work with companies like CCM, Fashion Biz (CAN) Ltd. and Kanata Blanket Co.
"Our salespeople are on the frontlines of the promotional industry every day and their knowledge of their respective territories is key,” says Kathy Cheng, Directory of Sales & Marketing. “I am confident that Patrice’s experience, as well as his commitment to relationship building and increasing sales, will add significant value to our company.”
Adds Dulac: "I look forward to developing strong relationships with the distributors of the promotional industry, ultimately maximizing Redwood Classics’ market visibility and, ultimately, its sales performance."
For more information, please contact Alex Wong, Inside Sales:
alex@redwoodclassics.net | 416-754-9800 ext. 229.
Alternatively, please contact Patrice Dulac, Quebec Sales Representative: patricedulac@sympatico.ca | 450-293-0500.
Delta Apparel Set To Launch Canadian Distribution Centre in Early February
January 2013 - Delta Apparel is proud to announce its first global apparel expansion outside of the U.S. with the opening of its new Canadian distribution centre in the first week of February.
"We are very excited about being in Canada," said Todd Scarborough, President of Sales, Marketing, Merchandising for Delta Apparel.
Delta Apparel is a well-established apparel manufacturing and distribution company that has been in business since 1903. The company produces and distributes all of its own product, which includes of wide array of T-shirts in a variety of styles and fabric compositions.
"We've been working over the past 12 months to get our distribution centre ready and our inventory positions aligned, and we are very excited to have Terry Nojd - who is a long time veteran of the Canadian industry - head up our national sales in Canada," said Scarborough.
The new distribution centre is located at: 105 Iron Street, Etobicoke, Ontario, M9W 5L9
All customer service operations will be hosted in Delta Apparel's main service centre in Atlanta, Georgia.
"When Canadian customers need assistance, they can call our toll-free number and speak with our experienced customer service agents who are expertly trained on our entire product offering," added Scarborough.
King Athletics Announces New Director of Business Development
January 2013 - King Athletics is pleased to announce that Dennis Brockman (pictured above, left) has joined the King Athletics Team as the new Director of Business Development, effective January 1,2013.
Dennis brings over 35 years of experience in the corporate and private label sportswear industry to King Athletics. He brings his long lasting and loyal relationships with his many customers and previous organizations which he was affiliated.
Dennis will be responsible for eastern Canada, while John Coupar (pictured above, right) continues to cover British Columbia.
"I look forward to this new challenge and working with the King Athletics Team to grow our brand. I will also introduce the KA brand into the United States through our newly opened office in Niagara Falls, N.Y." said Dennis.
Fruit of the Loom Canada's Jeff King named winner of the Robert L. Scott Memorial Award
January 2013 Congratulations to Mr. Jeff King of Fruit of the Loom Canada, who was named winner of the Robert L. Scott Memorial Award, presented January 11, 2013.
This honour is Awarded annually to the individual (at the supplier level) who best displays unparalleled commitment, integrity and enthusiasm for the Canadian Imprintable Products Industry.
Jeff was among a handful of worthy recipients nominated by his industry peers, and was deservedly chosen to recieve the honour by a group of voters that includes previous winners.
Jeff King (pictured. left) accepts the Robert L. Scott Memorial Award from last year's recipient Rubenstein Bros.' Kevin Price.
The Imprint Canada Show returns to Toronto January 10 & 11, 2014, but first stops in Calgary on October 18 & 19, 2013.
OVERWHELMING ENTHUSIASM AT TORONTO IMPRINT CANADA SHOW AS NEARLY 3,000 BUYERS GET A JUMP ON THE NEWEST PROMOTIONAL MARKETING PRODUCTS FOR 2013
January 2013 -The 2013 Toronto Imprint Canada Show, held January 11 & 12, was buzzing with a positive energy from attendees and exhibitors alike, which suggests that 2013 is shaping up to be a great year for our industry.
Nearly 3,000 buyers became the first to get a jump on the newest promotional product offerings for 2013, as more than 120 leading industry suppliers featured the hottest new imprintable apparel styles, ad specialty products, equipment and accessories for embroidery, digital printing, screen printing, embossing, engraving and more.
The Imprint Canada Show returns to Toronto January 10 & 11, 2014, but first stops in Calgary on October 18 & 19, 2013.
BREAKING NEWS - CANADIAN EXCLUSIVE TO IMPRINT CANADA
Ash City Worldwide Press Release
Ash City Appoints Doug Hayes President & CEO
Richmond Hill, ON - December 3, 2012 - Ash City Worldwide, North America’s leading promotional apparel supplier, is pleased to announce the appointment of Doug Hayes as the company’s new President & CEO. This role is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s progressive go to market strategy for North America. Founder Garry Hurvitz will continue to lead the innovative product development and supply chain initiatives for which Ash City is renowned.
“Doug Hayes brings a wealth of management experience to Ash City, said Hurvitz. “He has an impeccable track record of performance and excellence, and fostering long lasting relationships with both customers and employees with every organization he has led.” Doug Hayes has served as President of the Americas for Crocs, Inc. since January 2009. In this role, Doug was responsible for all operations for North and South America including Crocs’ wholesale and direct to consumer channels. He joined Crocs in September 2008, successfully rebuilding Crocs’ Canadian wholesale and retail businesses as Vice President/Managing Director for Crocs Canada.
Prior to joining Crocs, Doug spent more than 25 years in the sports industry. He held a position as President of National Sports and Senior Vice President of Forzani Group Ltd, the largest national sporting goods retailer in Canada. He also served as President of Callaway Golf Canada and President of adidas-Salomon Canada Limited, where he successfully integrated adidas/Salomon and Taylor Made Golf in Canada.
“As a Canadian, having worked in the USA for the past four years, I have long admired Ash City and the great business that Garry has built on both sides of the border. I am excited and honored to be given the challenge of taking this organization to the next level”, said Doug Hayes.” In the next few months, there will be exciting developments at Ash City and it is my intention to not only grow and nurture an already tremendous business, but also to bring innovative perspectives and business approaches to Ash City in 2013 and beyond.”
Mr. Hayes’ position as President & CEO begins January 3, 2013. “We are looking forward to having Doug at the helm”, said Garry Hurvitz, “he is the right person to drive our business forward and take advantage of the tremendous growth opportunities heading into 2013. The future looks very bright”.
December 2012 - Kaumagraph International Ltd a Canadian based company, announced today the acquisition of British Kaumagraph Transfers (BKT) of Manchester, UK.
The strategic acquisition strengthens the position of Kaumagraph in Europe and the Middle East while increasing overall capacity to service current and future business.
"Purchasing BKT has provided us with much of the infrastructure and manpower to sustain our growth,” says Ken Dunlop, President & CEO, Kaumagraph International Ltd. “We can now turn our attention toward expansion in developing markets.”
A leader in specialty heat transfer technology for textiles, Kaumagraph has experienced significant growth over the past 18 months servicing large brands particularly in the denim sector. The company is forecasting another strong growth period over the next 12-18 months with expansion plans for facilities in both Asia and Central America.
Vantage Apparel to distribute Greg Norman Corporate Collection in Canada
December 2012 - Vantage Apparel has announced that it will distribute Greg Norman Collection to the corporate promotional market in Canada, effective immediately.
Built upon a unique combination of performance, luxury and style, Greg Norman Collection is a leading worldwide label of golf-inspired sportswear for men and women. Established in 1992, the brand is inspired by one of the world's leading golf professionals, the man known as “The Shark.”
The exclusive distributor of the Greg Norman Collection to the corporate market in the United States, Vantage will stock a complete product line, consisting of nearly 30 styles, including more than a dozen performance polos available in both basic and fashion colors.
“We are excited to bring such a well-known and highly-valued brand to the Canadian market,” said Ira Neaman, President of Vantage Apparel. “Greg Norman Collection is one of the premier names in fashion and performance. We believe this move will make it easier for our distributor partners in Canada to not only source Vantage’s quality product but also offer a global brand of such high stature.”
For information, please contact Jeff DePalma, Sales Manager,at JeffD@vantageapparel.com or 800-221-0020, ex. 3122.
Gildan Activewear Announces Record Quarterly Results
December 2012 - Gildan Activewear TSX:GIL)(NYSE:GIL) announced record financial results for the fourth quarter of its 2012 fiscal year and announced a 20 per cent increase in the amount of its quarterly dividend.
Gildan reported net earnings of $89.0 million or $0.73 per share (all figures U.S.) on a diluted basis for its fourth fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2012, compared with net earnings of $48.5 million or $0.40 per share in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.
Results for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 include restructuring and acquisition-related costs amounting to U.S. $5.9 million after-tax, primarily related to the write-down of real estate assets held for divestiture since the closure of U.S. sock manufacturing operations, as well as severance costs resulting from the integration of acquisitions.
Net sales in the fourth quarter were up 16.6% from the same period last year to to $561.7 million, with sales for the Printwear segment up 7.5% to to $376.8 million, and sales for the Branded Apparel segment up 41% to $184.8 million.
