TREND REPORT

Promotional Product & Style Trends for 2015

FEBRUARY 2015

®

lapine trend model

To ensure we’re delivering the latest insights we tap into every source: • Trade publications to learn the

history of a trend

• Expert blogs to understand today’s focus

• Trade shows to see what’s coming in the future

Combine this with the Lapine team’s over 50 years of expertise in the industry, and you’ve got an unmatched trend model.

The key to riding a trend is hopping on before it’s reached its peak. That is why at Lapine, we don’t just focus on what’s big today, but on what your audience will want tomorrow.

apparel trends

Apparel Trends

About the Trend*

• Performancewear continues to soar. Expect compression tops and performance headwear to grow in popularity. Also, thanks to new technologies look for: pieces in materials such as woven fabrics, innovations like biometric tracking and temperature control.

• In mainstays (t-shirts and polos) textured slub fabrics and ultra-soft jersey fabrics will be big. Heathered color treatments, as well as bold color blocking, accenting and ombre sublimation, will also be popular. For fit, look for scoop necks for women and a more fitted cut overall.

• Outerwear: battle the elements in style. Trendy soft-shell jackets with less bulk will continue to be popular. Also in demand will be transitional pieces that go from work to recreation, as well as three-in-one jackets that can be used in multiple seasons. In outerwear, quilted fabrics, fleeces and the use of mixed media with pops of color accents will be dominant.

Source: Advantages

Apparel accounted for 31.5% of distributor revenue in 2013, about $6.45 billion in sales. The demand for this category is only expected to rise in 2015.

health & wellness

Health & Wellness

About the Trend*

• Hydration and on-the-go health is popular. Companies are designing products that make committing to a healthy lifestyle easier. Protein drink shaker bottles, water filtration bottles and pitchers and meal-saving tupperwares for breakfast and lunch are all favorites.

• Hand sanitizers and lip balms are small products that pack a major punch. Lip balm users apply 4-6 times a day and that one tube can last about 8 months – which equates to up to 1440 impressions from one product! Look to retail to partners or inspiration, such as the popular EOS brand.

• Lifestyle products such as pill boxes and performance apparel are getting an innovative touch. The Pill Organizer Bottle from AdNArt keeps health concerns top of mind. Brand name wearables such as Garmin’s vivosmart, as well as strictly promotional pieces, are in demand.

Source: Lapine, 2015; Promo Whisperer

The promotional space is following cues from retail and the rest of the world and products centered around health and wellness are in high demand.

pop style

Pop Style

About the Trend*

• Promotional supplier Gemline presented “GeoPop”, dynamic geometric patterns paired with bold, crisp colors, in its 2015 trend report. Garmin debuted its vivofit2 fitness bracelets featuring key, chevron and other geometric patterns in a rainbow of colors.

• A similar trend is the dominance of bold typography art and apparel. Seen in the popular location art and graphic t-shirts, this style is expected to grow in 2015.

• Color will be a major player in the coming year. Along with Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala, bold standards, rather than pastels or neutrals will be big. Long-standing grill leader Weber® introduced its handy portable Q® 1200® grill in rich colors such as blue, green and fuchsia.

• Also expected to be popular is the use of strong accent colors in apparel, whether its through contrast stitching or accent zippers and pockets.

Source: Gemline; Lapine, 2015

not just a name

Not Just a Name

About the Trend*

• The power of brand is being felt more than ever in the promotional world. While generic items such as stress balls and baseball caps have their place, more and more promotions are featuring items that cultivate strong brand recognition. 58% of consumers note that receiving a branded item would make them think differently about a company than a generic item would.

• Direct use of a brand name item in a promotion. For instance, brands like Puma and Otterbox were seen at PPAI in the promotional space. Sometimes a branded item is decorated with the sponsoring company’s logo and art, other times it is given blank.

• High end designers are also improving the perceived image of promotional goods. One example is Isaac Mizrahi’s partnership with Gemline. The bags he co-creates carry his name and clout and have a distinctly retail look. This concept follows the overall trend toward retail-centric looks and products taking the forefront in promotional goods.

Source: PPAI; Lapine, 2015

barware

Barware

About the Trend*

• A dominant trend in housewares for several years, barware is gaining prominence in the promotional world. From custom shaped ice molds to meticulously etched rocks glasses, this category is in high demand.

• A major influencer is the shift in attention to craft beer, which saw a 17.2% rise in sales in the last year. These beers have unique ways of serving, consuming and storing and as such call for different merchandise. Items like growlers and mini kegs are popular and offer ample space for decoration.

• Driving the craft beer trend is a desire for authenticity. This idea lends itself nicely to a “rustic utilitarianism” This style utilizes materials such as woods and metals and gives goods a more handmade, “authentic” look.

• Another movement is the rise of unique cocktails that require certain tools and cups. Where 2014 featured the Moscow Mule and its ubiquitous copper mug, 2015 is focused on formerly “bad” drinks like Long Island Iced Teas and Amaretto Sours. Look for bar accessories that pair with such cocktails. Source: Lapine, 2015; Bon Appetit, Design Sponge, Brewers Association

multi-purpose goods

Multi-purpose Goods

About the Trend*

• Multi-purpose items pack an extra punch both for users and the distributing brand. Because of their multi-functional nature, receivers are more likely to use products more often, increasing the number of impressions gleaned from a single product.

• Multi-tools are some of the most prevalent items in this category. Especially popular with men, these highly functional pieces come in a range of styles and sizes. The smaller models are a perfect choice for a mail-based promotion.

• Other mainstays that serve a dual (or more!) purpose include clock picture frames that take prime real estate on desks and walls or the always popular keychain-USB drive. One standout from this year’s show that pulls extra duty was a combination pen-stylus-USB-charger, these extra functions adding to the perceived value of the item.

Source: Branding Beat; Lapine, 2015

origins

Origins

About the Trend*

• Another trend presented in Gemline’s 2015 report was “Origins.” This movement is all about goods that tell a story. This could literally mean words imprinted on an object, or a product that comes from a company with a rich history.

• In line with the greater theme of authenticity, Origins highlights goods that represent something and ones that consumers know where they came from. Similarly, this trend is helping to stoke the flames of Made in America which has continued to grow year after year. Handmade goods, especially with a vintage feel are predicted to be popular, as well as denim and leather goods. Think the one-of-a-kind styles that are seen on Etsy and others.

• Popular are goods that make use of words or symbols as decoration. The Alex & Ani bangle brand features charms that represent something unique to the wearer. Goods also use small print words to tell a story, recite lyrics or more. This has a similar look to a step and repeat imprint, but has a continuous flow instead of a single print.

Source: Gemline; Lapine, 2015

Decoration

techniques

Decoration Techniques

About the Trend*

• From eye-catching embellishments to custom design, the decoration of an item can be a major selling point for consumers. In 2015, expect to see more unique forms of decoration than a standard screen print or embroidered logo.

• Personalization is one of the biggest draws for consumers when it comes to a promotional product. Data shows that a personalized item has 3o times the ROI of a generic item. With more cost effective methods of personalization being developed, this practice is becoming more common in the promotional space.

• Try full-sublimation printing or custom knits for an all-over design. For 2014 this was especially popular in socks, and is expected to continue throughout 2015.

• Look to tone-on-tone imprints and matte finishes, particularly in drinkware, in 2015. Unique decorations, such as glow in the dark or heat activated elements to also make a splash.

Source: Cap Venture; Advantages; Lapine, 2015

coming soon

Coming Soon

Gemline also debuted two up and coming trends: Biomimicry and Classic Fusion.

“BIOMIMICRY” Goods that evoke nature, both in color and texture will be popular. Products in hues of greens, blues and reds will be prevalent, with deep green, sand and Color of the Year Marsala being especially popular. Look for sensory fabrics like suede and leather to complete a look.

“CLASSIC FUSION” Mixed media is predicted to become even more popular later in 2015. Unexpected color combinations, as well as the blending of patterns such as stripes and polka dots, will give fashion and goods an extra pop of excitement.

*Source: Gemline

color your world

Marsala:

2015 Color of the Year

Source: Pantone, 2015

Scuba Blue

Source: Pantone, 2015

Treetop

Source: Pantone, 2015

Tangerine

Source: Pantone, 2015

Neutrals: Toasted Almond & Glacier Gray

Source: Pantone, 2015

Interested in

learning more?

Lapine 15 Commerce Road Stamford, CT 06902 www.lapineinc.com (203) 327-9099

® Contact your Lapine sales rep or brandbuilders@lapineinc.com to set up an ideation meeting to learn more about a specific style, trend and more for 2015!

THANK YOU!