The Promo Column Leading the charge


February is a funny old month. After the lean month of January – regretting the pre-Christmas spending and eating binges – it’s a time to get back to something approaching normal. It’s also the month of love, and for brands looking to show their amorous side, there are plenty of products to choose from. Promotional products commentator Stuart Derrick reports.


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hocolates, flowers and fizz are all reliables, and plenty of companies will hope that corporate Britain is showing the love this month with various heart-shaped products. You know what they are, so letʼs not go there, and instead focus on something a little different. Elvis once sang about having a wooden heart, so the King of Rock ʻnʼ Roll would probably have loved the Cubebot. This robot puzzle is made from beech wood and is available from Tiger Ink, and supplied by Purple Zebra. It is actually a Japanese puzzle that comes shaped as a cube, but which can then be unfolded into a blocky robot who can be posed and played with. The tricky part is getting it back into the cube shape – easier said than done. No worries if you canʼt as itʼs a tactile delight which will continue to amuse and titillate long after the Valentineʼs chocs have been scoffed and the prosecco quaffed.


Word on the street


The word on the street is that 2018 is going to be all about wireless charging. Now that the mighty Apple has introduced wireless charging to its latest phones, the way is clear for the technology to go mainstream. As well as being incredibly useful, freeing us from the tyranny of the lost charger, it also represents a branding opportunity.


Wireless charger from Listawood


another example of organisations using ʻnudgeʼ theory to make us change our behavior. If reusable cups do become more prevalent, companies could do well to ensure that they get in first and make sure that itʼs their brand that customers come to associate with a discount, rather than those of competitors.


MacDonald Fyne’s retractable sync and charge


charge cable with a minimum order quantity of just 50pcs. This innovative 2-in-1 USB adaptor cable can be used for both charging and data transfer. Its integrated Micro USB and 8-pin Lightning connectors mean it is compatible with iPhone, iPad, Samsung, HTC, Android and most other electronic devices. The long lead is practical with a retractable reel cable for convenient storing and to prevent leads from getting tangled. The compact and lightweight design makes this the perfect promotional giveaway and a great portable item which can be easily carried around. It is available in a range of bright colours to suit any brand, and other features include a stylish LED light and protective cap lid. Itʼs all about charging this month, with Oldeani offering a new speedy charger that charges your device in a fraction of the time of standard chargers – it is up to four times faster. The three port USB charger includes one USB port with Qualcomm quick charge 3.0 technology. It can be supplied in a rigid white gift box with insert and lift off lid, and is available in black or white colours.


Listawood is straight out of the traps with this latest must have gadget. Its funky, full-colour charger is available from UK stock and can be decorated and despatched in as little as 24 hours. It is suitable for all mobile phones with QI technology including Samsung, iPhone 8 and iPhone X. The circular device presents and 95mm diameter printing area to display your brand. Of course, some of us may want, or need to charge in the old school manner, for a while at least. MacDonald Fyne is offering a brand new retractable sync and


| 48 | February 2018


Speaking of charges, sandwich chain Pret a Manger has increased the discount it is offering on drinks to customers who bring their own reusable cup. Previously it offered 25p to customers, but has announced that this will go up to 50p. The UK gets through about 2.5 billion coffee cups a year, and while they can be recycled, only about one in 400 currently is due to the difficulty of separating the various components that make up a standard coffee cup. With the government already considering a tax on single use plastics to cut down on plastic pollution in the seas, Pretʼs move could be see as


Sparkle in 2018 SPSʼs Americano Mug range benefits from some new additions for the year ahead. The introduction of the Americano Midnight Thermal Mug promises to make your customerʼs promotional gift sparkle in 2018. Plus, the


Americano spill- proof lid is now available in an


SPS’s Americano Mug


extended range of colours, giving customers even more ways to create their perfect promotional mug. The only question that remains is, when will pubs start doing the same – Iʼve got my own tankard! Finally, no start to the year would be complete without a new pen – perfect for signing off this monthʼs Valentineʼs cards in blot free fashion. Fluid Branding recently named the elegant Cintura Ballpen as its product of the month, and with good reason. The writing instrument has a distinctly executive feel, without the premium price tag. Its curvy shape makes it beautiful to hold and it is available in three classic colours – pearlescent white, matt black or blue lacquer. Each style features a shiny chrome trim, nib and clip. The pen is available with Parker style metal refills


containing black


German


Dokumental ink and a Swiss tip.


The Cintura Ballpen from Fluid Branding


What more could you ask for? Get scribbling.


www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk


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