MarchApril 2021

IMPRINT CANADA THE MARKETING AND INFORMATION SOURCE FOR IMPRINTABLE PRODUCTS APRIL 2021

A Tristan Communications Ltd. Publication

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

SUPPLIER NEWS & GLOBAL RETAIL UPDATE

4

LESSONS THAT GOLF CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT BUSINESS

Golf and business have long gone hand-in-hand. We highlight some of the lessons from the golf course that you can apply to grow your business.

6

HOW TO KEEP YOUR STRATEGIC THINKING FLEXIBLE?

Business coaching expert Susan Robertson explains how the pandemic has forced us to shift our thinking and how to keep our thinking nimble to adapt to future change .

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Volume 28, Issue 2

The Golf Industry Builds on its Unexpected Boost During The Pandemic

By Adriano Aldini, Imprint Canada

Golf has emerged as the ideal quarantine release, and the reasons why are fairly intuitive: staying outdoors means a lower risk of transmission, and keeping other people at a distance is crucial.

With less competition for outdoor activities, and given that golf is entirely outdoors and requires no real proximity, the pandemic has provided golf with an opportunity to attract Golf resurgence during the pandemic provides a muchnew participants and it has witnessed needed boost to the promotional products industry. a resurgence in popularity.

The movement to more people working from home means they have more flexible hours, giving them more opportunities to get out there and golf.

Golf, continued on Page 10

NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS

Leading suppliers showcase their newest product offerings. 18

The Three Big Reasons New Products Fail (and How to Avoid Them)

By Howard Tiersky

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @imprint_canada

Promising products don’t always perform as expected.

As your organization continues to find its place in the digital transformation that’s unfolding everywhere, you’ll inevitably need to create or update a large number of different products. But just because you think your shiny new product, website, service, or other offering is great, it doesn’t automatically mean the customer will.

According to Nielsen, 85 per cent of new consumer products fail in the marketplace. Yours doesn’t have to be one of them; just make sure your “solution” isn’t less desirable than the problem you’re trying to fix.

Sometimes what seems like a great idea just doesn’t resonate with consumers. The problem is you can spend a lot of money on an innovation that unintentionally detracts from the customer experience rather than improving it.

New product launches are often unsuccessful.

With careful strategic planning, they don’t need to be.

New Product Launch, continued on Page 14

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APRIL 2021 per cent in 2022. This improved outlook comes after the IMF’s estimated 2021 global economic contraction of -3.3 per cent.

Progress Towards Normalization In early April, the International Monetary Fund upgraded its view of Canada’s economic growth in 2021, projecting a five per cent rise in economic output, which represents the largest increase among advanced global economies. The basis of this heightened expectation is due in part to government financial aid and increasing availability/rollout of COVID-19 vaccines.

The IMF also projected that global economic output will rebound six per cent in 2021, and a further 4.4

The 2021/22 projections came with a warning that “uncertainties” over new COVID-19 variants and the inconsistent rates of vaccine rollouts across nations and continents, could alter these projections, and that uncertainty over economies remains high.

As the IMF refers to it, “progress towards normalization” (expected economic growth) is based on the following: • Vaccination becomes widespread and spare capacity in health care systems is generally restored to pre-COVID-19 levels.

• Restrictions can begin to be lifted.

• While the pandemic continues, policies should first focus on escaping the crisis, prioritizing health care spending, providing well-targeted fiscal support, and maintaining “accommodative” monetary policy while monitoring financial stability risks (expanding the overall money supply to boost the economy if growth slows down).

• As the recovery progresses, policymakers will need to limit long-term economic scarring (job loss, falling income) with an eye toward boosting productive capacity (for example, public investment) and increasing incentives (loans, grants, tax breaks) for an efficient allocation of productive resources (producing goods and services that people value most highly).

If and how new COVID-19 strains prove susceptible to vaccines, will dictate the path of the pandemic.

With that fact in mind, the IMF has recommended that all countries prioritize strengthening social protection regardless of the pandemic’s path. This includes: • Wider eligibility for unemployment insurance to cover the self-employed and informally employed.

• Ensuring adequate resources for health care, early childhood development programs, education, and vocational training.

• Investing in green infrastructure.

One thing is for sure among all ongoing uncertainties: it will take time - a lot of it! - to return to prepandemic levels.

April 2021 | IMPRINT CANADA

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IMPRINT CANADA

Supplier News

THE MARKETINGMarch/April AND INFORMATION SOURCE FOR IMPRINTABLE PRODUCTS 2021 - Volume 28, Issue 2

ONLINE EDITION

www.imprintcanada.com/magazine

Gildan Activewear Reports Q4’20 sales Gildan Activewear posted a 4.8 per cent growth in sales to $690.2 million (all figures US) in its fourth quarter (Q4) of fiscal year 2020 compared to sales of $658.7 million in the same quarter last year. The company’s net earnings for the quarter increased to $67.4 million compared to $32.5 million in Q4 last year.

“Our Back to Basics strategy put us on a sound footing going into the pandemic and the additional actions we have taken during 2020 have enhanced our competitive positioning as we work towards a stronger environment,

growth, and achieving our long-term profitability targets,” Glenn J Chamandy, president and CEO of Gildan, said in a press release.

Sales of activewear products for Q4 FY20 grew 11.3 per cent to $537.9 million due to favourable imprintables product-mix, higher imprintables volume growth in North America and higher unit sales of activewear through retail channels, partly offset by lower international shipments. Whereas, hosiery and underwear product sales slipped 13.0 per cent to $152.3 million.

GLOBAL RETAIL NEWS Columbia Sportswear names Craig Zanon as senior VP, Emerging Brands

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IMPRINT CANADA | April 2021

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THE GOLF INDUSTRYʼS PANDEMIC BOOST

1

THREE REASONS NEW PRODUCTS FAIL CONTʼD PG 14

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SUPPLIER NEWS / GLOBAL RETAIL NEWS

6

LESSONS THAT GOLF CAN TEACH YOU ABOUT BUSINESS

8

ARE YOUR TELEPHONE HABITS LOSING CUSTOMERS

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HOW TO KEPP YOUR STRATEGIC THINKING FLEXIBLE

CONTʼD PG 10

NEW PRODUCT SPOTLIGHTS Source: Fibre2Fashion.com

H&M unveils sustainability concept Innovation Stories

Columbia Sportswear Company has appointed Craig Zanon H&M has launched a brand-new concept, Innovation Stories, as the new senior vice president (VP), Emerging Brands, fol- which debuts multiple collection launches throughout 2021. lowing the retirement of Doug Morse, in the summer of 2021. The first launch is ‘Science Story’, available in selected stores Columbia Sportswear has assembled a portfolio of brands and at hm.com beginning April 1, 2021. H&M is a Swedish for active lives, making it a global leader in active lifestyle multi-national clothing-retail company.

Science Story pays tribute to the brilliant minds behind apparel, footwear, accessories, and equipment industry.

Prior to joining Columbia, Zanon spent more than twenty fabrications of the future. The collection introduces new years with Nike, where most recently, he served as VP and materials such as EVO by Fulgar, a bio-based yarn derived general manager of Global Basketball. During his time at from castor oil, and Desserto, which is a plant-based alternaNike, he also served as vice president for US Footwear and tive to leather, produced from cactus plants. general manager for the Americas. Zanon will be joining the “Innovation Stories is a platform that pushes our expericompany on April 5, 2021, to ensure an effective transition to mentation to the next level. The initiative encourages our the role of senior VP, Emerging Brands upon Morse’s retire- work with scientists and developers and puts a spotlight ment. The role of senior VP, Emerging Brands, will continue on our progressive ideas. Science Story is a homage to the to report to Tim Boyle following the transition, according years of research and experiments behind these incredible to a press release by Columbia Sportswear. materials,” said Ella Soccorsi, concept designer at H&M. Emblemtek_Imprint_March-April-2021-7.pdf 1 02-25-2021 11:20 AM

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News {Business Development}

What Golf Can Teach You About Growing Your Business

By Adriano Aldini, Imprint Canada

Golf and business have long been linked together. For as long as the game has been around, the two have gone together like bread and butter.

One of the best things about golf is that it can teach you a ton about business; the parallels between the two are more than just coincidence as many golf lessons carry over and apply to business.

business - whether its implementing new software, creating a marketing campaign, launching a new product or creating a strategic alliance.

Knowing Pays Off

Before playing any course, professional golfers walk it, study it and take notes of various nuances. The pros understand the importance of knowing the course inside and out. Even amateur golfers recognize the advantage of playing on a course they know well and are familiar with because knowing the course inside out gives you the most opportunities to play your best and avoid pitfalls.

In business, clarity is fundamentally crucial. You need to gather as much data as you can. Analytics, forecasting and business intelligence should be tied into everything you do so that your decision making is always driven by comprehensive, timely data. Having a clear understanding of your market, audience and other areas of your business is the best way to make strategic decisions.

Create a strategy.

Most seasoned golfers understand that going for glory and aiming for the hole on every shot will quickly get you into trouble on the course. Some shots require a different strategy depending on hazards, bunkers and distances; you need to plan out your attack for the hole in advance.

In business, without a strategy you’re planning to fail. Once you’ve collected as much data as possible, you need to map out how to take advantage of it. This applies to all areas of

to look to the term. There are 18 holes in a traditional round of golf; one good hole or one bad hole will not make or break your round.

Similarly in business, one good month or one bad quarter will not make or break your business. You need to focus on the long term and build something sustainable to the inevitable challenges that will come your way.

Many companies fail by prioritizing rapid growth instead of creating a business designed to sustain growth over the long term. Before you rush to boost sales, your supply chain, operations and other internal processes need to deliver a true competitive advantage and accommodate the projected growth.

Practice Makes Perfect

Golf is not just a game, it’s a metaphor for business.

You need to also ensure your strategy is realistic based on the resources and budget on hand. If a golfer knows he or she can’t hit a 300-yard drive, they should aim to set themselves up for their next shot. If you know you don’t have the resources to succeed at an initiative, look to obtain those missing pieces or choose a strategy that you can succeed at with what you do have.

Your strategy should be flexible and adaptable, but it shouldn’t be thrown out with every small variation. If a golfer planned to hit the green and ended up in a sand trap, they need to make an adjustment. This doesn’t mean they’ll scrap their entire game plan for the round because of one mistake.

Focus on the long game.

Like almost everything in life, the more you practice, the better you become.

Consistent, deliberate work rewards the initiated. The more you play golf, the better you get. Those unable or unwilling to commitment will not reach the same levels of success as their initiated counterparts.

As a professional, your success is in direct proportion to the work and commitment to plan that you’re willing to put in. This means the inevitable long hours, growing pains and unexpected challenges and setbacks that were not foreseen.

If you are prepared to give a complete effort, identify and develop a strategy for fixing specific holes in your game and devote your full energy to your business, you will reach your goals.

In business, dedication and commitment are par for the course, and golf can be a valuable reminder for any person looking to grow their business.

It pays to look beyond where you are at the moment and

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News {Business Development}

Are Your Phone Habits Costing Your Business its Customers?

By Jeff Mowatt

Your telephone skills have a significant impact on your business.

If your customers aren’t impressed by you or your employees on the telephone, they can merely hang-up and dial the competition.

To find out how you and your co-workers are perceived, take this telephone test. While you’re at it, have a friend make a “mystery call” to see how your employees measure up.

1. How long does it take you and/or your switchboard operator to answer the phone? a) 5 rings or less b) 3 rings or less c) under three rings

After two rings, callers are wondering what’s going on. Your phone should be answered in-person by the second ring or by your voice-mail system by the fourth ring.

2. Do you answer your phone with any of the following?

a) “Hello.” b) “(Company name only)” c) “(last name only)” d) “Good afternoon, this is (your name), how can I help you?”

All of these greetings have flaws. A, B, and C are too abrupt and don’t provide enough information. D is too wordy and dissuades callers from identifying themselves because it encourages

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them to get to the point rather than saying their name; plus it forces you to check the clock to see if it’s before or after noon.

A better greeting is, “Thank you for calling ABC Company.

This is Jeff.” If you are taking a call that’s transferred to you, then always identify yourself as you wished to be addressed. Whether you choose to identify the department is optional.

3. Have you ever said, “Please hold” to a caller?

a) yes b) no Never put a caller on-hold without asking for their permission, and then waiting for their response. Putting customers on hold without their express consent is a sure-fire formula to lose business.

4. How long does it take a person on hold to become annoyed?

a) 2 minutes b) 30 seconds c) 1 minute d) 17 seconds Studies show that after only 17 seconds, callers on hold become annoyed. The exception is when the greeter explains why the caller is being asked to hold and provides the estimated time required. Knowing beforehand how long they can expect to wait reduces the chance of annoyance, particularly among long distance and cellular phone callers. Another option to prevent frustration is to offer the caller the option of either holding or hanging up and having their call returned within a brief, specific time period.

5. When you’re talking on the phone while a visitor walks in, who gets priority?

a) the visitor b) the caller The person who made the effort to show up in-person gets priority. That means you need to interrupt the caller. The quickest way to get that caller’s attention is to call their name. “George, someone just walked in, can I ask you to hold for a moment?” Wait for their agreement, then acknowledged the visitor, tell them you’ll be a moment, and wrap-up your telephone conversation.

If you’re talking to customer in person when the phone rings, then get someone else to answer the phone, or use voice mail.

Abandoning customers to answer the phone is downright rude and is a guaranteed way to lose customers. As obvious as this seems, it’s one of the most common blunders in customer service.

6. When receiving a call for a co-worker, how are you most likely to respond?

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a) “Susan’s not in right now, so I’ll have to take a message.” b) “Susan’s still at lunch. Can I take a message?” c) “Susan will be back soon. Can you call back in 15 minutes?”

All of these statements have flaws that make the greeter sound unhelpful and unprofessional. Consider each response.

Response a) makes it sound like an inconvenient chore.

Instead, say: “I’ll be happy to take a message.” The bonus is that you don’t work any harder but you convey the impression of someone with a terrific customer service attitude.

Response b) is completely irrelevant that the co-worker is at lunch. It’s also irrelevant whether your coworker is “in a meeting” or “with a customer” or “busy”. The only relevant information is they’re not coming to the phone. Therefore,“Susan is not available right now,”is the most appropriate response, followed by, “I’d be happy to take a message.”

Response c) gives the impression that you’re lazy and gives a potential customer a terrific reason to call your competitor.

The training solution

If you’re like most managers and business owners, you’ll probably find that when you assess the phone practices within your organization, there’s room for improvement. The good news is that with just a little training, it’s easy to develop the skills that ensure that your customers keep coming back.

About the Author: Jeff Mowatt is a customer service strategist and Hall of Fame speaker. He’s the author of the bestselling business books: Becoming a Service Icon in 90 Minutes a Month and Influence with Ease.

This article is based on the bestselling book, Becoming a Service Icon in 90 Minutes a Month.

Jeff heads his own training company and has written and produced 13 self-study coaching tools. His Influence with Ease® column has been syndicated & featured in more than 200 business and online publications.

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News {Business Development} Golf, continued from Page 1

In fact, plenty of golf ’s recent growth can be directly attributed to the coronavirus: golf is safe, it’s distanced and people have fewer alternative options available.

Golf course owners and operators have generally been optimistic about golf ’s ability to capitalize on this increased interest due to the pandemic’s impact.

According to results from the latest Golf Operation Impact survey, the uncertainty and fear felt by operators at the onset of the pandemic has been tempered and replaced with optimism.

The survey was conducted by GolfNow which was designed to help better understand the pandemic’s long-term impact on the game, with more than 300 owners and managers mostly from public and semi-private clubs and representing 45 states, six Canadian provinces and several international properties - participating in the survey.

Overall, the 2021 outlook is generally positive based on the survey results, despite some stumbling blocks in certain segments. Two-thirds of the respondents are “very optimistic” that golf will be able to capitalize on the surge of interest and newcomers to the game. Approximately 51 per cent of respondents agree that the pandemic is a new “silver lining” for the game of golf, and 46 per cent of respondents disagreed with the statement that the new interest in golf will be “short-lived.”

With an eye toward the future, more facilities may begin utilizing technology than ever before. Pre-COVID, only four per cent of facilities said technology investment was important.

That number nearly tripled to 11 per cent since, with almost half (47 per cent) now believing technology is a priority, up from 27 per cent pre-pandemic.

Some facilities shifted to prepaid tee times to promote “contactless” check-in, with 31 per cent saying it will become a standardized feature moving forward.

PARTICIPATION NUMBERS ARE UP

The positive outlook for the Golf industry is being fuelled by the more than 81 per cent of facilities that reported rounds increased in 2020, including 36 per cent of facilities that reported revenue was up more than 25 per cent during the peak summer season.

A record number of recreational rounds were registered with Golf Canada, topping out at 1.5 million rounds in August 2020. The Golf Canada Foundation set up a Covid-19 Golf Relief Fund giving $400,000 to subsidize personal protective equipment for golf course employees, as well as providing sanitization, hygiene, and protective material expenses. It also subsidized rounds of golf for front-line workers.

South of the border, the National Golf Foundation has

done great work tracking the effects of the coronavirus on the golf industry. Their latest numbers show a massive uptick in participation, with U.S. golfers logging 20 per cent more rounds in August 2020 than August 2019. The increase marks the fourth consecutive month with a year-over-year increase and underscores the trend that people are playing more golf now than before.

Consumers are also buying more golf apparel, equipment and supplies. With the golf industry building on its unexpected boost during the pandemic, one of the offchutes to that is the need for branded products.

In the U.S., consumers purchased $331 million worth of golf equipment in August 2020. This represented a 32 per cent increase annually. July marked an all-time record with $389 million in equipment sales.

A record number of recreational rounds were registered with Golf Canada, topping out at 1.5 million rounds in August 2020

THE CURRENT STATE OF GOLF EVENTS

Golf fundraisers are major annual events for many nonprofit organizations. And while the COVID‐19 pandemic has forced other types of fundraisers to be cancelled, golf fundraisers can generally be more easily modified to accommodate touch‐free and social distancing needs.

Despite this, the industry lost quite a bit of ancillary business due to declines or elimination of food and beverage, corporate tournaments, events, weddings, and limited shopping in the pro shops.

Among facilities that host events businesses, 74 per cent saw their bookings disappear. Additionally, the group/golf outing business was down 86 per cent at all facilities south of the border.

“The anticipation is that tournaments will still be happening, but they are being pushed back later in the season, hopeful that they can run with fewer restrictions,” said Jim

Hare, President of SMG Golf and Founder of Virtual Charity Golf which was developed in response to the pandemic with the goal of assisting charitable organizations that have faced a loss of physical golf tournament revenues as a part of their fundraising efforts.

Hare points out that public health safety measures due to the pandemic have put a strain on fundraising activities at golf events, but there is optimism that things will continue to get better as the vaccine rollout continues to accelerate.

Hare also noted that event organizers and golf facilities have been working very hard to ensure that any and all events which can take place are doing so with safety top of mind.

“Many events are eliminating as many physical touchpoints as possible,” noted Hare, citing examples such as using event websites for registration and accepting sponsorship payments online instead of pay‐on-site. Other pivots have targeted format changes with the goal of ensuring social distancing measures; these include staggered tee times instead of a shotgun start, one person per cart and touch‐free mobile scoring instead of shared scorecards and pencils.

Another noticeable trend is the growing push towards shorter events, playing only nine holes instead of a full round.

More people are being drawn to shorter outings and the opportunity to play less holes because of time commitments.

This allows golfers to get onto the course quicker and as such, shorter courses are increasing in popularity.

GOLF INDUSTRY’S PRE-PANDEMIC IMPACT

Before Covid-19 struck, the Canadian golf industry generated $18.2 billion in economic benefits across the nation in 2019, according to The Economic Impact of Golf in Canada (2019) report conducted by Group ATN Consulting Inc. on behalf of the National Allied Golf Associations (We Are Golf).

Pre-pandemic, the Canadian golf industry employed the equivalent of nearly 249,000 people through direct and spinoff effects and contributed to $10.6 billion in household income. The industry also contributed $4.5 billion in government tax revenue used to support a variety of programs for all Canadians.

“Establishing a baseline for the economic impact of our sport measured against pre-2020 COVID-19 spending is an important benchmark consideration for the integrity and continuity of the study,” said Laurence Applebaum, chair of We Are Golf and CEO of Golf Canada. “Based on what we learned through the 2020 season, the safety of golf through this pandemic and the potential for a lift in participation and spending on the game, we are optimistic in looking ahead.”

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News {Business Development} New Product Launch, continued from Page 1

An elevator invention comes to mind that illustrates just how easy (and expensive) it can be to miss the mark. Back in the early 2000s, the inventor introduced his new product in a shiny new skyscraper in Times Square. That building had a keypad-controlled elevator, and instead of having to pick a floor once you got in, you used a numerical touchscreen that you had to push only once. To request an elevator, you typed the number of the floor you wanted to go to, and received a response from a screen with the letter of the alphabet corresponding to the elevator to which you had been assigned.

You went to ‘your’ elevator, and when it arrived, you got in and it automatically took you to your floor. Presumably this got you there faster.

Maybe so, but people found the new system extremely confusing: If you were already in the elevator, there was no way to change your mind without getting off on the wrong floor and repeating the process. Frankly, people didn’t want to relearn a skill you had already mastered (knowing how to work an elevator) even though it took only 30 seconds.

It’s not that people are unwilling to learn new things. We’re happy to learn to use iPhones and Kindles, but that is because these devices delivered enough value that it justified the investment to learn them. The keypad elevators didn’t deliver enough value to overcome the pain of change and this is why they haven’t caught on in a major way. In fact, one office building in Houston went so far as to remove these ‘smart’ elevator controls and revert to the traditional form due to so many tenant and visitor complaints.

The good news is that there are specific methodologies to massively reduce the likelihood of this outcome (like Design Thinking). For now, though, let’s focus on a few of the big reasons new products fail.

Reason #1: The Wrong Value Proposition.

For a product to be successful, it has to meet customers’ needs and do so in a way that is “worth” more than the cost the customer is asked to bear. Furthermore, it must offer value

that is superior to competitive options at that price point. This “value proposition” is the core of any product idea—a specific solution to a customer problem delivered at a defined price point and revenue model.

The quality of a Zoom call may not be the same as expensive teleconferencing equipment, but it’s free. So, for many customers, it’s a more compelling value proposition. Of course, other customers prefer to pay more and have more reliable connections. That’s fine as well; both are valid propositions and address different markets.

The ‘right’ idea for a successful product is one that will resonate with its intended customers, be worth the cost, and be either better than the competition or cheaper. Ideally, both.

How do you find it? Understanding your customers’ unmet needs, pain, or problems is the starting point. But some solutions may work well for the customer, while others might just not be worth the trouble, like the numerical elevator keypad.

Reason #2: Failure to Execute.

It’s not enough to have an idea with the right value proposition, because ideas are not products. You still have to bring them to life. Many products born of great ideas fail in their execution. Take the beloved 2017 Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

Even though it launched with rave reviews, Samsung’s valuation dropped by over $26 billion when the phones’ batteries started catching on fire. The point? Some products just don’t work quite the way they are supposed to.

My team was brought in to help ‘save’ a project management software tool that a client had launched. They built what they thought was a ‘killer’ app, but the market was rejecting it. We conducted some market research and found that while the tool had awesome features that aligned with what customers wanted, it had one problem: It was slow. It required so much computational power that each change to your project plan took 5-10 seconds to ‘recalculate.’ That was all it took for users to reject it. This is a big challenge of product development: A lot can be right, but if one critical thing is off, it can tank the

whole thing.

We improved the project management software in part through performance optimization but mostly by removing features that weren’t ‘worth’ their impact on speed. After that the product was more successful.

Reason #3: Lack of Awareness.

You know the old adage about building a better mousetrap and having people beat a path to your door? It’s not true; there have been 4,000 patents for new ideas for mousetraps, and yet the world continues to use the classic (grisly and dangerous) “snapping” model. Despite the fact that this customer journey has many points of pain—from the need for insect-attracting peanut butter to the disturbing front-row view of a dying mouse—none of those new designs have overshadowed the original model. Even if an idea is well executed, it can still fail if nobody knows about it.

Awareness doesn’t just mean customers know your product exists; it actually consists of three critical components: the product’s core value proposition; the product’s claim of differentiation; how to take action. In traditional product development thinking, you’d consider these marketing issues. But if you embrace a Design Thinking approach, you realize you can’t split them out that way. Every stage of the customer experience must be considered together.”

By no means are these three obstacles insurmountable.

When you address them head-on, you’re all the more likely to launch a highly successful product.

About the Author: Howard Tiersky is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Winning Digital Customers: The Antidote to Irrelevance. He has been named by IDG as one of the “Top 10 Digital Transformation Influencers to Follow Today.” As an entrepreneur, he has launched two successful companies that help large brands transform to thrive in the digital age: FROM, The Digital Transformation Agency and Innovation Loft. His dozens of Fortune 1000 clients have included Verizon, NBC, Viacom, Avis, Universal Studios, JPMC, Crayola, Morgan Stanley, Condé Nast, the NBA, Visa, and digital leaders like Facebook, Spotify, and Amazon.

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14 IMPRINT CANADA | April 2021

News {Business Development}

How to Sustain Flexible Thinking and Nimble Action

By Susan Robertson

To survive the pandemic, companies were forced to adapt very quickly to radically new circumstances. Even large organizations - where it’s typically difficult to shift directions quickly - managed to accomplish it. Leaders discovered that, when required, their organization could act much more quickly and nimbly than they normally do.

So, the obvious questions are 1) What was different? And 2) How can you “hardwire” this flexibility into your organization so it continues to be stronger in the future?

What was different? All humans have a set of cognitive biases, which are mental shortcuts that are used for problem solving and decision making. Cognitive biases are NOT individual or personal biases; they are a neuroscience phenomenon that all humans share.

It’s also important to understand that they operate subconsciously and affect your thinking in ways that you don’t realize.

You have two different thinking systems, known as System 1 and System 2, also referred to as thinking fast and thinking slow.

System 1 is the “intuitive”, quick, and easy thinking that we do most of the time. In fact, it accounts for about 98 per cent of our thinking. It doesn’t require a lot of mental effort; we do it easily, quickly, and without having to think about the fact that we’re thinking.

System 2 thinking is deeper thinking; the kind that’s required for complex problem solving and decision making. This deeper thinking requires more effort and energy; it literally uses more calories. Since it’s less energy efficient, our brain automatically and subconsciously defaults to the System 1 thinking whenever it can, to save energy.

Cognitive biases result when our brain tries to stay in System 1 thinking, when perhaps it should be in System 2. The outcome is often sub-optimal solutions an/or poor decision making. But we don’t realize that we have sub-optimized because all of this has happened subconsciously.

In typical circumstances, several of these cognitive biases

conspire to make us perceive that continuing as we are - with only slower, incremental changes - seems like the best decision.

It feels familiar, it feels lower risk, in sum – it feels smarter.

Choosing to do nothing different is – very often – simply the default. It frequently doesn’t even feel like we made a decision; instead it feels like we were really smart for NOT making a potentially risky decision.

During the pandemic, changing nothing, or changing very slowly, were simply not options. This situation was so unique that our brains didn’t have the choice to stay in short-cut System 1 thinking. System 2 thinking was required, and since we consciously realized we MUST change, our brains started working harder in System 2 – and the normal cognitive biases weren’t a factor.

How to Continue to be More Nimble in the Future

The key to maintaining flexible thinking and nimble behaviour is to not allow our brains to fall into the trap of cognitive biases.

Obviously, since these are intuitive and subconscious responses, this is not an easy task. But there are proven ways that we can better manage our brains. Here are a few ways to start.

1. Knock out the Negativity Bias. Negativity Bias is the phenomenon that negative experiences have a greater impact on your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours than positive experiences. So, you are much more highly motivated to avoid negative than we are to seek out positive. In your daily work, you’re more prone to reject new ideas than to accept them, because rejecting ideas feels like we’re avoiding potential negative.

Respond to “yes but…” with “what if…?” This requires a conscious mental effort by everyone on the team to monitor their own and the team’s response to new ideas. Every time “yes, but…” is said, use the response: “What if we could solve for that?” Reframing the problem into a question will trigger our brains to look for solutions, instead of instantly rejecting the idea.

2. Short Circuit the Status Quo Bias. This is the subconscious

preference for the current state of affairs. We use “current” as a mental reference point, and any change from that is perceived as a loss. As a result, we can overestimate the risk of a change, and dramatically underestimate the risk of “business as usual.”

When weighing a choice of possible actions, be sure to overtly list “do nothing” as one of the choices, so you are forced to acknowledge it is a choice. Also include “risk” as one of the evaluation criteria and force the team to list all the possible risks. Then comes the difficult part - remind the team that their subconscious brain is making them perceive the risks of doing nothing to be lower than the reality, so they should multiply the possibility of each of those risks.

3. Curtail the Curse of Knowledge. In any subject where we have some expertise, we also have many subconscious assumptions about that subject. Under normal circumstance, this Curse of Knowledge (these latent assumptions) limits our thinking and suppresses our ability to come up with radically new ideas.

Rely on advisors who don’t have the same Curse of Knowledge.

In other words, seek out advice from people outside of your industry. When evaluating ideas or actions, these outsiders won’t have the same blinders you have, and they’ll likely have a clear-eyed view of the benefits and risks.

The bad news is that cognitive biases are always going to be a factor in our problem-solving and decision making; they’re hard-wired into us. The good news is that, with some dedicated and continuous mental effort, we can mitigate them and become nimbler in the face of change.

About the Author: Susan Robertson empowers individuals, teams, and organizations to more nimbly adapt to change, by transforming thinking from “why we can’t” to “how might we?” She is a creative thinking expert with over 20 years of experience coaching Fortune 500 companies. As an instructor on applied creativity at Harvard, Susan brings a scientific foundation to enhancing human creativity. To learn more, please go to: www.SusanRobertson.co.

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April 2021 | IMPRINT CANADA 15

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WEARABLES Columbia GOLF Omni-WickTM Shotgun Quarter Zip The Shotgun, style 16S60ML, incorporates Columbia’s patented technologies Omni-WICK™ for moisture management and Omni-SHADE™ for UV-blocking power. This lightweight layer is 100% polyester with a sun protection rating of UPF 30. It features a seamless zippered sleeve pocket and has contrast cover stitch.

The Columbia logo is on the right shoulder. The Shotgun is available in 9 colours from S-2XL, select colours in 3XL. The women’s companion style, 16S61WL, is available in 3 colours from S-2XL.

Pro-Round-Five AJM is excited to introduce 8E909M, “Pro-Round-Five”, the newest trend in headwear shapes.

With a straight front and a very slightly curved peak, this 5 panel constructed cap is a retail inspired shape. The front panel and peak are made from a Deluxe Chino Twill while the sides and back are made from Nylon Mesh which incorporates an adjustable plastic back strap. Available in 8 popular colourways and available for immediate shipping from all 3 Canadian warehouses.

For more information please contact AJM International at 1-800-3616256 or visit www.ajmintl.com

100% Polyester Polo Canada Sportswear is introducing this stylish Polo available in Men's / Ladies' (Style S05800 / S05801).

Constructed from a 100% Polyester interlock with anti-bacterial, wicking and quick dry finishes, this garment features a self-fabric 2-piece collar, button placket and side seam splits. Available in colours: Black, Green, Blue, Orange.

Columbia Golf is exclusively distributed in Canada by Catalyst Group. Please contact Catalyst Group at 1-877-602-6999 or CG-orderdesk@catalystbiz.com or visit www.CatalystGroupBrands.com

Fruit of the Loom HD CottonTM T-Shirts Not all T-Shirts are created equal. The difference is in the details. Fruit of the Loom’s revolutionary HD fabric is knit tighter using Finer-gauge yarns that yield a higher-density fabric with an exceptionally smooth print surface for superior quality. Great for Direct to Garment (DTG), Simulated spot prints, Specialty printing with HD/SD inks (puffs, gel, silicone, etc.), Discharge printing (several suitable colours).

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Take your next event from ordinary to Awesome! The TravisMathew Experience is guaranteed to generate unparalleled energy while delivering a customizable tee gifting experience unlike any other. Our fully stocked mobile store will cater an interactive shopping experience that your event participants will be talking about for months to follow. Book your event today. FULL SEND!

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18 IMPRINT CANADA | April 2021

For details, please contact Canada Sportswear, Tel: (416) 740-8020 or visit www.canadasportswear.com

Luxurious Textured Fabric Polo One of Biz Collection's top 3 polos is the Profile Polo - P706LS/MS. Constructed from a 55% Cotton and 45% Polyester Jersey Knit, this luxury fabric texture provides natural breathable fibers for BIZ COOL comfort and a Very Good UPF Rating. A great option for in the office, socially or on the course.

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Style, function, quality and fit defines the Reflex Polo (style DXP-1 & DXP-1W). The over-sized print makes a statement and H2X-DRY® fabric wicks moisture away from the skin for optimal comfort. The collar stand allows retention of shape and the side slits allow for ease of movement.

Sustainable Customization Program Redwood Classics Apparel introduces the Earth Hoody, designed with a goal of diverting textiles from landfills, reducing fabric waste, and is proudly handcrafted in North America, minimizing carbon footprint within the production process. This revolutionary customization product takes an individual’s worn denim and combines it with the company’s in-stock style, Banff Hoody, to create something completely unique and sustainable.

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Polyester Interlock Polo Canada Sportswear is proud to showcase style S05815 / S05816, a 100% Polyester interlock polo with anti bacterial, wicking and quick dry finishes.

Features of this versatile and durable garment include self fabric 2-piece collar, button placket and side seam splits. Available Colours: Black, Navy, Purple.

For details, contact Canada Sportswear, Tel: (416) 740-8020 or visit www.canadasportswear.com

Must Haves Collection Part of the TravisMathew "Must Haves" collection, the ZINNA embodies effortless style through attention to detail and sophisticated simplicity.

Not just another polo, this style is constructed with elevated fabrics that look, feel, and perform better than your average top. The signature collar stay technology and sewn-in TravisMathew logo to the chest to stamp approval on a piece that will surely never go out of style. Keep it simple but make it count with the ZINNA. For more information, contact G&G Golf Company, 1-800-661-0045 or visit www.ggcorporate.ca

Double Layer Mask Stay safe on and off the golf course with this double layer general use cotton mask with elastic ear loops. The Delta (FP901) is a breathable and reusable mask engineered to easily fit on all Fersten ear protective cap styles to prevent ear pain. Available in 18 colours for a perfectly coordinated look. Complete with your choice of decorations. Offered in sizes S/M & L/XL. Contact Fersten Worldwide (800) 565-7462 or visit www.fersten.com

WEARABLES

Men’s and Women’s Reflex Polo

Youth Pro-Round with Mesh AJM introduces a youth style, 8E019B to their extensive line of promotional headwear and apparel. Made in AJM’s popular constructed Pro-Round shape, the front panels and peak are made from a Deluxe Chino Twill while the sides and back are made from Nylon Mesh which sports an adjustable plastic back strap.

Available in 6 popular colourways for youth sizing and a matching adult size 8E019M comes in 17 colourways.

For more information contact AJM International at 1-800-361-6256 or visit www.ajmintl.com

The Embroider Buddy® original line of stuffed animals was created to provide a quick and easy way to customize gift and souvenir stuffed animals.

For our full collection check out: www.embroiderbuddy.com Toll free: 800.387.8565

We’re social: April 2021 | IMPRINT CANADA 19

WEARABLES

One-Size-Fits-All Customizable Golf Gloves

Style Meets Sustainability Trimark is showcasing the Men's Dege Eco SS Polo. The micro-lined fabric gives it an on-trend textured look and feel. The anti-microbial, breathable and moisture-wicking features help keep you cool and comfy all day long, making it perfect for the golf course as well as the office. One per cent of all Eco sales are donated to environmental profits through a partnership with 1% For The Planet.

Take the guesswork out of finding the perfect size glove.

Zero Friction’s Compression-Fit technology delivers outstanding precision, flexibility, and comfort. This universal fit performance golf glove is available in a men’s and women’s cut. The glove features a synthetic patch around the first finger for a solid grip, and mesh Lycra throughout finger, back of hand & palm for a better fit and enhanced breathability. The ball marker is a 1” epoxy dome and is fully customizable with your logo.

For details, please visit www.trimarksportswear.com

Zero Friction is exclusively distributed in Canada by Catalyst Group. Please contact Catalyst Group at 1-877602-6999 or CG-orderdesk@catalystbiz.com or visit www.CatalystGroupBrands.com

Russell Athletic Essential T-Shirt This trans-seasonal collection is offered in an array of adult, ladies’, and youth styles, providing the comfort of cotton combined with the benefits of performance.

With Dri-Power moisture wicking, odour protection and UPF 30+, these garments were created for functional comfort that can easily transition from a casual outing to a workout. 64STTM0 is readily available in Canadian distribution centre.

For more information, please contact Russell Athletic team at CanadaCustomerService@fotlinc.com

Anti-Bacterial Men's / Ladies' Polo Canada Sportswear's 100% Polyester interlock Polo with antibacterial, wicking and quick dry finishes is great on and off the course. Style S05805/S05806 features include self-fabric 2-piece collar, button placket and side seam splits. Available in colours: Grey/Black, Navy/Black, Red/Black For more details, please contact Canada Sportswear, Tel: (416) 740-8020 or visit www.canadasportswear.com

2021 Spring Fashion TravisMathew introduces its Spring 2021 Fashion Collection, crafted of elevated and casual styles and designed for every brand of merrymaking. The "WE HAVE FUN" Polo features TM’s signature colour blocking and sporty chest stripe. Premium Cotton/Poly blend provides style, performance and comfort for work and play.

Contact G&G Golf Company: 1-800-661-0045 or visit www.ggcorporate.ca

Performance Cap The Bordeaux (FP260) is a trendy moisture wicking cap with FERST-DRY™ features and an extensive list of decoration technique options. The contrasting laser perforations on the peak add a sharp edge to this modern hat. Made from 98% Polyester Pearl Nylon with 2% Cotton, offered in 6 different colour combinations, this cap is surely a golfing essential.

Contact Fersten Worldwide (800) 565-7462 or visit www.fersten.com

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20 IMPRINT CANADA | April 2021

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WEARABLES

Triflex Performance Polo

Adidas Mélange Quarter-Zip

This Triflex performance polo will keep you looking sharp and feeling comfortable. The Roxton (Men’s FW6693 / Women’s FW6697) boasts Anti-Snag, Anti-Bacterial and FERST-DRY™ features, perfect for your golfing season needs. Made from 100% Triflex Polyester, this polo is available in 4 colour combinations and is offered in sizes XS-4XL (Men) / XS3XL (Women). Suitable for a variety of decoration techniques.

S&S Activewear introduces the Adidas - Lightweight Mélange Quarter-Zip Pullover. Style A475 is constructed from 100% recycled polyester interlock knit and features a self fabric mock collar, moisture wicking properties, a UPF 50+ rating, open hem sleeves and a contrast colour adidas logo on right sleeve.

Contact Fersten Worldwide (800) 565-7462 or visit www.fersten.com

Softstyle Ladies' T-Shirt ®

The Gildan Softstyle® Ladies' T-Shirt (64000L) is constructed from a preshrunk jersey knit and features seamless double-needle 1/2" collar and taped neck and shoulders.

This modern-classic features a high stitch density fabric for a smoother printing surface, a tear-away label for ultimate customization. Double needle sleeve and bottom hems deliver enhanced durability. It is available in Ladies' sizes S-3XL in 18 colours.

For details, please contact S&S Activewear, Tel: 1-800711-1600; www.en-ca.ssactivewear.com

Black 100% Polyester Full Zipper Hoodie Big K Clothing is showcasing item #BK3554 - the Black 100% Polyester Full Zipper Hoodie. Made from 100% black polyester, this garment comes with a full zipper front and 4” 3M reflective tape which meets CSA Z96-02 Class 2, Level 1 standards. Avaialble in sizes S-5XL. For details visit www.bigKclothing.ca or contact 1.877.688.3031

For more information please visit www.mygildan.com

Nu-Fit® Pro-Style Fitted Cap This fitted cap is designed for today's active consumer whose lifestyle demands more from their head wear.

NU-FIT® caps utilize the durability and stability of spandex to maintain a consistent, comfortable fitted cap every time you put it on! Available in a wide range of colours to suit your next promotion.

Visit www.kccaps.ca or call 1-800-303-0888

22 IMPRINT CANADA | April 2021

LightWeight Short Sleeve Crew Tee Milltex Sportswear is showcasing the Adult Light Weight Short Sleeve Crew Tee. Style #990 features a 30 Singles Ringspun Jersey with shoulder taping and a tubular construction. Solid colours are made from 100% cotton; Heather Colours are 60/40 Cotton/Poly; Graphite Heather is 70/30 Cotton/Viscose; Grey Heather is 95/5 Cotton/Viscose.

Contact Milltex Sportswear at 905-820-1100 or visit www.milltex.ca

This lightweight colour block jacket is the go-to layer you can carry everywhere. On or off the golf course, The Tours (Men’s FW3060 / Women’s FW3070) will keep you protected from the wind with a level 1 warmth rating suitable for 8°C to -5°C. Made from 100% Polyester Dobby Checker, this jacket is available in 6 colours, in sizes XS-4XL (Men) / XS-3XL (Women). Ideal for Embroidery, SDT Transfer & Transfer Appliqué, Laser and Liquid Metal Appliqués.

Contact Fersten Worldwide (800) 565-7462 or visit www.fersten.com

Men’s and Women’s Gulf Stream Polo The Men’s and Women’s Gulf Stream Polo (Style VP-2 & VP-2W) demonstrates Stormtech's passion for polos. Featuring a subtle, micro stripe sublimated print and precision, laser-cut bonded placket. Showcasing Stormtech's snag resistant, mechanical stretch, H2X-DRY® moisture wicking, UPF sun protection fabric.

For more information, please visit www.stormtech.ca

Stylish Alternative to Traditional Polos Look to the women's Amos Eco Short Sleeve Top for style and sustainability. Made from the comfy, eco-friendly, feels-like-cotton recycled fabric, the breathable, moisture-wicking recycled polyester has UPF sun protection, making it perfect for the outdoors. One per cent of all Eco sales are donated to environmental profits through a partnership with 1% For The Planet.

Please visit www.trimarksportswear.com

Poly Wicking Navy Blue T-Shirt Big K Clothing is showcasing the Poly Wicking Navy Blue T-Shirt - Style BK2003.

This navy blue 100% poly wicking T-shirt has a breast pocket and 4” 3M reflective tape which meets CSA Z96-02 Class 2, Level 1 standards.

Available in S-5XL.

WEARABLES

Lightweight Jacket

Ladies' 1/4 Zip Sweat Jacket Milltex Sportswear is showcasing the Adult Heavy Weight Marled 1/4 Zip Sweat Jacket. Style 965 is constructed from Soft-Hand Fleece and features two-needle cover stitching.

The 100% Cotton fine surface is for excellent for decorating. Detailing includes a covered YKK metal zipper and ribbing with Lycra Spandex. Available in four great heather colours in sizes: XS - 3XL. Contact Milltex Sportswear at 905-820-1100 or visit www.milltex.ca

Women's Performance Sport Shirt S&S Activewear is showcasing the Adidas Women's Performance Sport Shirt. Style A331 is constructed from a 7.2 oz, 100% recycled polyester and features a Hydrophilic finish, Ribbed knit collar, and a a three button placket. This style delivers UPF 25 Protection and is completed with an adidas® performance heat transfer logo on right hip.

For details, please contact S&S Activewear, Tel: 1-800-711-1600; www.en-ca.ssactivewear.com

For details visit www.bigKclothing.ca or contact 1.877.688.3031

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www.bwcalgarycentre.com For reservations, call: 1-877-287-3900 April 2021 | IMPRINT CANADA 23

Classic Heather Shoe Bag

Adhesive Colour Burst Cubes

Customizable Golf Accessories

The B5400 is Ecorite’s Classic Heather Shoe Bag – a perfect companion to bring to the course. The contemporary heather construction, double sided venting and piped edges make this bag functional and fashionable.

Jay-Line’s Adhesive Colour Burst Cubes come in your choice of one of five colours: Lemon Ye l l o w,V u l c a n Green, Pulsar Pink, Cosmic Orange, & Cobalt Blue. 8pt minimum standard type size. 10pt minimum reverse type size. Product comes with top sheet black imprint only. Side imprint not available.

Tee packs from JWG are low cost & customizable. Tees are wood or long lasting ABS in a variety of colours. Other options include ballmarkers, divot tools, poker chips, golf balls, business cards and four different types of packaging.

Please visit www.ecorite.com for details and pricing

Contact JWG at 1-866-2868140 or please visit www.jwgnow.com

For details please visit www.jay-line.com

SPRAYS

SCISSORS

EMBROIDERY THREAD

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For all your embroidery needs please contact us

24 IMPRINT CANADA | April 2021

Personalized Drinkware That You Design Yourself Windmill Canada has taken customization and put it in your hands. This half litre Stainless Steel Bottle is constructed from a reusable, BPA-free material that can be covered in a Vibrant Full Colour Custom Hi-Definition Design. Fully Customizable - Just Send them your pictures or artwork. Free Carabiner Attachment!

For more information, please contact Windmill Canada, Tel: 1-866-418-7407 or visit www.windmillcanada.ca

Golf Towel Collection The JWG line of golf towels offers your clients a wide selection of quality materials, styles, colours, and price points. JWG towels stand up to long use keeping your client’s logo out there and looking good. Decoration is by embroidery or full colour sublimation.

Blank product also available.

Canadian Made 8-Piece Acrylic Patio Set Get in to summer with the DezineCorp line-up of Canadian Made Acrylics. Perfect for the patio, beach or poolside, these high quality BPA-free acrylic pieces are the perfect canvas for your hot weather inspired designs! Check out the compete 8pc Patio Set (style PSET-1CL).

The complete set includes a 50oz pitcher and 6 Jumbo glasses and a clear acrylic tray. Bring out this Patio set at your next event and be noticed!

Please contact DezineCorp at (866) 625-7820 or visit www.dezinecorp.com

Get On The Green With This Premium Golf Kit

Contact JWG at 1-866-286-8140 or visit www. jwgnow.com

Taylor-Grant is showcasing its Premium Golf Kit - GTS850.

This kit iIncludes a Mesh Golf Shoe Bag, 3 Golf Ball Set, a Cooling Towel, an 8 Tee / 2 Marker Kit, Lip Balm and a Nature Valley Bar.

Aroma Oil Diffuser Whiteridge is showcasing its Aroma Oil Diffuser (#556). This unique product uses Ultrasonic waves to instantly vaporize water and essential oil in the tank, to produce a cool, dry fragrant mist to help create a calming and relaxing environment. The Water tank capacity is 300ml, and lasts for 6 -8 hours. This product features 7 soothing led mood lights and comes with a remote.

For more details, visit www.whiteridgeinc.com

For more information, please visit www.taylor-grant.com or contact ddawson@taylor-grant.com

Sanitizing Wipes Debco’s PET resealable package with sanitizing wipes (#PP0009) contains 5 unscented spun lace non-woven antibacterial wipes for personal hand hygiene to help prevent the spread of bacteria.

Customize the label for a personalized touch.

Visit www.debcosolutions.com

April 2021 | IMPRINT CANADA 25

Customizable Metal Divot Tools Metal Divot Tools and hat clips with a domed ballmarker show your clients logo to great advantage and have a high perceived value. JWG offers a number of tool and clip styles and colours. Production takes just a few weeks. A much appreciated gift.

Contact JWG at 1-866-286-8140 or visit www.jwgnow.com

New 3-Layer Face Mask DezineCorp introduces its newest resuable and washable face mask – style PPF5234BK. These 3-layer fashion face masks are made with soft, breathable 100% cotton jersey top and bottom layers, and an inner filter layer made of soft flow, melt blown, non-woven polypropylene. Style PPF5234BK features a flexible adjustable nose clip and soft rounded elastic straps with unique rubber adjusters and hoop stoppers – excellent for connecting to lanyards! Ask about decoration options.

For more information, please contact DezineCorp at (866) 625-7820 or visit www.dezinecorp.com

Domed Tin With Golf Ball Shaped Mints Taylor-Grant is showcasing Item #300-SM-GB - these unique Golf ball shaped sugar free mints come in a full colour customized tin to help your brand stand out.

For more information, please visit www.taylor-grant.com or contact ddawson@taylor-grant.com

One Can Golf Cooler Bag Debco is showcasing item CB730 - the one can Golf Cooler Bag. Made from durable 600D Polyester, this item features a plastic hook attachment for golf bag, webbed loops which hold four golf tees (included), and a white PEVA liner to keep drink cold.

For more details, please visit www.debcosolutions.com

Bristol Ballpoint Stylus

• • • • • •

PCNA is showcasing the Bristol Ballpoint Stylus - 1067-30. Classic design meets the new corporate needs in this dual ballpoint stylus pen. The soft rubber stylus tip is integrated into the end cap of pen and eliminates fingerprints and smudges on your device. Compatible with any capacitive touchscreen device including iPhone, iPad, Blackberry, and Android OS Tablets or Smartphones. Also ideal for any public touchscreen uses such as ATM or retail payment pads.

For details, please visit www.pcna.com/en-ca

Make A Real Impression With Bunkerstamp SMG Golf is offering Bunkerstamp, a polyurethane rubber mold that enables you to print crisp logos or messages in sand bunkers. Used primarily for golf tournament sponsor visibility, Bunkerstamp is available as a custom product in sizes ranging between three and 16 square feet.

Bunkerstamp is also used for golf course logo branding and as well with generic messages such as Thanks for Raking, No Entrance/No Exit. It is no touch visibility that can be installed in as many sand bunkers as you wish.

For more information, visit smggolf.ca or call 888-599-3377

Driver 15” Computer Backpack PCNA is showcasing the Driver 15 Computer Backpack (Item # SM-5909) which features a roomy main zippered compartment with a laptop sleeve. This trendy colour-block backpack also features a front zippered pocket making it a great, versatile all-around bag for your clients’ next promotional campaign.

For details, please visit www.pcna.com/en-ca

26 IMPRINT CANADA | April 2021

STYLE # 717

ADULT UNISEX MID WEIGHT CLASSIC HOODY

STYLE # 777

ADULT UNISEX HEAVY WEIGHT ULTIMATE HOODY

STYLE # 903

ADULT UNISEX MID WEIGHT CREWNECK SWEATSHIRT

STYLE # 935

ADULT UNISEX HEAVY WEIGHT QUARTER ZIP JACKET

260 GSM

260 GSM

350 GSM

315 GSM

3535 Laird Road, Unit 13 Mississauga, Ontario L5L5Y7 TO ORDER : Email : orders@milltex.ca | Call : 905-820-1100 | Website : www.milltex.ca ADDRESS :

Durable & Effective Woven Emblems Emblemtek's woven emblems are a flexible, lightweight alternative to embroidery.

They allow for intricate details, small text and gradient patterns. After the weaving process, the emblems can be cut into basic or intricate shapes and can be trimmed with or without Merrowed borders. The emblems are industrial and commercial launderable relative to backing type and application method which makes them the ideal solutions for many industries and uses.

Virtual Charity Golf Tournament Platform SMG Golf has developed a platform for an all virtual charity golf tournament. The platform is based upon the lotto scratch concept where participants play 18 holes with accompanying sound and visual effects.

There is also a live leaderboard that tracks up to the minute scores. The platform has been created with simplicity in mind. There are many opportunities to provide sponsor visibility and generate sponsorship revenues.

The platform can be used to replace or compliment the fundraising efforts of a physical golf tournament.

For more information, please visit emblemtek.com

Next Level Digitizing Software From Melco: Design Shop 11 Embroidery Systems Canada presents the latest innovation in Digitizing software from Melco. Design Shop 11 includes all new customization features, improved lettering, (including support for Open-Type fonts) advanced auto-digitizing tools, and a unique new feature called design checker, which will warn you of potential problems with your designs before you sew them out! Upgrade packages are available for current Design Shop owners.

Visit virtualcharitygolf.com or call 888-599-3377

Produce Perfect Patches Embroidery Systems Canada is an Authorized dealer of the original Merrow industrial emblem edging machine. If you need to create that perfectly finished edge on a crest or patch, this is the machine you need. Parts, needles, and oil for your Merrow machines are also available.

Visit www.embroiderysystemscanada.com/designshop or call 1-888-805-8631

Go to www.embroiderysystemscanada.com or call 1-888805-8631 for more information

E-Zee Badge Film

Embroidery Sprays & Bobbins American & Efird Canada, lnc. is the exclusive distributor for ODIF and BATABOFF™ for the Canadian market. The Bataboff™ prewound bobbins and ODIF Sprays and Adhesives for embriodery complements the extensive range of quality thread products that A&E currently provides.

Contact American & Efird Customer Service at 1-800-361-0787.

It has never been E-Zeeier to embroider badges, patches and emblems with Cansew Inc.'s E-Zee Badge Film Hefty. Available in 100 microns, 19” by 109 yrd /roll.

Cansew Inc. is your stop for embroidery and screen printing supplies. Ask about their range of PPE items – threads, elastics, Velcro and tapes.

For details please contact Cansew Inc., Tel: 1-800-3617722; info@cansew.ca; www.cansew.com

EVERYDAY GREAT VALUE

Epson Features

◦ Accommodates rolls and sheets up to 24" wide; includes a 50-sheet auto-feed tray and built-in cutter ◦ Easily connect to the printer via USB, Ethernet or integrated wireless

Sawgrass Features

◦ Energy-efficient, high resolution prints with WiFi connectivity. ◦ Low start up and running costs and easy to use. ◦ Automatic maintenance cycle for trouble-free printing.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR AVAILABLE PACKAGES WWW.JOTOIMAGINGSUPPLIES.CA

28 IMPRINT CANADA | April 2021

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CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL TRADE February 2021

Source: Statistics Canada

Canadian exports and imports decline 2.7% and 2.4%, respectively in February Canada’s global merchandise trade surplus narrowed from $1.2 billion in January to $1.0 billion in February, marking the first time since 2016 that the trade balance was in a surplus position for two consecutive months.

Total exports decrease after a strong increase in January

After a surge of 8.2 per cent in January, total exports decreased by 2.7 per cent to $49.9 billion in February, a level 4.1 per cent higher than that set in February 2020. The largest declines were observed in the metal and non-metallic mineral products, motor vehicles and parts, and aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts product sections. Non-energy exports declined by 6.5 per cent. In real (or volume) terms, total exports were down 3.8 per cent.

Imports decrease for a third time in the last four months

Total imports decreased by 2.4 per cent in February to $48.8 billion, their lowest level since August 2020. Imports of motor vehicles and parts had the largest decline, followed by energy products. In real (or volume) terms, total imports were down 3.5 per cent.

30 IMPRINT CANADA

| April 2021

Trade surplus with the United States grows again

Following five months of growth, exports to countries other than the United States decreased by 11.7 per cent in February to $12.5 billion. There were lower exports to the United Kingdom (gold), Saudi Arabia (other transportation equipment) and the Netherlands (iron ores and oilseeds).

Canada’s trade deficit with countries other than the United States widened from $4.7 billion in January to $5.7 billion in February.

After a 10.5 per cent rise in January, exports to the United States increased by 0.8 per cent in February to $37.4 billion. Large declines in exports of motor vehicles and parts were more than offset by the strong increases in exports of natural gas and crude oil, which were mainly driven by higher prices.

Trade in medical and protective goods and vaccines

Imports of medical and protective goods were down 1.6 per cent to $2.6 billion in February on a customs basis, the third consecutive monthly decrease. Imports of personal protective equipment (-17.6 per cent) were lower, as imports of other protective equipment and

face and eye protection continued to gradually return to levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Imports of “vaccines for human medicine other than for influenza,” the category that includes the COVID-19 vaccines, rose 89.3 per cent to a record $106.6 million in February.

Imports were 41.1 per cent higher compared with the same month last year. For February, it is estimated that the total value of Canada’s imports of COVID-19 vaccines was approximately $47 million, double the estimated value in January. Import values for COVID-19 vaccines are preliminary and are subject to revision. Given that the reporting basis of these data may be different than other publicly available sources of information, caution should be exercised when inferring information based on combining these sources.

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