September 8, 2014

5 Fun Ideas for Your Grand Opening

If you’re launching a new business, you’re probably eager to get the doors open and start doing what you love. A successful grand opening is a great way to raise awareness and get your brand off to a great start. You get one grand opening, so make the most of it! Here are five ideas for a fun and memorable grand opening.

1. Family-Friendly Entertainment. Families are always interested in free events that will entertain their kids for an afternoon. Taking a family-friendly approach makes it possible for everyone to attend. Moon bounces, face painting, a petting zoo or storytellers are all great ideas that kids (and some adults!) love.

2. Guided Tours. What better way for future customers to get acclimated with your business than with guided tours of your establishment? Guided tours help customers warm up to your business, become familiar with the layout of the store and provide feedback with what you can do to make it better.

3. Discounts. If you want to drive people into your store AND boost sales, offering a grand opening discount will be effective. Go big by offering a large discount of 30%, or let customers pick from a basket where they will be rewarded with 10, 20 or 30% off. Bottom line: You want to drive traffic, so make the promotion enticing.

4. Promotional Items. Everyone enjoys getting free items, so why not reward your supporters and help market your brand in one step? Hand out promotional items at your grand opening, such as magnets, keychains, pens and t-shirts. Think about the time of the year and use this to drive your promotional products as well. For instance, in the summer you could hand out glow sticks or water bottles, whereas in the winter you could do mittens or a holiday ornament.

5. DIY Classes. Another way to get people involved is by offering DIY or how-to classes. Not only will this bring increased awareness and visibility to your brand, but also it will establish your brand as an industry leader. And, you can use some of your very own products during the classes to help sell them. If a DIY class won’t complement your business, consider hiring a guest speaker or hosting a workshop.

September 1, 2014

Custom Tumblers: The Perfect Promotional Gift

It can be challenging to find that perfect promotional item that will positively reinforce your brand and be of value to your customers. At Great Atlantic Outfitters, we love all promotional products, and we enjoy helping out clients find the perfect items for their campaigns. One item that has been gaining traction is tumblers. We’ll explain why tumblers are great products to consider for your marketing campaign, and why they offer long-term value.

What makes tumblers so much fun?

They’re portable
They’re durable
They’re practical and useful
They’re environmentally friendly
They’re available in all different shapes, sizes and materials
They can be used at the office, gym, school, home, etc.
Your brand goes where your customers go!

There are many types of tumblers available, so you can find the perfect fit for your audience. For instance, plastic, colorful tumblers are perfect for keeping hydrated and avoiding the 3 o’clock slump in the workplace. If your audience is found more at the gym, a tumbler with grippers may be the better option. Or, consider an insulated travel mug if your audience is more on the go. Examples of tumblers available are:

Stainless steel tumblers
Ceramic tumblers
Insulated tumblers
Heat tumblers
Beer tumblers
Leather-wrapped tumblers
Hot/cold tumblers
Straw tumblers
Tumblers with sleeves

If you want to get more bang for your buck, consider tumblers for your next marketing campaign. You can promote the fact that your business supports sustainable living, as tumblers can be used over and over again and take the place of water bottles. Plus, your brand and logo will be featured big and bright on the front of the cup and go with your clients to the gym, the workplace, a business meeting or school function.

Browse our selection of tumblers, and let us know if you have any questions. We’re here to help! We monitor every step of the production process so that your promotional items exude confidence and professionalism just like your brand.

August 8, 2014

Shop Wholesale for Your Back-to-School Supplies

When it comes time to shop for school supplies, it’s apparent that these basics go up in price each year. Between folders, notebooks, crayons and calculators, you can easily deplete your bank account if you have several children to buy for come back-to-school time. And, if you want to donate extra supplies to the school, your dollar is stretched even further.

Thankfully, there are creative ways to save on school supplies, and it doesn’t include racing to the latest back-to-school sale with mobs of people. Shopping wholesale is a great way to save money and headache, as well as make sure that your kids have everything they need for the school year. Wholesale school supplies become even more important as the kids get older and enter high school and college, as the cost of calculators and textbooks rises significantly.

So, where can you find a great selection of school supplies at wholesale prices? Great Atlantic Outfitters. We have an extensive selection of school items such as:

Pens
Pencils
Highlighters
Lanyards
Folders
Padfolios
USB ports
Writing pads
Appointment books
Calendars
Optical mouse
Laptop and tablet holders

To order your wholesale school supplies, simply look through our catalog and check out the products that we offer. You’ll find much of what you need in the following categories: Good Value Calendars, Meeting, Office, Technology and Writing Instruments. Don’t forget to check out our current promotions to save even more money!

Another perk to shopping with Great Atlantic Outfitters is that we screen print or embroider items. If you want to order school supplies for a nonprofit organization and include them in screen printed bags, for instance, we’re the place to shop at! We have high-quality equipment, forward-thinking techniques and a great staff, resulting in quick, accurate and affordable orders all of the time.

Don’t delay in getting your kids ready for the 2014-15 school year. You can get everything your kids need to be successful in school without having to enter a busy store!

June 24, 2014

4 Reasons to Use Great Atlantic Outfitters

Are you looking for a reliable, hardworking screen printing and embroidery company to take care of your printing projects? If so, count on Great Atlantic Outfitters for your needs. We offer screen printing and embroidery services as well as a full selection of promotional items at wholesale prices. With our extensive catalog and printing services, we’re able to serve a variety of industries such as schools, nonprofit organizations, businesses and more.

Here are a four reasons why customers like you choose our company for their printing and promotional items.

1. Exceptional Customer Service

Our work ethic is second to none. Our staff is comprised of dedicated individuals who will come in early to make sure that your project is complete. We never hesitate to go above and beyond for our customers, and we strive to make each experience with our company unique. You can expect that your order will be handled with accuracy, as we listen to the details and make ordering easy and hassle free.

2. Extensive Selection of Products

When you need promotional items for an event, trade show or summer festival, we have you covered. We have a huge catalog online that is regularly updated. We also have promotional events where you can save even more money off our already low prices! And since we offer screen printing directly from our company, you can request printing on most items. Dealing with one company for all your needs saves a lot of headaches.

3. High-Quality Printing Services

At Great Atlantic Outfitters, we have state-of-the-art screen printing equipment that ensures each project gets done right the first time around. This saves time and money for us, which is then rolled on to the customer – you! Our staff is trained and experienced in using the printing equipment and techniques, so you never have to worry about the work coming out subpar. We work toward excellence, and we’ve been proudly serving North Florida since 1994.

4. Hassle-Free Ordering

If you need to place an order, we’ll make everything simple – we promise! Our staff is kind, friendly and patient, so never hesitate to ask questions. In fact, we encourage our customers to talk to us so that we can get an exact idea of their vision. That’s why we don’t have pricing broken down on our website because there’s no ‘one size fits all’ solution. Request your free quote today and see what we can offer you!

June 6, 2014

4 Ways Promotional Products Work for You

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In an economy where budgets are tight, businesses must think long and hard about where their money is going. With so much focus on online marketing strategies, it’s easy to forget about the traditional offline marketing strategies that we used to rely on. But, offline marketing is still important to the total picture, and it’s one of the most effective ways to put your brand directly into the hands of your customers.

Here are four ways that promotional products work for your business.

1. Draws Attention

Out of sight, out of mind. With so much noise out there, it’s important that your brand has a voice. Promotional products have a way of saying, “Hey! Look at me!” When you offer a nice, useful product for free, it attracts the attention of your audience and gives you an edge over your competition that may be relying solely on online marketing strategies.

2. Offers Long-Term Value

Many methods of marketing have short-term value: a radio ad, television commercial or status update on social media are only around for a few seconds. A promotional item has long-term value and sticks around for a length of time. Just think about how long people keep t-shirts, pens, koozies or mugs. These items tend to be used for the long haul because they are useful and provide your company with constant branding.

3. Opens the Lines of Communication

First interactions can be scary, but promotional items make the transition easier. Promotional products show your audience that you care about them and are willing to invest money into free products for their convenience. This opens up the lines of communication so that prospects can get in touch with your company through phone, email or by person. Also, giving things to others makes them more likely to reciprocate, i.e. doing business with your company.

4. Improves Brand Recognition

When people see your logo, you want them to know your brand and have a good feeling about it. This is exactly what promotional items do. When these products get into the hands of people, it immediately connects them with your company in ways that online methods can’t do. By relating your items with the purpose of your business (piggy banks for banks, reusable shopping bags for retail or sunglasses for a travel company), you can show off your company all day long!

May 30, 2014

Best Places to Hand Out Promotional Products in the Summer

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Many businesses focus their attention on ordering promotional products, but they don’t know where or how they plan to use them. Trade shows are the most popular events to purchase promotional items for, but there are plenty of other events that you can be a part of. The summer season is especially booming, with outdoor and live events where people are in a mood to get free items and learn about local businesses. Let’s take a look at some of the best places to hand out promotional items and get your business noticed!

Baseball Games

Between the Major and Minor leagues, youth baseball and adult teams, there are plenty of baseball games to attend. With nine long innings, there’s no doubt that guests will be getting out of their seats to grab a drink, get a bite to eat and stretch their legs. Setting up a booth with promotional items is a great opportunity to get your business noticed and connect with local customers.

Summer Parades

There are plenty of parades over the summer, and you shouldn’t miss out on them. Parades bring local families together to support businesses, organizations and events in the area, so take your place and participate in a parade or two. Hand out stickers, sunglasses, key chains, stress balls or other similar products and get your brand name out there.

Beaches

Do you know how many people would be happy to receive a stadium cup, frisbee, pair of sunglasses or bottle of sunscreen while enjoying a day at the beach? Handing out promotional items on a hot summer day is an excellent way to connect with people and instill a level of trust. After all, someone who shows up to save the day with a bottle of water or a Koozie will be remembered.

County Fairs

County fairs are not just about popcorn and cotton candy and funnel cakes. There’s plenty of room for local businesses to share information about their product or service and hand out promotional items. Don’t be afraid to host a raffle or giveaway, too! It will draw more people in, and you can get an idea for the type of demographics in your local marketing area.

Outdoor Concerts

Outdoor concerts are commonplace in the summer, and you can expect a certain demographic based on the musical artist. People are in good moods and ready to have some fun, so correlate your promotional products with this demographic. LED bracelets, glow sticks and lanyards are perfect for these settings.

May 22, 2014

Screen Printing vs Embroidery: What’s Right for Your Project?

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If you have an upcoming project that requires some type of customization, you may be wondering what method of printing is best: screen printing or embroidery? Both are very popular for customizing apparel items and promotional products, and many companies or organizations will utilize both methods, depending on the items being personalized and their purpose.

Let’s discuss the pros and cons to screen printing and embroidery so that you can make the best decision for your next project!

Screen Printing

Screen printing is a printing technique that can be used on most types of garments and fabrics. It converts a graphic into a multi-layered film where layers of ink are applied to the surface. Each color is applied one at a time, using a separate stencil. Screen printing is fast, effective and versatile, which is why it’s a popular choice when having a large order done, such as custom t-shirts or reusable bags.

Pros:

Affordable, especially for bulk orders
Detailed logos can be recreated
Design size does not typically affect the price
Shading and gradients are added for a high-end look
Can be used on uneven or curved surfaces
Fast and efficient printing method
Colors are vibrant

Cons:

Fading or cracking can occur over time
Most companies ask for a minimum order
Not ideal for photographic prints

Embroidery

Embroidery refers to stitching a name or logo onto an item, which can be done by hand or by machine. The main attraction to embroidery is that it looks very professional. For promotional items that require a special touch, embroidery is a great option. It’s also very durable compared to screen printing and won’t be affected by multiple washings or heat. With this comes a greater price, though, but it can be worth it for smaller orders.

Pros:

Professional appearance
Longer lifespan compared to screen printing
Discounts for large orders
Multiple colors added by thread
Truly unique

Cons:

More expensive than screen printing
Takes longer than screen printing
Not ideal for small text
Shading can be difficult, so logo may need to be altered
More limitations on surfaces

Whether you need screen printing or embroidery, count on Great Atlantic Outfitters to deliver quality work at an affordable price!

May 15, 2014

Summer Promotional Products Your Budget Can Handle

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Now that the summer season is approaching, it’s time to give your promotional items an update. Summer is a great time to get your business or organization some added exposure, and there are plenty of outdoor events to attend where people are in the mood to get free stuff and learn about your brand. Choosing items that complement your mission and have a useful purpose is the best approach to have. Let’s take a look at some of the best promotional products for summer!

Koozies

You can’t argue with a Koozie to keep beverages cool at sporting events, concerts and barbecues. Koozies are lightweight, inexpensive and easy to hand out. People will have an immediate use for them, too, because they can keep a bottle of water or a can of soda cool while they walk around an event. Plus, can coolers offer plenty of room to have your company name or slogan printed.

Frisbees

How about a game of frisbee? This classic game is played at beaches and backyards across the country. Frisbees are great for marketing campaigns on a tight budget, as they cost pennies each to make. There are many bright colors to choose from, and the flat center is a prime location for your brand name. The fact that frisbees are portable and can be taken anywhere means that your business gets added exposure.

T-Shirts

On a hot summer day, a fresh, clean t-shirt is appreciated. Just think of the visibility that your business will get when people wear the shirts around the event, or out and about in the local area. With so many colors and styles of shirts available, you can find the perfect fit for your target audience.

Sunglasses

A trendy pair of sunglasses is another favorite for marketing campaigns on a budget. If you set up a booth at an outdoor event, think of how many people could use a pair of sunglasses. This necessary item brings instant attention to your business and shows that you think about what types of products best meet the needs of your customers.

LED Bracelets

A hot item for this summer is LED bracelets. They’re affordable and available in many bright colors, with room for your business name around the band. Imagine people walking around with a flashing LED bracelet – everyone will want to know where they got it from! These bracelets are popular among kids, teens and adults, giving your brand the exposure it needs to be the talk of the action!

April 15, 2014

How to Save Money on Promotional Items

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Running a business is not cheap. All the small expenses can add up quickly, and in turn, provide you with less money to spend on the more important things, such as effective marketing campaigns.

Promotional items remain an effective way to promote your business, but they can also be costly. Since you need to balance both your online and offline marketing efforts, our team at Great Atlantic Outfitters has a few pointers for saving money while making the most of your promotional products.

Plan in Advance

Many businesses do not plan ahead, and they end up ordering promotional items at the last minute. Rush charges and express shipping costs can nearly double the cost of your order. Also, by rushing to place your order, you may end up ordering too much or too little. By planning in advance, you have the time to order the correct quantities, take advantage of lower shipping costs and keep an eye out for sale and clearance items.

Buy in Bulk

Buying promotional products in bulk is almost always cheaper than buying in smaller quantities. Look at the cost that you are paying per item and see how much these prices will drop with a larger order. If you have items left over, you can repurpose them for other marketing campaigns in the future, saving additional money. Also, many companies offer free or reduced shipping with a minimum order.

Look at the Big Picture

Aside from putting out the money, you also want your investment to go to good use. That’s why it’s important to choose promotional items that are practical and useful. Pens, notepads, highlighters and other office supplies are handy for people, so they are much more likely to be used than other products, which may have a lower price tag.

It’s also important to choose products of moderate quality. Even if it means spending a bit more money, you want your product to positively represent your company. So, if you purchase inexpensive pens or highlighters that break or run out of ink, they’ll end up in the garbage, and you just threw out a lot of money. Don’t just look at the numbers; consider the whole picture.

April 8, 2014

Lanyards: The Perfect Promotional Product?

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The success of promotional products relies heavily on the industry they are being used for and how they are being distributed. It’s always best to choose promotional products that align with your business, such as plastic piggy banks for a banking event or a keychain and flashlight for a safety event. Still, finding the perfect promotional items can be a mystery. You may try different types of products, as well as various ways to market them, and still not see the ROI you hoped for.

What Lanyards are Used For

When customers ask us what our recommendations are for cost-effective and worthy promotional items, one of our top picks is lanyards. Lanyards are often used to carry around identification and are effective communication tools. They can also be used to tote around keys, allergy information, sunglasses, USB drives and badges. With so many uses in mind, lanyards offer practicality for just about anyone, especially students and athletes.

Why Lanyards are Effective

What makes lanyards such effective marketing tools is that they are bright, functional and practical. You can choose from dozens of vivid colors like yellow, green or pink. In fact, lanyards are designed to be visual. They help people find their keys when buried at the bottom of the gym bag, and they create communication on college campuses where people need to carry around identification. Lanyards can be worn around the neck, or attached to shirts, jeans, duffle bags or briefcases.

How Lanyards Can be Used for Branding

From a marketing standpoint, lanyards complement all types of designs. They are long, so your business has plenty of room to have their name or slogan printed around the lanyard. Logos can also be accommodated, so you can have your entire business message printed for one low cost. Imagine that you hand out lanyards at the local gym to promote your massage business. Just think about how many gym-goers would find use for the lanyard to carry around their keys or gym membership. For you, this is instant branding in a setting where people would have a use for your services.

Lanyards must look good when put together, so be sure to consider the complete design and how the color, logo, wording and text will flow. For affordable, high-quality lanyards, contact Great Atlantic Outfitters!

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