November 2024 was a whirlwind of innovation and big moves in the branded merchandise industry, and this recap brings you the highlights you don’t want to miss. From major mergers reshaping e-commerce fulfillment to cutting-edge advancements in printing technology, this month delivered game-changing updates for decorators and print shops alike. If you’re eager to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to evolving trends, this recap covers all the essentials shaping the future of garment decoration. Let’s dive into the biggest stories and trends from this month.
Fruit Of The Loom To Exit North American Wholesale
Fruit of the Loom, Inc. is set to exit the North American wholesale market by early 2026, shifting its focus to the Jerzees brand. This strategic move aims to consolidate their product offerings under a single, robust label, enhancing the Jerzees portfolio to meet diverse customer needs. According to Jeff Traen, Sr. Director of Marketing, this decision reflects the company’s commitment to providing a comprehensive selection through Jerzees.
During the transition, Fruit of the Loom products will remain available to wholesale customers throughout 2025, allowing decorators and wholesalers ample time to adapt. Some popular Fruit of the Loom styles will be rebranded under Jerzees, ensuring customer continuity. Distributors across North America, such as American T-Shirt Co., One Stop, Inc., and Wholesale Printables, will continue to stock Fruit of the Loom items through 2025, minimizing disruptions.
Learn more – Fruit Of The Loom Exits North American Wholesale In 2026
Printful And Printify To Merge
Printful and Printify announced on November 5, 2024, that they will be merging. Combining Printful’s in-house production expertise with Printify’s extensive third-party network, this collaboration is set to redefine e-commerce fulfillment. With regulatory approvals in place, the merger will officially close by the end of November, blending their complementary strengths to provide sellers with more top-quality products, faster delivery, and innovative solutions. Together, they aim to elevate the customer experience, expand global reach, and introduce cutting-edge tools while championing sustainability through eco-friendly practices.
This union not only consolidates two of the industry’s most influential players but also promises to reshape the competitive landscape. E-commerce sellers can expect an expanded product range, improved support, and streamlined fulfillment processes, enabling them to meet customer demands more efficiently. As sustainability becomes a growing priority, this merger reinforces a commitment to reducing waste and adopting greener production methods. With plans for a potential rebrand and enhanced leadership structure, the new powerhouse is poised to set the standard for print-on-demand, empowering businesses of all sizes to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
Learn more – Print-On-Demand Printful And Printify Merger Announced
The Hydra 9-Color DTF Printer
The Hydra 9-Color DTF Printer by American Print Supply is redefining color accuracy and production efficiency in the garment decoration industry. Launched at the Printing United Expo, this powerhouse printer features an expanded 9-color system, adding Red, Green, Blue, and Orange to the traditional CMYK setup. The result? Vibrant Pantone-perfect colors and smooth gradients that other printers struggle to match. With an advanced six-head system, including dual white ink heads, the Hydra delivers precision and speed, printing up to 300 square feet per hour—making it a game-changer for high-volume shops aiming to scale without sacrificing quality.
Packed with innovative features, the Hydra goes beyond printing with its Smart Duster System, ensuring flawless powdering and curing for clean, seamless transfers. Its soft hand feel mimics screen printing, eliminating the rubbery texture typical of DTF prints. Priced at $45,000, the Hydra package includes installation, training, and custom color calibration, offering a turnkey solution for businesses ready to level up. For shops that value vibrant colors, consistent results, and blazing production speeds, the Hydra is a ticket to the next level of garment decoration.
Learn more – Meet Hydra: The 9-Color DTF Printer For Precision Printing
The Kornit Atlas Max Poly DTG Printer
The Kornit Atlas Max Poly has set a new standard in direct-to-garment (DTG) printing, delivering exceptional efficiency, vibrant colors, and unmatched fabric versatility. Designed by industry leader Kornit, this cutting-edge printer excels in high-volume environments, producing up to 80 A4-sized prints per hour with minimal downtime. Its integrated wet-on-wet printing technology and built-in pre-treatment system streamline production, allowing businesses to maximize output while maintaining top-tier print quality.
With a game-changing color palette featuring neon pink and neon yellow inks, the Atlas Max Poly expands its color gamut by 50%, enabling dazzling hues and corporate colors that were previously out of reach. Its ability to print on challenging fabrics like 100% polyester, neoprene, and nylons ensures that decorators can meet diverse customer needs while delivering prints that rival the depth and detail of high-end screen printing. This all-in-one solution truly elevates the DTG experience, making it an indispensable asset for modern garment decoration businesses.
Learn more – A Look At The Kornit Atlas Max Poly DTG Printer
How Strict Business Hours Boosts Production
Establishing consistent business hours is more than a logistical move—it’s a secret weapon for screen printing, embroidery, and t-shirt printing pros aiming to boost productivity and maintain sanity. Clear business hours signal professionalism, help manage client expectations, and allow you to reclaim a healthy work-life balance in a fast-paced industry. Whether you’re battling late-night order requests or seasonal peaks, setting boundaries creates a smoother, less stressful workflow for you and your clients.
Consistent business hours improve customer service by ensuring you’re fully focused during designated times, enhancing productivity and reducing stress. Use clear communication, automation tools, and a commitment to consistency to build trust with your clients. For peak seasons or special projects, consider flexible options like extended hours by appointment or rotating staff coverage. By taking control of your time, you can thrive in the competitive world of custom merchandise without the burnout.
Learn more – How Consistent Business Hours Boosts Print Shop Productivity
Artwork Approvals: Streamline, Communicate, and Deliver Quality
Struggling with artwork approvals that derail timelines and budgets? With the right strategies, you can transform this process into a seamless experience that saves time, reduces stress, and impresses your customers. Setting clear policies, streamlining workflows, and educating clients are key steps to ensuring efficient approvals without compromising quality. By limiting free revisions, using centralized tools like DecoNetwork, and providing clients with easy-to-follow checklists, you can keep projects on track while maintaining a professional edge.
Effective communication and value-added services can elevate your approval process from chaotic to exceptional. Consolidating client feedback, offering color matching, and making thoughtful exceptions when needed foster trust and loyalty. Pair this with a focus on quality assurance, and you’ll deliver polished results faster, minimize errors, and stand out as a reliable partner in the garment decoration industry.
Learn more – Artwork Approvals: Fewer Revisions For Better Results
Total Promotion Company Shop Tour
n the heart of Las Vegas, Total Promotion Company is redefining the promotional branding game. Led by Brandon Mills, this innovative print shop operates from a sleek, centrally located 2,500 sq. ft. space that trades the typical warehouse vibe for enhanced visibility and professionalism. Offering everything from DTF transfers and UV DTF printing to embroidery and laser engraving, Total Promotion caters to businesses, nonprofits, and even local parents organizing fundraisers. With a focus on wholesale rather than rigid contracts, they provide flexibility to their clients, including fellow print shops, through services like their retail site, VegasDTF.com.
What truly sets Total Promotion apart is their relentless dedication to quality and community. DTF printing isn’t just a service here—it’s a craft, fine-tuned through climate control, American-made inks, and specialized equipment. Brandon’s collaborative spirit shines through partnerships with local printers and nonprofits, reinforcing the industry’s sense of camaraderie while delivering exceptional results for every customer, big or small.
Learn more – Total Promotion Company: Behind The Scenes Print Shop Tour
That's The Recap For November 2024
As November wraps up, this recap highlights how the branded merchandise industry is buzzing with opportunities and transformations. From Fruit of the Loom’s strategic shift to innovative printer launches and productivity-boosting strategies, the month offered valuable insights to fuel your business growth. Heading into the holiday season, staying informed with updates like these can help your shop thrive in a competitive market. Here’s to embracing innovation and finishing the year stronger than ever!
