INDUSTRY NEWS:

25TH EDITION OF THE NATIONAL IMPRINT CANADA SHOW SURPASSES 100 EXHIBITORS; PRE-REGISTRATION ALREADY NEARING 4,200!

Celebrating its 25th event in Toronto, the National Imprint Canada Show will present over 100 of the biggest and best suppliers in the promotional marketing industry, January 9 & 10, 2026 at the Toronto Congress Centre, North Building.

• FREE REGISTRATION: Over 4,000 industry professionals have already registered and received their admission badge. If you have not yet registered, you may do so free-of-charge by clicking here. Use promo code REACH12

• PRIZES: Attendees can win amazing prizes valued at over $35,000, courtesy of RB Digital. Visitors can also win $500 per day in cash prizes, along with tickets to exciting live events, plus so much more.

• SEMINARS: Learn from experts in a comprehensive educational line-up of seminars. Seating is limited. Click here to view the lineup and to reserve your spot.

• YOUR EXTENDED SHOWROOM: Utilize the Imprint Canada Show as your extended showroom by inviting your customers to attend the Show with you during PromoQuest Client Hours, letting them see what your business can do for theirs. Sign up your clients here.

• REGISTERED, BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED YOUR BADGE?: For those who have registered, but have not yet received your badge, please complete this form to have yours re-sent to you.

IMPRINT CANADA ANNOUNCES FALL 2026 SHOWS

Changes reflect industry preferences to optimize Show experience.

Imprint Canada announced dates and changes to its Montréal and western Canadian events.

Le Salon National « Imprint Canada » returns to Montréal Wednesday September 2 and Thursday September 3, 2026. The Wednesday/Thursday format is a departure from the event's previous Thursday/Friday schedule, as requested by both exhibitors and buyer attendees.

The Western Imprint Canada Show returns to Alberta Wednesday September 23 and Thursday September 24, however the event will be held in Edmonton, at the Expo Centre. The western Show will alternate between Edmonton and Calgary in the coming years, to best serve Alberta buyers. This Show too, features a change to Wednesday/Thursday, as with the Montréal Show.

The Western Imprint Canada Show is also proud to continue its partnership with the Wild Wild West Promo Show, bringing the premier industry events together again as they did to great success in Calgary this past September.

"In order to best serve the industry, it is critical that we continue to evolve our events to meet the fluid needs of its members," said Show President Tony Muccilli. "For 2026, this requires a change in the scheduling format for both events, as well as bringing the western Show to Edmonton for the first time.

"As the location of the inaugural Imprint Canada Show in 1999, Calgary will always be a home to the Imprint Canada Show, but for 2026, the event will be held in Edmonton, with plans to alternate between the two cities each year," Muccilli added.

For more information about the Montréal or Edmonton Shows, please contact us here.

The 2025 Show saw the convergence of its traditional trade show presentation, with the Wild Wild West Promo Show's rep-hosted tabletop format, bringing the best and biggest names in promotional products all under one roof for the ultimate trade conference experience. Wild Wild West Promo Show will host its own event in Calgary. Please contact Nelson Escoto here for Calgary WWPS dates.

BIG K CLOTHING EXPANDS EAST: OPENS NEW TORONTO WAREHOUSE

Big K Clothing proudly opened its new Toronto warehouse December 1, strengthening service and speeding up delivery for customers across Central and Eastern Canada.

“This expansion means faster access to our top-selling line of Hi-Vis Safety Workwear,” the company said in a statement.

Big K’s existing 60,000 sq. ft. Vancouver warehouse will continue to serve Western Canada, while the Ontario location ensures enhanced coverage nationwide.

THE RISE OF ROBOTICS IN PRINT:

WHAT’S CHANGING AND WHY IT MATTERS

By David Sweetnam and Mark Boyt, Keypoint Intelligence

Robotics has reached a meaningful point in production print. Once viewed as a technology suited to automotive lines, robots now support flatbeds, label presses, bindery systems, and textile operations. The driver is simple. Print providers need higher throughput, steadier quality, and reliable output in an era defined by labour shortages.

Early conversations with production environments reveal clear themes. Robotics helps stabilize staffing by taking on repetitive, physical tasks and running unattended for long periods. Productivity improves as well. Automated board loading, robotic palletizing, and integrated material handling reduce idle time and allow presses and finishing lines to operate closer to full capacity. Quality benefits, too. Vision-guided systems keep alignment tight, minimize handling errors, and create more predictable results.

Economics matters just as much. Many adopters report saving one or two full-time roles per line while boosting uptime. Even small utilization gains translate into meaningful annual margin improvements. As workflows settle, payback periods are often shorter than expected.

Challenges remain. Upfront costs, integration complexity, and questions about job variability persist. Teams also need time to adjust, especially as robots tend to reassign work rather than eliminate it.

To understand these shifts, Keypoint Intelligence is launching a global study on robotics in production print. Whether your organization is already using automation, considering it, or steering clear for now, your input will help define a clearer view of where robotics fits in the industry’s future. 

Take this survey and help shape the industry’s next chapter. It takes just 15 minutes, and in return, all respondents will receive $110. 

Read the full story here.

GILDAN COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF HANESBRANDS

Gildan Activewear Inc. announced December 1 that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of HanesBrands Inc., creating a global apparel leader. 

“Today marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. By welcoming HanesBrands into the Gildan family, we are doubling our scale, combining iconic brands with our world-class, low-cost, vertically integrated platform, and unlocking a powerful engine for innovation and growth. Together, our complementary strengths in activewear and innerwear, across channels and geographies, position us to better serve our customers and deliver sustainable, long-term value for our shareholders," said Glenn J. Chamandy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gildan.

Read more here.

PCNA PARTNERS WITH REDWOOD CLASSICS TO EXPAND TRIMARK’S APPAREL OFFERINGS WITH INAUGURAL COLLABORATION, CELEBRATING TRIMARK’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY AND CANADIAN CRAFTSMANSHIP

Trimark, a division of PCNA, and Redwood Classics™ Apparel are proud to announce their first Made-in-Canada collaboration. The partnership launches an exclusive fleece collection and upcycled mittens created specifically for the Canadian promotional marketplace, bringing premium heavyweight styles and reclaimed-textile accessories to distributors nationwide.

Marking Trimark’s 50th anniversary, the collaboration highlights both brands’ dedication to local manufacturing, sustainability, and strengthening Canada’s apparel ecosystem.

“At a time when so much manufacturing has moved offshore, this collaboration is a proud reaffirmation of what it means to be Made in Canada,” said Kathy Cheng, President of Redwood Classics™ Apparel. 

“Our industry is at its best when creativity and responsibility come together,” said Liz Haesler, Global Chief Merchandising Officer, PCNA. “As we celebrate Trimark’s 50th anniversary this year, this partnership with Redwood Classics embodies our belief in purpose-driven collaboration.

Read the full story here.

THE CSI GROUP’S CANADIAN OFFICE IS MOVING

The CSI Group’s Canadian office is relocating to a new, modern space, just down the street from its current location, to better support its growing client needs.

To facilitate the move, CSI offices will be closed from December 17th, reopening January 5th, 2026.

Effective January 1, 2026, the company’s new address will be: 5080 Timberlea Blvd., Units 25 & 26, Mississauga, ON L4W 4M2

DML CREATION APPOINTS ROSA MELIZZA AS NEW NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

DML Creation announced November 17 that Rosa Melizza has been appointed as the company’s new National Sales Manager.

“With over 20 years of experience in the promotional industry and more than five years with DML Creation, Rosa is ideally positioned to lead DML’s sales team into the next phase of growth,” the company said in a statement.

SCRATCH SPORTS LAUNCHES INTO CANADIAN MARKET

Scratch Sports, based out of Orlando, Florida, has announced its official launch into the Canadian market. The company has helped over 500 charities raise over $100 million in the United States since1994.

Jim Hare (SMG Golf) has been appointed as National Sales Director for Canada.

Scratch Sports markets and distributes the Golf Scratch Card, widely utilized as both a fundraising tool (primarily for charitable golf tournaments) and a promotional tool for golf courses as well as retail and other businesses.

SMG Golf has been offering it’s products and services to the golf tournament industry as well as golf courses in Canada for over 20 years. The company also offers an online golf related fundraising tool based on the concept of the Golf Scratch Card. It is a web-based platform that the company developed in 2020 as a response to the fundraising challenges that many charitable organizations faced due to the pandemic. For additional information please contact Jim at (514) 895-5536 or Chris Lee of Scratch Sports, at (407) 365-7000.

ATC/SANMAR CANADA ANNOUNCES NEW PRODUCT ADDITIONS

The Authentic T-Shirt Company®/SanMar Canada is expanding its ATC™ Everyday Collection® with three brand-new cotton twill 5-panel caps — a fresh lineup designed for simple style, great comfort, and easy decorating. This new trio includes the classic Everyday Cotton Twill 5-Panel Cap, a modern 5-Panel Trucker option, and a retro-inspired 5-Panel Trucker Rope style, giving you three distinct looks built on the same decorator-ready foundation.

The company also announced the launch of its CH Essential® Go To Puffy Collection — an all-new lineup of lightweight, weather-ready puffers designed for everyone. This full family of jackets and vests spans Adult, Ladies’, and Youth styles, making it one of the most inclusive and versatile puffer collections yet.

Click here to see these and other products.

MARKET REPORTS:

FUTURE SCOPE OF CUSTOM PENS MARKET SET TO WITNESS SIGNIFICANT GROWTH BY 2025-2032

The Global Custom Pens Market size is estimated to be valued at USD 4.2 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 6.1 billion by 2032, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.4% from 2025 to 2032.

Read more here.

GLOBAL MAGAZINE AND LITERATURE BAG MARKET SIZE

The Global Magazine and Literature Bag Market size is expected to be worth around USD 164.6 Million by 2034, from USD 109.1 Million in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.2% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

Click here to read more.

EUROPEAN DECORATED APPAREL MARKET OUTLOOK 2025-2035

The global decorated apparel market is poised for remarkable growth, with industry valuation expected to surge from USD 38.7 billion in 2025 to an impressive USD 132.3 billion by 2035. This represents a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1% over the forecast period, signaling strong consumer and industry momentum.

Read more here.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Below are excerpts from various articles pertaining to the many segments of our industry. While not always Canadian-based, they may still contain beneficial insight on trends to watch for.

These articles can also be useful as resources to be shared with your clients.

THE ROLE OF BRANDED MERCHANDISE IN MODERN MARKETING

Modern marketing is in a funny place right now. Brands have more digital tools than ever, but attention is harder to earn. Audiences scroll fast, ad fatigue is real, and algorithms keep changing the rules. That is why the smartest marketers are building campaigns that go beyond screens and create real-world moments people can feel, use, and remember.

Branded merchandise fits perfectly into this shift. It is not “just swag” anymore. When done well, merchandise marketing becomes a strategic channel that boosts awareness, strengthens loyalty, and turns customers or employees into visible advocates for your brand. And it does this in a way digital ads often cannot: by staying in someone’s life for months or years.

Read more of this story here.

WHY BRANDED BALLPOINT PENS STILL MAKE A BIG IMPACT IN 2025

In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication, one might wonder why traditional marketing tools, such as branded ballpoint pens, continue to hold significant sway even in 2025. Despite technological advancements, these simple yet effective promotional items remain a staple in marketing strategies worldwide. In this article, we delve into the enduring impact of branded ballpoint pens, exploring their evolution, psychological appeal, and practical benefits to businesses.

Full story here.

BEYOND THE LANDFILL:

HOW SUSTAINABLE PROMOTIONAL PRODUCTS ARE YOUR NEW BRAND-BUILDING SUPERPOWER

In today's world, brands are continuously searching for innovative ways to engage with their audiences while being mindful of their environmental footprint. One powerful approach is through sustainable promotional products, which not only serve as effective marketing tools but also contribute positively to the planet. As awareness around environmental issues grows, consumers are increasingly drawn to brands that reflect their values, making sustainable promotional products a vital component of modern brand-building strategies.

Full article here.

SOUND STRATEGY: HOW CUSTOM TECH GIFTS ARE CHANGING CORPORATE BRANDING

Once upon a time, corporate gifts were a predictable affair. They might be pens, mugs, or notebooks; things that said "thank you," but not much else. Most ended up in drawers or office cabinets, quietly forgotten. Now, brands have learned a new trick: gifts that talk back.

In a world where everyone's remote, multitasking, and half their life runs through Bluetooth, the smartest companies are giving gadgets people actually use. The one that's stealing the spotlight? Custom speakers.

Read the entire story here.

THE SUSTAINABLE SWAG:

WHY ECO-FRIENDLY CUSTOM WATER BOTTLES ARE ESSENTIAL FOR YOUR BRAND

The era of promotional marketing, defined by mountains of plastic trinkets destined for landfill, is over. What was once seen as cost-effective “swag” has become a serious liability, actively eroding the trust and goodwill brands strive to build. We are living through a “great reckoning,” where consumers, partners, and employees are scrutinising corporate behaviour with unprecedented intensity, often using environmental impact as the primary filter for their purchasing decisions.

The water bottle, once a simple vessel for hydration, has been recast as a powerful symbol of this shift.

Click here to read more from this story.

FROM SWAG TO SMART: HOW AI IS CHANGING BRANDED MERCHANDISE

For years, company swag looked the same. T-shirts, pens, and mugs, all printed with logos. It didn't matter what the item was; all that mattered was that it featured the brand. Boxes of that stuff were everywhere: at trade shows, in offices, or lying forgotten in drawers.

Businesses are beginning to look at branded products differently. Instead of mass producing cheap gifts, they're trying to create items that people actually use and remember. Artificial intelligence can play a big role in that change!

Read more here.

FIVE TRENDS TO KEEP AN EYE ON IN 2026

In many ways, 2025 has been a tumultuous year for the print and promo industries, with ever-changing tariffs and ensuing economic headwinds keeping everyone on their toes. As we head into 2026, it’s worth taking a moment to pause and reflect on the year that was – and ruminate on how the new year will unfold. With that in mind, here are five trends I believe will influence the converging worlds of print and promotional products in the months to come.

1. Corporate AI Initiatives Will Grow More Sophisticated

2. Print on Demand Is Poised for Growth

3. Sustainability Is More Than a Trend

4. Brace Yourself for More Mergers & Acquisitions

5. USA-Made Will Take on Greater Significance for America’s 250th

Read the rest of the article here.

Share your news free-of-charge with REACH by submitting your press releases and information to eblast@imprintcanada.com

Connect with over 14,000 industry professionals across Canada. Also available: national and targeted advertising. Contact us for details.

NEXT ISSUE: JANUARY 14, 2026
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