Starting in the summer of 2020 and concluding in March 2021, a cross-functional team of Washington University personnel completed an extensive review of companies that provide not-for-resale branded apparel and promotional products to University departments, student groups, and other affiliated organizations. The team included representatives from the Office of Public Affairs, Sustainability, WashU Medicine Marketing & Communications, Resource Management (Purchasing), and University Advancement. The University’s trademark licensing agency, Exemplar Associates, assisted in the review.

Over 40 companies were invited to participate in the structured evaluation, and in the end, 12 have been offered 3-year contracts to provide enhanced products and services to the University community. These 12 companies will support the WashU merchandising principles of Engagement, Stewardship, Innovation, Sustainability, and Education, and all are committed to improving conditions for the people and environments that are relied upon for the production and manufacturing of apparel and promotional items.

More information about these companies is below:

Promotional Products & Apparel

4 Imprint

A Category B affiliate of the Fair Labor Association, 4imprint was founded in 1984 and has grown to become the leading provider of promotional products in North America. 4imprint offers over 1,400 products whose attributes include recyclable, compostable, organic, and biodegradable materials.  4imprint has earned the Green Professional designation as an active member in the Wisconsin Sustainability Business Council Green Master’s program.

4imprint.com

Ad Creations

Ad Creations is a 30-year-old, St. Louis based, privately held company with in-house screen-printing and embroidery capabilities. Ad Creations’ mission is to provide its customers the highest quality of professional service possible, its employees the best place to work every day, and to give back to the surrounding community at every opportunity.

Contact: Scott LaRose, 314-621-3840 x19, scott@adcreations.com, adcreations.com

Bowers & Associates

Bowers & Associates was established in 1973 as a full-service Advertising Specialty, Promotional Merchandise, Incentive & Recognition company. In addition to apparel and promotional merchandise, their services include custom kitting and fulfillment, online stores, print, and tradeshow displays. 

Contact: Michael Bowers, 314-963-4477, ext. 101 mbowers@bowerspromotes.com, bowerspromotes.com

Hannah Scanlon, 314-963-4477, ext. 102 hannah@bowerspromotes.com, bowerspromotes.com

Looking for new ideas? brandedproductideas.com/bowerspromotes

Consolidus

ConsolidusPromos.com is the only provider of custom promotional products and branded apparel in WashU’s Marketplace. With prompt and professional service and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, Consolidus strives to ensure the highest quality imprint while maintaining the integrity of the WashU brand.

Contact: Matthew Heldman, 330-564-9738, matt.h@consolidus.com, service@ConsolidusPromos.com, ConsolidusPromos.com

Eco Promotional Products

Eco Promotional Products (EPP) is a woman-owned company, certified by the WBENC (Women’s Business Enterprise National Council). EPP was born out of the passion to promote environmental savings and sustainable marketing. EPP understands the endless possibilities to help educate consumers, manufacturers, and suppliers on responsible purchasing and to better respect our world.  EPP is also a Certified B-Corp, Green America Gold certified company as well as a certified WOSB (Woman Owned Small Business).

Contact: Michelle Sheldon, 877-326-9467, michelles@ecopromotionsonline.com, ecopromotionsonline.com

Fairware

Fairware is an award-winning, Vancouver-based, LGBTQ- and Women-owned and certified B-Corp founded in 2005 to meet the needs of clients who were seeking to better engage customers, employees, and partners while reducing impacts on the world through choosing sustainable, custom branded products. The Fairware team believes in using their business as a force for good and love connecting with buyers who understand the power they hold in sourcing better products. Contact: Minh Tri Banh, 866-606-3247, minhtri@fairware.com, fairware.com

Fresh Prints

Fresh Prints is a custom apparel company that is run by students for students. It is owned by two WashU alumni, Josh Arbit and Jacob Goodman. While the company is headquartered in NY, Fresh Prints has printers and suppliers all over the country along with 300+ Campus Managers at 175 schools, including at Washington University in St. Louis.

Contact: Vaibhav Gupta, 917-908-2475, vaibhav@freshprints.com, freshprints.com

Halo Branded Solutions

HALO’s St. Louis team of Account Executives and customer service representatives collectively offer decades of experience with branding and promotional items. HALO.com features a hand-picked assortment from promo calendars and custom healthcare products to promotional pens and custom bags.

Contact: Sheila Ricken, 314-219-8355, Sheila.ricken@halo.com, sheilaricken.com

I.D. Me

I.D. Me believes in providing safe products made by workers who are respected, while also minimizing harm to the environment. Dubbed “The 3-P Initiative”, I.D. Me strives to provide the best possible outcomes for all 3 “P’s” – People, Planet, and Products, while working with a select few vendors that provide safe working conditions for their employees and products that cause the least amount of damage to the environment. Contact: Heidi Levitt, 310-283-7447, heidi@idmepromotions.com, idmecollege.com

Jillian’s of Ideas

A women-owned business located less than 3 miles from campus, Jillian’s of Ideas is full-service promotional product company that specializes in the collegiate and healthcare markets. Jillian’s offers 24-hour turn-around time on many select items and is committed to provide quality products and dependable service from accredited brands and manufacturers.

Contact: Jill Droege, 314-781-3888, jill@jilliansofideas.com, jilliansofideas.com

Lipic’s, Inc

Family-owned since 1863 and providing lab coats and uniforms to Washington University since 2001, Lipic’s is known for their excellence in providing apparel, promotional products, recognition programs and awards. Their dedicated staff of graphic designers, promotional products teammates, and engagement specialists look forward to working with you on your next project.

Contact: Brendan Kopff, 314-330-3019, bkopff@lipic.com, lipic.com

St. Louis Sportswear

St. Louis Sportswear is a custom apparel decoration and promotional products company, specializing in screen print and embroidery. They have been serving St. Louis’ schools, teams, businesses, and charitable organizations since 1984. St. Louis Sportswear strives to provide quality products, excellent service, competitive prices, and on-time delivery. In addition, they also offer years of valuable industry experience to ensure complete customer satisfaction.

Contact: Dan Eagan, 314-772-8833, dan.eagan@stlsportswear.com, stlsportswear.com

Specialty Product Suppliers

Tuani

founded by WashU (Olin) alum, Javier Detrinidad, Tuani provides artisan-crafted Nicaraguan wood products for the home and office – 314-477-6327 – tuani.main@gmail.com

Lab Coats and Scrubs

Lipic’s

Contact: Brendan Kopff, 314-330-3019, bkopff@lipic.com, lipic.com

MADCO

Contact: Max Burton, 314-540-2199, max@madcoprinting.com, madcoprinting.com

Athletics & Club Sports

BSN Sports

All team uniforms and equipment for competitions and training.

Contact: Joe Hix, 314-813-0003, jhix@bsnsports.com

PING Golf

Golf Bags