Gemini Industries (asi/56100) reported Friday, May 9 that it was experiencing website issues and did not have an ETA of when the site would be back up and running. Distributors who need something urgently were advised to call the supplier directly.

Proforma (asi/300094) has surpassed over 12,500 active e-commerce stores on its online platform, ProStores. Last year, the Counselor Top 40 distributor expanded the platform to include a ProStores+ option, which it said contributed to reaching this most recent milestone. “Proforma has invested and continues to invest significantly in our technology,” said Brian Roney, senior director of product design. “Our goal has been and always will be to empower distributor owners’ success.”

Edwards Garment (asi/51752), a Counselor Top 40 supplier, has appointed Chad Maybury of Monarch Creative Agencies to represent both Edwards stock apparel and EdwardsX custom garments in Canada. Maybury has more than 20 years of experience selling apparel in the Canadian promo market. “With his demonstrated expertise in apparel, uniform sales and proven leadership capabilities, Chad brings valuable experience that will enhance our organization's strategic initiatives,” said Brian Deissroth, senior director of promo and international sales for Edwards Garment. “His appointment underscores our commitment to strengthening our team with top-tier talent as we continue to advance our business objectives and expand our business in Canada.”

Sock Club (asi/88072) announced a price freeze across its entire product line. The majority of the custom sock supplier’s products are manufactured in the United States, but the company also said it would absorb added costs associated with imported items due to continued tariff uncertainty. "By holding our prices steady, we're giving our clients the confidence to quote projects knowing that the numbers won't change tomorrow,” said Chloe Ayres, vice president of marketing at Sock Club.

Elemental (asi/51846) said it will maintain current pricing on all stainless-steel drinkware through the end of 2025. “At a time when rising costs – especially due to tariffs – are impacting nearly every corner of the supply chain, we’re choosing to absorb those increases so our customers don’t have to,” said Vinh Lieu, president at Elemental. “Our commitment to quality and value remains as strong as ever.” The only exception, according to Elemental, is a modest price increase on its Tritan bottle line, which will go into effect in June.