Earthlink, an IT services, network and communications provider, wanted to promote a new service within the company. The provider has offices around the country as well as three subsidiaries with their own brand and management, and had launched an internal store offering branded merchandise at all three companies. A promotion was necessary to announce the store launch, encourage people to use the service and build a sense of family by incorporating all three logos.

Earthlink brainstormed with their promotional products partner to find a product that met several key criteria: It had to be a useful desk item, it had to be cost-effective and it had to have a large enough imprint area for all the logos and messaging.

The firm decided on 1,000 handy desktop books filled with sticky notes. The book cover was imprinted with the e-store's Web address and logo, as well as the logos of the three subsidiaries. A postcard tucked inside the book welcomed employees to the new store.

To drive sales immediately, a limited-time free shipping offer on all orders was offered. The sticky books were sent to users across all of Earthlink's brands and locations.

Make sure your company store is successful by using it to its fullest potential. Contact your distributor for ideas and the best promotional products to market your store, build awareness and goodwill, and get a better return on your store investment.