If you'd walked into our office at East Beach Specialties in January of this year and asked to order face masks with your logo on them, we would have done some digging and likely offered you one of the five or so bandannas or neck gaiters available at the time in the US promotional products industry. 

It would be the understatement of the century to say a lot has changed in 2020, but, well... 

A LOT has changed in 2020! 

Not the least of which is that our supplier partners have rolled out so many new cloth masks and alternative face coverings that our heads have been spinning for the last several months.

And, since we consider ourselves your local source for great promo product recommendations and industry insights, the mask-related head-spinning was making us too dizzy to feel comfortable. 

So we did what we always do when presented with a unique challenge... we used it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Our end goal? We wanted to be able to recommend--with confidence--the ideal mask to meet the masking needs of each of our customers. 

In times of change, learners inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists.

- Eric Hoffer

So, what did we do?

We reached out to our suppliers to get specific information about different masks as new products emerged. We attended webinars and devoured information published by authoritative sources on the most effective types of masks and how to wear them. 

We started a sample inventory so that we have hands-on knowledge of how a mask looks and feels. (Trust us: all masks are NOT created equal.) Our samples also allow us to give local customers the opportunity to judge a mask personally for its fit and comfort, then make purchasing decisions with confidence. 

We prioritized educating ourselves on the emerging mask market, trends, features, and pitfalls (and continue to do so!). We do this so our customers don't have to. 

And what does it have to do with your brand? 

The global face mask market is set to reach $4.5 BILLION (yes, billion with a "B") this year. 

Eight months ago, few people could have imagined that we would be talking about utilizing the human face to market a brand, but with a number like $4.5 billion on the table, it's not something we can ignore. Nor is it something you should. 

Ask yourself this: If you aren't advertising your brand on a mask, the most valuable real estate of today, who is? And who will be?