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4imprint
4imprint
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4imprint Group plc is a direct marketer of promotional merchandise based in London, England.[2][3][4][5][6] It has offices in the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index (of largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange).[7] In both 2023 and 2024, it was ranked the largest distributor by revenue in its industry in North America.[8]

Key Information

History

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The company was founded by Dick Nelson as Nelson Marketing in Logansport, Indiana in 1985.[9] It was acquired by Bemrose Corporation in 1996.[9] In 2000, Bemrose Corporation exited the paper products business[10] and changed its name to 4imprint Group plc.[9] Its North America division was renamed 4imprint Inc.[11]

In 2003, Hanover Investors, a private equity firm, purchased over 25% of 4imprint over the course of a month.[12] They led a shareholder rebellion, and shareholders called for the removal of all non-executive directors after talks between 4imprint and Hanover Investors broke down.[13]

4imprint established a distribution center in Oshkosh, Wisconsin in 2009.[14] In 2012, it sold Kreyer Promotion Service GmbH and Brand Addition Limited to European affiliate companies of H.I.G. Capital for £24 million.[15]

In November 2024, the company was identified as one of the best performing shares on the London Stock Exchange over the last decade having achieved a 16% increase in share price since 2023,[16] a 111% increase in share price since 2022,[17] and a 2,342% increase in share price since 2011.[18] However, the company expressed some caution about sales growth and said it would be slower in 2024 than in the previous year.[19][20]

In October 2024, the company completed the expansion of its Oshkosh operations. The 170,000 expansion brought the total size of the facility to 475,000-square-foot. The development involved 1,488 new solar panels and brought the total on the building to some 4,000 panels.[21] This was part of a programme to expand its North American headquarters in Oshkosh announced in 2015.[22][14] The State of Wisconsin, through its Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, may have supported the company with state tax credits, dependent upon the number of jobs that were actually created through the expansion.[23] This large facility is home to some 50% of the total workforce.[24][25]

Operations

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Although headquartered in London, 97% of 4imprint's business is in the United States and Canada.[26] In both 2023 and 2024, it was ranked the largest distributor by revenue in promotional products industry in North America.[27][8]

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
4imprint Group plc is a British specializing in the and distribution of promotional products, including customized apparel, gifts, and branded merchandise, primarily serving businesses in , the , and . Founded in 1987, the company began with a modest 12-page catalog mailed to 250,000 businesses and has grown into the largest direct marketer of such products in its core markets, emphasizing ease of purchase, cost efficiency, and exceptional guided by "The ." Headquartered in with key operational centers in Oshkosh and , for North American activities, 4imprint operates a centered on data-driven through catalogs, websites, and targeted mailings like the program for customer acquisition and retention, along with a drop-ship fulfillment model that enables quick turnaround on personalized orders. In fiscal year 2024, the company employed 1,603 people, with the vast majority in , and generated $1.368 billion in annual revenue, approximately 98% from that region, reflecting strong in the fragmented promotional products industry. In the first half of 2025, revenue was $659.4 million, down 1% year-over-year, with full-year expectations of at least $1.32 billion as of November 2025. 4imprint is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange (LSE: FOUR) and has achieved notable recognition for workplace culture, including multiple inclusions in Fortune's Best Workplaces in Advertising & Marketing from 2022 to 2025, as well as commitments to such as CarbonNeutral certification in 2021 and a solar array installation in 2022 that powers over 40% of its facility's energy needs. The company also supports community initiatives through its "one by one" charitable program, which donates to causes selected by employees and customers, underscoring its focus on ethical operations alongside commercial expansion.

Company overview

Founding and headquarters

4imprint was founded in 1985 by Dick Nelson in , initially operating as Nelson Marketing, a of promotional products. The company's early mission centered on simplifying the process of acquiring promotional items, making them more accessible and cost-effective for businesses through direct sales channels such as catalogs and toll-free numbers. This approach aimed to bypass traditional distributors, reducing complexity and expenses for customers seeking branded merchandise. Following its acquisition by the UK-based Bemrose Corporation in 1996, the company's corporate headquarters were relocated to London, England, to align with the parent entity's structure. The company, formerly known as Bemrose Corporation, rebranded to 4imprint Group plc in 2000. Despite this shift, the primary operational base for its North American activities remained in , where key functions including customer service and fulfillment are managed. 4imprint Group plc is publicly listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol FOUR. As of 2025, it is a constituent of the , reflecting its mid-cap status among UK-listed companies. The company employed approximately 1,600 people as of 2024.

Business model

4imprint operates as a direct marketer of promotional products, generating revenue primarily through the sale and customization of items such as apparel, drinkware, and with client logos and branding. The company sells these products via multiple channels, including its , catalogs, email campaigns, and phone orders, reaching millions of potential customers annually. In 2024, 4imprint processed 2,124,000 orders from over 280,000 new customers and a larger base of repeat clients, serving businesses across various industries. The majority of revenue, 98% in fiscal year 2024, derives from operations in , specifically the and , with the remaining 2% from the and . This geographic focus leverages centralized production and distribution facilities in to fulfill custom imprinting requests efficiently. Revenue is driven by the core service of applying logos and designs to products sourced from a network of suppliers, using a drop-ship model that minimizes holding and maximizes . Key strategies emphasize customer acquisition and retention through value-added services, including free product samples, complimentary art assistance for design modifications, and a 24-hour turnaround option on thousands of select items. The company's 360° Guarantee® further supports these efforts by promising on-time delivery (or the order is free) and the lowest prices (with double the difference refunded if a lower price is found elsewhere within 30 days). These features facilitate quick, hassle-free ordering and build trust with clients. A significant portion of growth stems from repeat business, with 1,644,000 orders in 2024 coming from existing customers and a 24-month retention rate of 46%. 4imprint employs data-driven , utilizing proprietary to tailor and recommendations based on past orders, enhancing and loyalty. This approach, combined with targeted and search-based campaigns, prioritizes long-term relationships over one-time transactions.

History

Early years and acquisition

4imprint traces its origins to 1985, when Dick Nelson founded Nelson Marketing in , as a direct marketer of promotional products. The company initially operated by distributing items such as apparel, bags, and through mail-order catalogs and toll-free orders, aiming to simplify the for businesses seeking customized merchandise. In 1987, it launched its direct marketing model with a 12-page catalog mailed to 250,000 businesses. From 1985 to , Nelson Marketing functioned as an independent entity with a primary emphasis on basic promotional product distribution. In , Bemrose , a UK-based and firm established in 1921, acquired Nelson Marketing to incorporate it into its diversified operations and expand its promotional products portfolio. This acquisition marked a significant shift, providing access to international resources while aligning the U.S. with Bemrose's printing expertise. By 2000, following strategic refocusing on core imprinting and services, the parent entity was renamed 4imprint Group plc to emphasize its evolving identity in personalized promotional solutions.

Expansion and challenges

In the early 2000s, 4imprint faced significant pressure that prompted a strategic overhaul. In , Hanover Investors, a , acquired over 25% of the company's shares and spearheaded a against the board, criticizing operational inefficiencies and demanding changes to boost profitability. This led to the appointment of three new non-executive directors and the eventual departure of several executives, refocusing the company on its core operations in promotional products. To capitalize on growing demand in , 4imprint invested in expansion. In February 2009, the company established a 100,000-square-foot distribution and fulfillment center in , enhancing its capacity to serve U.S. customers and supporting broader continental growth. By the early , 4imprint pursued operational streamlining to concentrate resources on its primary business. In 2012, it divested non-core subsidiaries Kreyer Promotion Service GmbH and Brand Addition Limited to affiliates of for £24 million on a cash- and debt-free basis, allowing the company to eliminate distractions and sharpen its focus on promotional merchandise. More recently, 4imprint has continued to invest in scalable operations amid evolving market needs. In October 2024, the company completed a major expansion of its Oshkosh facility, increasing the total size to 475,000 square feet and incorporating approximately 4,000 solar panels across the site to advance goals while boosting production capacity. Entering 2025, 4imprint demonstrated resilience in a challenging economic landscape. Despite volatile macroeconomic conditions and a slight dip in revenue for the first 10 months, the company reported strong and upgraded its full-year profit outlook, driving a significant surge in share price to over 4,000p.

Products and services

Product categories

4imprint provides a diverse array of promotional products, encompassing tens of thousands of stock keeping units (SKUs) tailored for business branding, events, employee gifts, and client appreciation initiatives. These offerings span core categories such as apparel, bags, drinkware, writing instruments, and tech accessories, alongside higher-value items like embroidered apparel, signage, and food service supplies. The company's top supergroup categories, based on 2024 data, highlight the prominence of everyday promotional essentials. Apparel ranks first, including items like T-shirts, polo shirts, jackets, vests, sweatshirts, headwear, outerwear, and uniforms suitable for corporate or casual branding. Bags rank second, encompassing totes, backpacks, and coolers. Drinkware follows in , featuring mugs, water bottles, tumblers, travel mugs, and stadium cups for practical, high-visibility gifting. Writing instruments, primarily pens, constitute the fourth category, often customized for trade shows or office distribution. Tech accessories, including items like cable organizers and power banks, are offered for modern promotional needs as higher-value products. Higher-value products extend the portfolio into specialized applications, such as embroidered apparel for uniforms and branding, signage including banners and table covers for event setups, and food service supplies like branded utensils or containers. Additional categories include (notebooks, ), outdoors and leisure gear (umbrellas, blankets), auto/home/tools (tape measures, magnets), wellness and safety items ( kits), and awards/ (trophies, desk accessories). 4imprint also offers private label brands to enhance its product lineup. Crossland® provides fleece jackets, blankets, beanie hats, vacuum mugs, backpacks, and coolers. Refresh®, launched in 2017, focuses on water bottles, tumblers, and travel mugs. Taskright®, introduced in 2020, includes notebooks, sticky notes, and pencils. To meet evolving market demands, 4imprint emphasizes trendy and sustainable options within these categories, such as eco-friendly products under the Better Choices® framework, made from recycled materials or responsibly sourced forestry programs, alongside 24-hour rush items for urgent branding needs. These selections support customization processes that allow for logo imprinting or embroidery on most items.

Customization and fulfillment

4imprint offers a range of imprinting methods to personalize promotional products with logos, messages, and designs, including for durable, high-volume applications on items like apparel and drinkware; for a premium, textured finish suitable for fabrics; and , such as full-color , for vibrant, detailed graphics on various surfaces. The company provides comprehensive fulfillment services to streamline order delivery, encompassing , , fulfillment for and distribution, and direct mailing to recipients. For mixed orders combining different products, 4imprint utilizes single-ship boxes to consolidate shipments into one package, reducing costs and simplifying logistics. To support rapid turnaround, 4imprint's 24-hour service enables customization on thousands of items across categories like apparel, bags, and pens, with orders placed by 6 p.m. CT and approved by 7 p.m. CT shipping the next , subject to a $40 rush fee and varying minimum quantities. Complimentary design assistance is available through the company's team, which handles artwork preparation from sketches to final files, accompanied by free e-proofs for customer approval before production. Quality is ensured via the 360° Guarantee, which includes a lowest price promise—refunding double the difference if a lower total price is found elsewhere within 30 days; on-time shipping assurance, making the order free if delayed; and 100% satisfaction coverage, allowing customers to choose a refund or rerun if unsatisfied.

Operations

Facilities and distribution

4imprint's primary distribution facility is located in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, serving as the central hub for its North American operations. The 475,000-square-foot Oshkosh Distribution Center, expanded by 170,000 square feet in 2024, supports inventory management, order picking, and efficient shipping to meet customer demands across the continent. This expansion, completed in October 2024, enhanced the facility's capacity to handle growing volumes while incorporating modern amenities for its workforce of approximately 1,600 employees, representing the vast majority of the company's total of around 1,650 team members, as of December 2024. In 2025, the company approved a $10 million investment to relocate its downtown Oshkosh office to the expanded , with completion expected in mid-2026. Sustainability efforts are integrated into the facility's operations, with the 2024 expansion adding 1,488 solar panels to the existing array of 2,600 installed in 2022, bringing the total to approximately 4,000 panels and increasing solar capacity by 56 percent. These panels generate a significant portion of the center's energy needs, aligning with 4imprint's commitment to energy efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The company's supply chain relies on a network of global suppliers, including direct tier-1 partners and indirect tier-2 and tier-3 relationships both domestically and overseas, to source a wide range of promotional products. This structure enables quick turnaround times, with options for 24-hour fulfillment on select items by submitting artwork by specified deadlines, ensuring rapid delivery to North American customers.

Market presence

4imprint holds the position of the largest distributor of promotional products in by revenue, ranking first on the Counselor Top 40 list for both 2023 and . In 2023, the company reported North American revenue of $1.3 billion, up 16.3% from the previous year, while 2024 sales reached $1.37 billion, marking another record despite a slowdown in growth to 3%. This leadership underscores 4imprint's dominant of over 5% in the North American promotional products sector, estimated at $26.6 billion in 2024. The company's geographic focus is predominantly on North America, where it generates 98% of its revenue from operations in the US and Canada. Its remaining 2% of revenue comes from smaller operations in the UK and Ireland, which saw a 5% increase in 2024 driven by improved demand. This concentration allows 4imprint to leverage established infrastructure in key markets while maintaining a niche presence in Europe. Key competitive advantages stem from its model, which enables scalable outreach and efficient customer acquisition without reliance on intermediaries. The company serves a broad customer base of more than 100,000 businesses across diverse sectors, including commercial, governmental, educational, and charitable organizations, with no single client exceeding 1% of revenue. In 2024, 4imprint acquired 280,000 new customers and received over 2.1 million total orders, highlighting strong retention among existing clients who placed 1.644 million orders, up 5% year-over-year. As of 2025, 4imprint continues to adapt to industry trends emphasizing and . Its online platform facilitates seamless ordering, aligning with the shift toward digital in the promotional products market. On , the company renewed its CarbonNeutral® certification in 2024 and increased sales of eco-friendly private-label products under the Better Choices® initiative, responding to growing customer demand for environmentally responsible options.

Corporate governance

Leadership team

The leadership team of 4imprint Group plc is headed by Non-Executive Chairman Paul Moody, who has overseen since his appointment as Chairman in December 2016, following his role as from February 2016. Moody brings extensive experience from his 17-year tenure at plc, including eight years as CEO, as well as prior roles at plc and Mars; he currently serves as Chairman of plc, contributing strategic oversight to 4imprint's board. Chief Executive Officer Kevin Lyons-Tarr has led the company since March 2015, when he was appointed to the role after serving as an since June 2012. Lyons-Tarr joined 4imprint in 1991 and progressed through key positions, including , , and President of since 2004, providing deep expertise in direct marketing operations; he is based in . His total compensation for 2024 was approximately $759,000. Michelle Brukwicki serves as , having joined the board in May 2025 and succeeding David Seekings in managing the company's financial affairs. A with over 25 years of financial and accounting experience at publicly listed companies, Brukwicki previously held the CFO position at and holds an MBA from the ; she is also based in . The board includes several non-executive directors who provide independent oversight and balance, such as Christina (Tina) Southall, appointed in May 2019, whose background includes roles as Executive Vice President at Bally Interactive, as well as experience at and Avis Europe. Other non-executive directors, including John Gibney (appointed March 2021, former CFO of plc), Lindsay Beardsell (appointed September 2021, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at plc), and Jaz Rabadia (appointed September 2021, sustainability expert and former Head at ), contribute diverse expertise in , legal, commercial, and matters. Overall, 4imprint's board structure maintains a balanced mix of executive directors (such as the CEO and ) and independent non-executive directors, ensuring a range of skills in areas like , , and to support the company's strategic objectives.

Awards and recognition

4imprint has received numerous accolades highlighting its strong company culture and industry performance. In 2025, the company was named to the Fortune Best Workplaces in and list for the 18th consecutive year, based on employee feedback surveys that emphasize trust, respect, and opportunities for growth. This recognition underscores 4imprint's commitment to employee satisfaction, with high scores in areas such as fair treatment and meaningful work contributing to its repeated honors. The company has also earned consistent top rankings in the promotional products industry, reflecting its operational excellence. 4imprint secured the #1 position on the Counselor Top 40 Distributors list for 2023, 2024, and 2025, based on North American revenue, marking its status as the largest distributor in the sector. Similarly, it claimed the top spot in the PPAI 100 rankings for leading distributors in 2023, 2024, and 2025, the third consecutive year, highlighting its market leadership and contributions to the industry. Additional recognitions focus on employee-centric initiatives and community involvement. 4imprint received the Vets Ready Employer Gold Award in 2024 and Silver in 2023, acknowledging its veteran-friendly policies and support programs. It has also been honored multiple times by Great Place to Work, including as a Best Small & Medium Workplace from 2008 to 2019, driven by anonymous employee surveys showing above-average satisfaction rates in workplace culture and ; the company has continued to receive certifications and list inclusions in subsequent years. These awards collectively demonstrate 4imprint's emphasis on fostering a supportive environment that enhances both and excellence in the promotional products field.

Financial performance

Historical revenue and profit

Following its acquisition of the U.S.-based Adventures in Advertising (AIA) franchise network in December 2000 for $12.75 million, 4imprint experienced modest initial growth in its North American operations, with annual revenue from that segment remaining under $50 million in the early post-acquisition years. This period laid the foundation for expansion, as AIA's billings grew over 40% in the first full year compared to pre-acquisition levels, supported by franchisee network enhancements. From 2011 to 2024, the company demonstrated sustained financial growth, with increasing from approximately $243 million to $1.368 billion, reflecting a of about 14%. Over the same period, the share price rose by 2,342%, driven by consistent profitability improvements and gains in promotional products. Key contributors included enhanced strategies, such as data-driven customer acquisition via multichannel campaigns (, search, and catalogs), which boosted order volumes from existing customers by 5% in recent years. North American expansion was a primary driver, with the region accounting for 98% of group by 2024, up from smaller contributions in earlier decades. Investments in facilities, including a $20 million expansion of the distribution center completed in 2024, supported growth in high-demand categories like apparel. The following table summarizes select annual figures in USD millions, highlighting the trajectory:
YearRevenue ($M)
2011243
2015490
2020560
2021787
20221,140
20231,327
20241,368
In the full year , revenue reached $1,367.9 million, a 3% increase from 2023, with operating profit at $148.1 million (up 9%) and net profit attributable to shareholders at $117.2 million (up 10%). These results underscored the efficiency of , where marketing expenses of $173.7 million generated 2.124 million orders, despite a dip in new customer acquisitions. Overall, the period from 2011 to marked a transformation from steady but modest expansion to robust scaling, fueled by operational leverage in .

Recent results and outlook

In the first half of 2025, ending June 28, 4imprint reported group revenue of $659.4 million, representing a 1% decline from $667.5 million in the same period of 2024. Despite challenging market conditions, order intake demonstrated resilience, totaling 1,054,000 orders compared to 1,085,000 the prior year, supported by strong customer retention and a flexible approach that helped maintain . For the 10 months ended October 2025, group revenue fell 2% year-over-year to approximately $1.14 billion, with order intake down 3% overall. This performance reflected flat orders from existing s amid robust retention rates, offset by a 13% decline in new customer orders, while average order values remained consistent with the prior year. Gross profit margins hovered just below 33%, and operating margins stayed in double digits, underscoring operational efficiency. In its November 2025 trading update, 4imprint raised its full-year guidance, projecting revenue of at least $1.32 billion—the high end of analyst consensus and a decline from 2024 levels—along with profit before tax exceeding $142 million, surpassing forecasts. These projections were driven by resilient trading in a volatile macroeconomic environment, delayed impacts from tariff-related product cost increases, and sustained strong . Following the update, the company's share price rose over 16%.

References

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