Those Empty Shelves

Those Empty Shelves

Most shoppers in the US never thought they’d experience empty store shelves. My brother-in-law recently said, “It feels like war time”, referring to our grandparents’ stories of shortages during WW II. It seems that every industry has been affected. If you’re wondering what 2022 might bring, this video from TODAY gives a brief overview.

If you’re curious about the cause of these shortages, this article from The Atlantic gives a great explanation of the “veritable hydra of bottlenecks” that have resulted in delays, empty shelves, and rising costs.

On a recent episode of Fresh Air on NPR, Wall Street Journal columnist Christopher Mims explains how normally-efficient overseas shipping systems became overwhelmed during the pandemic. Spoiler alert…according to the author, “I think that the supply chain problems we’re having now, which are at the root of current inflation, are going to persist for a long time. And part of that is because we just have more demand for goods and that seems to be persistent.”

It doesn’t seem that purchasing will return to normal anytime soon. At least understanding the cause of the problem helps us keep perspective and – maybe – gain patience.

If there is a product in the printing industry that you can’t find, please let us know. We’ll do our best to contact multiple suppliers or develop a creative solution for you!

Holiday Hours

Holiday Hours

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year!

To give our employees extra holiday time with their families, we will have limited hours between Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Enfield Hours

Dec 23rdclosing at 2 pm
Dec 24thclosed
Dec 30thclosing at 2 pm
Dec 31stclosed

Springfield Hours

Dec 23rdclosing at 2 pm
Dec 24thclosed
Dec 27th – Dec 31stclosed – calls handled by the Enfield shop

Brattleboro Hours

Dec 23rdclosing at 1 pm
Dec 24thclosed
Dec 27th – Dec 31stclosed – calls handled by the Enfield shop

When the Springfield and Brattleboro shops are closed, calls are forwarded to our Enfield shop. During regular business hours, Enfield staff will be happy to assist with Springfield and Brattleboro orders, quotes, and questions.

We look forward to seeing all of you in 2022!

Time to Hit the Ice!

Time to Hit the Ice!

Those chilly mornings remind us that it’s time for backyard ice rinks!  In our family, Thanksgiving weekend is the time that we secure the boards into the ground.  Then when a hard freeze arrives, we’re ready to roll with the liner and water.  That backyard rink is a labor of love, but it also brings us countless hours of outdoor fun.

If you have a backyard rink, we can print vinyl graphics to customize your ice!  We can print team logos, family initials, or fun graphics.  Installation is easy once your ice has frozen.  We apply the graphics over the ice and then add a coat of ice to hold them in place.   If your rink is in total shade, the graphics won’t create solar melt (soft spots) when the sun heats them.  If your rink is in sun or partial shade, we can apply a layer of Solar Ice over the graphics to keep the surrounding ice cool and prevent solar melt.

We can also create and install graphics for larger indoor arenas.  We can add the logos for recreational and school teams for special events or for the full season.

If hockey is part of your world and you want to customize your ice, reach out and we’ll work with you to create a fun and personalized project.

Winter Styles Still Available

Winter Styles Still Available

This weather is quickly approaching…

…and because of nationwide shortages and delays, the time to order branded winter apparel is now.

 

Ordering now means you’ll have more color and style options.  Fleece items are going fast!

Port Authority Cardigan Port Authority Sweater Fleece
Port Authority Spectator Gloves, Hat, and Scarf CornerStone Winter Safety Wear

 

Our branded winter clothing and outerwear will keep you warm whether you’re on a job site or in the office.  We carry sweaters, fleece vests and jackets, raincoats, scarves and hats, work wear, and safety wear.  You can browse our online catalog or reach out to us and we’ll help you find the right style for your needs.  We’re here to help!