Whitestone Branding (asi/359741), a Counselor Best Place to Work, has acquired American Apparel & Promotions (AA&P). Financial terms of the deal were not released.

American Apparel & Promotions is an Illinois-based distributorship that’s been in business for 32 years. It’s not to be confused with the popular supplier of similar name – American Apparel, which is owned by Counselor Top 40 supplier Gildan (asi/56842).

Joseph Sommer, president and founder of Whitestone Branding (asi/359741)

Whitestone is retaining AA&P’s team, including company President Lauren Meyer, who is joining Whitestone as executive program manager. Sharon Meyer, AA&P’s founder, is helping ensure a smooth transition but is not joining Whitestone. She’s confident her team and clients are in good hands.

“We’ve spent more than three decades building trusted relationships, and I know Whitestone will honor that legacy through its collaborative, people-first culture and bold approach to brand merchandising,” Sharon Meyer said. “I’m not simply retiring; I’m moving on to new ad(ventures) – both personal adventures and new ventures – and I'm confident that AA&P’s clients and staff will thrive under Whitestone’s leadership.”

Joseph Sommer, Whitestone’s president and founder, called the acquisition a strategic partnership that deepens the firm’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences.

“It’s my goal to ensure Sharon’s clients – many of whom have been with AA&P for over three decades – will continue to experience the same level of quality and service for decades to come,” said Sommer, Counselor’s 2024 Distributor Entrepreneur of the Year. “Their approach to customer service aligns deeply with how Whitestone has been built, putting the customer experience first. I’m thrilled to welcome their talented team into our dynamic and progressive culture.”

“We’ve spent more than three decades building trusted relationships, and I know Whitestone will honor that legacy through its collaborative, people-first culture and bold approach to brand merchandising.” Sharon Meyer, American Apparel & Promotions 

Whitestone has now made three acquisitions since July 2024, including Merchful and Design Like Whoa. “Our long-term strategy is to make 7 to 10 acquisitions over the next decade,” Sommer told ASI Media, adding that the firm works on a salaried sales compensation model, rather than commissions, in order to prioritize long-term relationships and consultative selling. AA&P’s team values fit that approach, he said.

“AA&P’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service mirrors Whitestone’s own ethos,” Sommer said. “We believe businesses are successful because of the people in them. AA&P’s team is incredibly talented, and we are excited to support them.”

Sommer founded Whitestone in 2013. While headquartered in his native New York, the company operates on a fully remote work model and has team members around the country.

Whitestone ranked first in the medium-sized company category and second overall on Counselor’s 2024 list of the Best Places to Work in the promotional products industry. Employees said that the three words that best describe the distributorship are “innovative,” “creative” and “collaborative.”