Fully remote distributor Whitestone (PPAI 666851, Silver) has announced the acquisition of Illinois-based distributor American Apparel & Promotions (PPAI 630799, Standard-Plus).

  • As part of the deal, Lauren Meyer, president of AA&P, will join Whitestone as an executive program manager, supporting clients in a new way.
  • Whitestone will also retain AA&P’s team.
  • Sharon Meyer, founder of AA&P, will “move on to new ad(ventures)” after ensuring a smooth transition.


“It was important to find a partner who shares AA&P’s unwavering commitment to our clients and team,” says Sharon Meyer. “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.

I’m not simply retiring; I’m moving on to new ad(ventures)…confident that AA&P’s clients and staff will thrive under Whitestone’s leadership.”

Sharon Meyer

Founder, American Apparel & Promotions

“I’m not simply retiring; I’m moving on to new ad(ventures) – both personal adventures and new ventures – confident that AA&P’s clients and staff will thrive under Whitestone’s leadership.”

‘No Easy Feat’

Since its founding in 1993, AA&P has built a reputation for forging deep relationships within the financial and professional services sectors.

Whitestone says this new alignment allows it to welcome a team of exceptional professionals whose dedication to quality service perfectly complements Whitestone’s people-first culture and progressive approach to the industry.

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“Staying in business for 32 years is no easy feat,” says Joseph Sommer, president and founder of Whitestone. “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.

“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.”

It’s my goal to ensure Sharon’s clients…will continue to experience the same level of quality and service for decades to come.”

Joseph Sommer

Founder/President, Whitestone

In July 2024, Sommer said the goal is to grow Whitestone through M&A activity over the next decade, aiming for between seven to 10 acquisitions. 

  • The company has since acquired Design Like Whoa, a multi-million-dollar distributorship founded in San Francisco, and Merchful, a multi-million-dollar distributorship with offices in Toronto, London, Dublin and Los Angeles.