5 Creative Ways Companies Are Using Branded Merch
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Time to read 4 min
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Time to read 4 min
Branded merch and promotional products have evolved beyond the simple, forgettable giveaways of the past. Today, savvy businesses are using custom-branded items to expand their reach and create lasting impressions. These items not only increase brand awareness, but also build customer loyalty and create memorable touchpoints at events or marketing activations.
In this blog post, we'll explore five real-world examples of companies that are successfully leveraging branded merch to amplify their brand presence. You'll also find key takeaways and practical insights to optimize the use of your own promotional campaigns.
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Gorton’s Seafood celebrated their 175th anniversary with a new campaign featuring quirky and nostalgic merch. The goal? Tap into the elusive Gen Z market. The company is offering unique products like fish-stick patterned bucket hats, hoodies, and even fish-shaped slippers. By creating fun and memorable items that resonate with younger audiences, Gorton’s is earning buzz in a move to stay relevant with a new generation.
Takeaway: Don’t be afraid to step outside the box with branded merch. Understanding your audience and creating fun and relatable products they’ll want to share can dramatically increase engagement. It can also become an extension of your brand when it taps into the culture of your target audience.
Workplace communication platform Slack uses branded merch to build internal culture and turn its employees into brand ambassadors. Employees are provided Slack-branded swag, such as ceramic mugs, stickers, or journals, which they use and display in their professional and personal lives. This internal distribution of merchandise plays a crucial role in Slack’s brand advocacy, as employees share their love for the company both online and offline.
Takeaway: Don’t overlook the power of your internal team. Providing them with branded merch can turn them into advocates who promote your brand authentically. It can also contribute to a sense of belonging and pride within the company, boosting morale.
Starbucks has truly perfected the art of limited-edition branded merch, launching seasonal products that tap into cultural moments or holidays. PSL anyone? These items often feature unique designs that are not available year-round, leading to a sense of urgency among customers. Notably, the iconic “red cups” released during the holiday season have become a beloved tradition, sparking excitement and deepening loyalty with their customers.
Takeaway: Promotional items, specifically limited-edition items, can create an additional revenue stream beyond traditional product or service offerings.
Adobe’s annual creative conference, Adobe MAX, is a key marketing activation where they typically offer exclusive event swag. For last year's event, swag included high-quality branded items such as totes, umbrellas, knick-knacks, and bucket hats, featuring Adobe’s signature designs and color palettes. By offering high-quality, practical items that align with the needs of their audience, Adobe reinforces their reputation as a key player in the creative industry, strengthening its connection with attendees.
Takeaway: Branded merch for events can add value and enhance the overall attendee experience. High-quality, targeted products are more likely to be used frequently, leading to longer-lasting brand impressions.
Mailchimp, the email marketing platform, has developed a fun, quirky line of branded merch aimed at their entrepreneurial and creative user base. Their promotional products include everything from socks and hats to quirky office supplies, each reflecting their brand’s playful personality. Mailchimp has also capitalized on partnerships with influencers and creative professionals to promote their merch, building online buzz and reinforcing their brand identity. This merchandise not only serves as a gift for loyal customers but also acts as a conversation piece, increasing brand exposure.
Takeaway: Personality-driven branded merchandise can turn everyday items into memorable brand ambassadors, sparking conversation and fostering a sense of community, especially when paired with strategic influencer partnerships.
Branded merchandise isn’t about just slapping a logo on a product; it’s about creating meaningful connections and long-term visibility for your brand. These five company examples demonstrate how thoughtful, creative promotional products can not only create buzz but also enhance the customer experience, build lasting affinity, and drive real business results. By understanding your audience and aligning your promotional products with your brand’s values and personality, you can maximize the impact of these items, whether at events, internally, or as part of a larger marketing activation.
If you’re looking to expand your promotional product offerings and tap into this powerful marketing tool, contact us today to learn how we can help create customized branded merch that resonates with your audience and achieves your marketing goals.
Branded merch often prompts customers to share their items on social media, creating user-generated content that expands your reach organically and increases visibility across platforms.
Successful brands use branded merch to reflect their unique values and personality and create lasting impressions. They strategically choose items that resonate with their target audience, making their brand memorable and relevant beyond traditional advertising methods.
Branded merch is used to increase brand awareness, build customer loyalty and create memorable touchpoints at events or marketing activations. It helps you stay relevant in the minds of your customers and allows you to create a tangible connection with your audience.
Yes! When done correctly, useful, customized items that represent your brand, can foster positive associations and enhance the customer experience. This deepens loyalty over time.
The Author: Emily Jacobson
Emily Jacobson, an MBA graduate, is passionate about helping her clients connect with their target audiences. With a rich background as a strategist in the ad agency world, she helped clients craft compelling brand narratives rooted in human insights and market trends. Prior to joining the talented team at BrandAdvantage, she played a pivotal role in the development and go-to-market plan for a successful new product launch at Fidelity Investments.
