Promotional merchandise is usually thought of as promotional clothing, team, uniform, or corporate wear. However, the category can mean much more than that. When selecting promotional merchandise, you can choose apparel or wearables, but also there are premiums, incentives, business gifts and giveaways to consider as viable alternatives.
There are a number of things for you to take into account prior to selecting your promotional merchandise: 1) logo or no logo – if you have selected an item that makes a lasting impression on it’s own, sometimes giving something without a corporate brand is appropriate, 2) how much to spend – you never want a gift to appear as a bribe, but make sure the spend is appropriate to your budget and the recipient, 3) what to give - given all of these choices, it is our mission to make acquiring great giveaways as easy as possible for you.
From our head office in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and our branch office in Manhattan, New York, USA, we have a dedicated team of professionals searching for great client solutions all day, every day, and we can put that expertise to work for you. We understand the significant role these giveaways are expected to play, and how important it is to add value and carry an effective message to your consumer. Simply tell us a little bit about your needs and we’ll send you a custom .PDF proposal designed specifically for you within 24 hours*.
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Promotional Apparel Trends
There was once a time in the promotional industry when you couldn’t even get women’s styles or sizes in 90% of the apparel that was available. The industry was always at least 2 years behind in style, and even calling it “style” is being generous.
These days, the industry has caught up to retail, and in some cases is actually ahead. Some of the most unique colors and decoration techniques are tested in the corporate market before going retail. American Apparel is a prime example of this. The brand started in the corporate market and has gone retail in a big way.
This upcoming year, the trends will be closely linked to retail. The vibrant colors, the most interesting imprints, and accessories such as bags will define the year. The huge trend away from plastic shopping bags has created a niche for the shopping bag. Bearing that in mind, there are tons of possibilities for retailers and corporate givers of all kinds. The “in the trunk” bags for shopping with the obligatory dribbles and stains are not ideal to carry around your new suit purchase. People will want something functional yet fashionable when they have made new purchases.
Another strong trend is to go local. Local manufacture, local supplier, and local distribution is the next trend. With the economy in shambles, supporting the guy next door is more important to more and more people.
The eco trend will continue into the future until the cost to produce an environmentally friendly product equals out with the regular production processes. The time when something “eco” cost more (and thus allowed more margins) is coming to an end. Eco is here to stay, but soon it will be just another option when selecting garments along with small, medium, red or black.
Contact us for great promotional merchandise solutions.
Definitions of terms:
Promotional Product - specialty items used for advertising; includes both decorative and useful items of merchandise that can be incorporated in marketing campaigns used to endorse a product, service or company agenda. They can include advertising specialties, apparel, awards, business gifts, commemoratives, premiums, prizes, etc. and typically have an imprint of a brand, logo, or message.
Corporate Promotional Gift – promotional products that serve a dual function: 1) acting as a business gift, and 2) acting as an advertising vehicle by the gift being branded with the giving company’s logo
Business Gift – an item given voluntarily as a sign of appreciation to a person involved in business activities, usually higher in value or perceived value.
Tradeshow Giveaway – a promotional item that has been customized with a company’s logo and is used as an advertising vehicle at a tradeshow event.
Giveaways - or ad specialties: imprinted promotional products distributed for free, e.g. an imprinted pen given away at a tradeshow, or an imprinted pad of paper inserted into a tradeshow bag. |
