Branded Merchandise at the Forefront of Advertising

Branded merchandise has emerged at the forefront of advertising efforts with its unique ability to create lasting brand impressions and foster brand loyalty. Unlike traditional forms of advertising, branded merchandise offers tangible products that people can engage with on a daily basis, thereby keeping the brand top of mind. From branded apparel and accessories to corporate gifts, branded merchandise serves as a constant reminder of a company's presence and message. It not only enhances brand recognition but also serves as a cost-effective marketing tool with a high potential for reaching a wide audience. In a world inundated with digital ads and fleeting marketing messages, branded merchandise stands out by offering a physical, tangible connection between the brand and its consumers. As a result, companies are increasingly turning to branded merchandise as a strategic avenue to strengthen their advertising efforts and forge deeper connections with their target audience.

Therefore, it’s not surprising that The Advertising Specialty Institute® reported that promotional merchandise is the favorite form of advertising by U.S. consumers, followed by radio, newspaper, television, magazine, mobile, and internet. Let’s explore the most popular promotional products and the stats behind them.

Drinkware

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded drinkware gets 3,162 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and used for at least one year by 63% of consumers
• Branded drinkware is more popular in the Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific
• Result in 30% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a $10 insulated travel mug is 1/3 of a cent
  
  

Outerwear

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded outerwear gets 7,856 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and worn for at least 2 years by 61% of consumers
• Branded outerwear is more popular in the Northeast
• Result in 41% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a $30 half-zip fleece is less than ½ of a cent
  
  

Umbrellas

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded umbrellas get 1,760 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and used for at least 2 years by 54% of consumers
• Branded umbrellas are more popular in the Northeast
• Result in 36% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a $10 travel umbrella is about ½ of a cent
  
  

T-Shirts

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded T-Shirts get 5,053 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and worn for at least 2 years by 47% of consumers
• Branded T-Shirts are more popular in the Southeast
• Result in 37% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a super-soft $10 T-Shirt is 1/5 of a cent
  
  

Polo Shirts

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded polo shirts get 2,106 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and worn for at least one year by 62% of consumers
• Branded polo shirts are more popular in the Southeast and Southwest
• Result in 29% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a $15 cotton polo is under 1 cent
  
  

Bags

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded bags get 1,940 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and used for at least two years by 43% of consumers
• Branded bags are more popular in the Southeast
• Result in 26% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a $2 non-woven tote bag is 1/10 of a cent
  
  

Performance Wear

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded performance wear gets 2,336 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and worn for at least one year by 59% of consumers
• Branded performance wear is more popular in the Southwest
• Results in 41% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a $20 moisture-wicking performance polo is less than 1 cent
  
  

Desk Accessories

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded desk accessories get 2,314 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and used for at least one year by 58% of consumers
• Branded desk accessories are more popular in the Southeast
• Result in 24% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a $10 desk accessory is less than ½ of a cent

Headwear

Let’s check out some interesting stats reported from ASI:

• Branded headwear gets 3,380 impressions during its lifespan
• Reported to be kept and worn for at least one year by 56% of consumers
• Branded headwear is more popular in the Northeast
• Result in 20% of consumers being more likely to make a purchase from the advertiser
• The cost per impression for a $8 baseball cap is less than ¼ of a cent
  
  

Hopefully, this has sparked some ideas for your next marketing campaign! With the stats to back up the ROI, you will get your next branded merchandise campaign approved in no time. Reach out when you are ready to get started!