Fall Trends: The Rise of Branded Merch Experiences
At the top of the year, we made our way to Vegas and attended the biggest product show in the US. With our pen and paper in hand, we explored the show filled with hundreds of thousands of branded merch products. We were especially drawn to the First-Time Exhibitors area, a neat resource for finding new partners and exploring untapped opportunities. Explore our Finds from Afar here.
Not only did we get an inside look at the latest products and trends, but we're also part of a thriving mastermind community, where we network, share best business practices, and look ahead to future product trends. It's encouraging to be part of a community that has the greater good of the like-minded people we get to be connected with!
Make it a Brand Experience
As we walked the booths, we couldn’t help but notice one common factor: many booths made it a point to create an interactive and immersive experience for anyone who walked by. We saw everything from on-site screen printing on shirts (we know it was popular based on the long line!), to creating your own bracelet bars, and custom leather luggage tags! Whether it’s an event or a direct mail campaign, it’s all about getting creative and giving your audience an experience they will remember.
Glimmers of Brand Joy Matter
We all have those moments, those ‘glimmers’, that take us back to the carefree joy of childhood – a reminder to enjoy the little things in life. Vendors were all about bringing back that feeling, with things like those DIY bracelet stations, fun sports gear, and even adorable confetti-popping birthday cakes in the mail. At Withers, we make it a point to embrace those simple pleasures, particularly through getting outside and staying active. We aim to inspire our clients to do the same. How does that translate into promotional products? By creating experiences that spark joy and encourage engagement. Think at-home DIY cooking or cocktail kits, a custom pickleball set, or even a putter grip they can use on the course. These aren't just giveaways; they're invitations to rediscover the joy in everyday moments, creating lasting positive associations with your brand.
Make it Subtle
Subtle branding can be incredibly effective. Instead of overwhelming your audience with colorful logos and long slogans, consider incorporating your brand more understatedly. People are likelier to keep and use items that blend seamlessly into their daily lives. This approach bridges a positive association with your company, as they'll appreciate the quality and design without feeling like they're carrying a walking advertisement. When done right, subtle branding ensures your company stays top of mind, not because it's shouting for attention, but because it's genuinely a cool personalised gift that can be appreciated.
We’ve got Your Brand Experience Covered
These are just a few of the many cool things we saw on our trip. Our team is ready to help you bring these trends to life – we even built a shop with some of our favorite trending merch products. If you don't see exactly what you need, just let us know – we've got your back!
Explore the lateset in branded swag and promotional merch with our Finds from Afar.