Why is it so important to carefully analyze merch ideas? Ask yourself - do you remember the last time you got a branded item that you actually used and appreciated? It's rare, isn't it? Imagine if your brand could break that pattern and create something truly memorable that people would cherish and use for years to come. Whether you're an influencer, musician, or entrepreneur, branded merchandise can help you connect with your audience and promote your brand with proper planning and proven strategies which we will share in this blog.
And it's just not us saying it, it's the stats:
60% of people keep branded merchandise for up to two years.
85% of people do business with a company after receiving a branded item.
Branded merchandise generates more than twice as many referrals as other marketing methods.
It's clear that well-chosen merch can really increase brand recognition and loyalty. In this blog, we'll look at in-depth case studies showcasing innovative merch ideas that have helped brands succeed. Are you ready to get inspired and find the best products for your business? Let's dive in!
Table of Contents
- Custom Pillows at Conan O'Brien's New Show
- Custom Pens, Mugs and Clothing Opened New Doors in Hospitality for the Fourth
- Radiant Bank's Gifting Strategy to Say Thank You to Its New Customers
- Liebherr's Smart Strategy to Stand Out at the ConExpo-Con/AGG Trade Show
- Branded Eco-Friendly Merchandise for Tirlán’s Successful Brand Launch
- Aptiv Sends Special Welcome Packs to New Team Members
- How TT Club’s Puzzle Became a Branding Hit
- 5000 Fans Get Custom Sunglasses at College BCS Bowl Games
- Uber Eats’ Beach Towels Delight Sydney Staff
- Xref's Branded Merch Hits Four Countries
- 950 Recycled T-shirts Bring the Social Media Team Together
- Ford's Low-Cost, High-Impact Promotional Merchandise for the Cleveland Auto Show
- Nine-Piece Chocolate Squares: Mercedes' Recipe for Happy Customers
Case Study #1: Custom Pillows at Conan O'Brien's New Show
Product: Customized Pillow
Company: Turner Broadcasting System (TBS)
Company Size: 10,001+ Employees
Industry: Broadcast Media Production and Distribution
Organizer Country: US
Target Audience: Press
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to create memorable promotional merch for a pre-launch party, ensuring continued media engagement with Conan O'Brien's new late-night show on TBS.
Strategy and Execution: With a clear set of merch ideas in mind, the client was throwing a "lounge" themed press party for Conan O'Brien's show – think chill vibes, laughs, and a good time all around. They wanted to make the place cozy with custom Conan throw pillows on the couches, and guests could take one home as a thank-you gift. The design of the pillow, featuring a vivid orange hue synonymous with Conan's brand and marked with the simple yet effective slogans "Conan" and "Very Funny," dual-purposed as an atmospheric enhancement and a strategic promotional tool within a broader marketing campaign. Faced with the challenge of a tight three-day deadline before the party, the company confidently accepted the rush order. Demonstrating logistical efficiency, they arranged for immediate shipment of the pillow stuffing, followed by expedited delivery of the sewn covers the subsequent day, ensuring the promotional merch was assembled in time for the event.
Marketing Outcomes
- Custom Conan pillows were a hit, everyone took one home.
- Positive show reviews followed the upbeat pre-launch party atmosphere.
- Pillow giveaways positively influenced perceptions of Conan's new show.
The Result: The party was a huge hit. By the end, every single pillow had been claimed by the laughing press members as they left. The effective use of creative merch ideas like the custom pillows contributed to the awesome reviews for Conan's first show. It seems the fun party before the launch really helped make those reviews even better. Of course, Conan being funny and charming as always probably helped a lot with the positive feedback too.
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Case Study #2: Custom Pens, Mugs and Clothing Opened New Doors in Hospitality for the Fourth
Products: Pens, Mugs, and Clothes
Company: Fourth
Company Size: 501-1,000 Employees
Industry: IT Services and IT Consulting
Organizer Country: US
Primary Objective: The main goal was to help Fourth expand in the hospitality industry by offering lots of different branded items and clothes.
Strategy and Execution: The plan was to develop standout merch ideas that made Fourth's brand really shine in the hotel business with cool branded merchandise like pens, mugs, and even clothes. The team behind this ensured everything they created was top-notch and perfectly matched what Fourth was all about. As Fourth grew and started offering more services, the team was there to help them shine with all sorts of promotional items, big or small. Whether a company is big, with lots of different products, or small, with just one, they've got their back, making sure they get the perfect items to show off their brand.
Marketing Outcomes
- Increased Fourth's visibility in hospitality with varied promotional items.
- Tailored merchandise supported Fourth's growth and new service offerings.
- Quality branded merch enhanced customer recognition and loyalty for Fourth.
The Result: Fourth's brand really stood out more in the hospitality world, benefiting significantly from the fresh merch ideas that were integrated into their promotional strategy.
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Case Study #3: Radiant Bank's Gifting Strategy to Say Thank You to Its New Customers
Product: Beach Trifold Calendars
Company: Radiant Bank
Industry: Banking
Organizer Country: US
Target Audience: Bank Customers
Primary Objective: A local bank was looking for affordable merch ideas to say thank you to their new customers by giving them a special gift that feels valuable.
Strategy and Execution: The bank put its logo and contact information at the bottom of the calendars. They sent these calendars in the mail to new customers who signed up online for a bank account and also handed them out to people who opened accounts at the bank itself. With such practical and appealing merch ideas like the Beach Trifold Calendar, the bank aimed to create a lasting impression.
Marketing Outcomes
- Improved customer relationships with a thoughtful welcome gift.
- Enhanced visibility of the bank's brand throughout the year.
- Increased longevity of new accounts thanks to a strategic promotional item.
The Result:
The bank succeeded in providing added value to its new customers, thereby enhancing the relationship and extending the lifespan of newly opened accounts. Through the distribution of vibrant and durable calendars, a smart part of their merch ideas, the bank ensured its brand remained in constant view of its customers throughout the entire year.
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Case Study #4: Liebherr's Smart Strategy to Stand Out at the ConExpo-Con/AGG Trade Show
Product: Custom Apparel
Company: Liebherr
Company Size: 10,001+ Employees
Organizer Country: US
Target Audience: Liebherr's Team
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to ensure Liebherr's impactful presence at the 2023 CONEXPO-CON/AGG by outfitting their team in custom apparel and providing branded giveaways efficiently and cost-effectively.
Strategy and Execution: CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the biggest construction trade show in North America and it happens every three years. It's a big deal because it shows off the latest products in the construction world, and over 130,000 people come to Las Vegas for a week to see what's new. Liebherr, a big name in construction, wanted to make sure they stood out at the show and that their team looked united. The team began work six months before the show, searching for the best items that would make Liebherr stand out and attract people to their booth. They explored a variety of merch ideas to find those that aligned perfectly with their brand and event goals. Because they started early, they were able to order everything needed for the large crowd. They even found ways to save money by ordering some products from other countries. This approach allowed Liebherr to distribute a lot of cool merchandise without overspending.
Marketing Outcomes
- Liebherr showcased a unified presence with custom apparel and giveaways.
- Early planning by Pinnacle ensured maximum visibility and preparation.
- Cost-effective strategies enabled a large volume of promotional items.
The Result: Liebherr has achieved comprehensive preparedness for the CONEXPO-CON/AGG well in advance of the event's commencement. The team at Liebherr has been meticulously outfitted in bespoke apparel and furnished with impeccably branded promotional merch, showcasing effective merch ideas for the duration of the significant week. Liebherr has procured a substantial quantity of products at the most economical price point.
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Case Study #5: Branded Eco-Friendly Merchandise for Tirlán’s Successful Brand Launch
Products: Branded Backpacks, Jackets, Caps, Journals, and Lanyards
Company: Tirlán
Company Size: 501-1,000 Employees
Organizer Country: Ireland
Target Audience: Marketing Professionals
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to source and deliver high-quality, sustainable merchandise for Tirlán's brand launch, ensuring confidentiality and alignment with their brand values within a tight timeframe.
Strategy and Execution: The plan was to source really good, eco-friendly merch ideas that perfectly matched what Tirlán is all about. They needed these innovative solutions fast for a big event but wanted to keep it under wraps until the launch. So, the team crafted a detailed to-do list and worked closely with all stakeholders to ensure every detail was on track. They partnered with some of the best brands in the industry to guarantee the merchandise was of the highest quality. Then, their quality control and logistics teams ensured everything reached Tirlán in Ireland and other global locations right on schedule. In the end, everyone was impressed with the merch because it not only met but exceeded expectations, arriving exactly when needed.
Marketing Outcomes
- Boosted brand recognition with quality, sustainable merchandise.
- Positive feedback enhanced Tirlán's reputation.
- Timely delivery ensured a successful launch and market presence.
The Result: The distribution of the final branded merchandise, including innovative merch ideas like the eco-friendly backpacks, jackets, caps, journals, and lanyards, was executed flawlessly. The recipients highly regarded the quality of these items.
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Case Study #6: Aptiv Sends Special Welcome Packs to New Team Members
Products: Note Books, Branded Water Bottles, and Custom Mugs
Company: Aptiv
Company Size: 10,001+ Employees
Organizer Country: Ireland
Target Audience: New Hires and Management Team
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to create personalized packages for new hires and the management team that included cool merch ideas
Strategy and Execution: Aptiv decided to work with a specialized partner because they needed a better way to send welcome packages filled with cool merch ideas to their new employees and bosses. The company's advanced warehouses and tech made it super easy to keep track of everything and send packages quickly. They could even figure out shipping costs without any guesswork. Once everything was packed up, Aptiv could just click a few buttons to send them off, making it a lot easier to handle such a big team spread all over the world.
Marketing Outcomes
- Enhanced brand image through efficient, personalized welcome pack deliveries.
- Boosted employee satisfaction with engaging, personalized onboarding experiences.
- Streamlined logistics, reducing costs and operational complexities significantly.
The Result: After putting the packs together, Aptiv could start sending them out through their portal. Being able to pick the New Hire or Executive packs filled with unique merch ideas easily and send them anywhere made things much simpler for handling such a big team. The team received the final packs with great enthusiasm and appreciation.
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Case Study #7: How TT Club’s Puzzle Became a Branding Hit
Product: Puzzle Game
Company: TT Club
Company Size: 51-200 Employees
Organizer Country: UK
Target Audience: Clients and Customers
Primary Objective: The main goal was to create a high-quality puzzle game that not only highlights TT Club's brand but also grabs the attention of its target audience. This game was a key part of their exciting merch ideas.
Strategy and Execution: The TT Club collaborated with a specialized design team to create a unique, engaging puzzle game as part of their broader merch ideas. The game featured beautifully crafted wooden pieces and a cleverly designed 'freight' container to resonate with the company’s branding. Attention to detail and compliance with EU toy standards ensured a premium, safe product.
Marketing Outcomes
- Exceeded expectations with a premium, bespoke puzzle game.
- Strengthened brand message, resonating with clients and customers.
- Achieved all campaign objectives, enhancing client satisfaction and solidifying the puzzle game as a key player in TT Club's merch ideas lineup.
The Result: The TT Club successfully launched the puzzle game, which was well-received by both clients and customers. This unique promotional tool effectively communicated the brand’s values and exceeded expectations in both engagement and quality, showcasing how well-thought-out merch ideas can make a significant impact.
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Customizable Wooden Puzzle Games
Case Study #8: 5000 Fans Get Custom Sunglasses at College BCS Bowl Games
Product: Sunglasses
Industry: Automotive
Organizer Country: US
Target Audience: Fans
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to promote the car company's brand at college BCS Bowl Games by distributing 5,000 custom sunglasses to fans, resulting in significant success and positive reception.
Strategy and Execution: A car company wanted to leverage cool merch ideas to showcase their brand at college football bowl games. They chose sunglasses, ideal for daytime games, and customized them with their logo on one side and the college's name and mascot on the other, ensuring the colors matched each college. This strategic choice was part of their innovative merch ideas, with 5,000 pairs handed out to the first fans at each of the four major bowl games.
Marketing Outcomes
- Achieved highest success in 5 years for bowl game promotions.
- Inspired similar successful co-branding with a local bank and high school.
- Generated demand for purchase after initial giveaway of 1,500 pairs.
The Result: This promotion was a tremendous hit, declared by the car company as their best event in the last five years. The success led to a co-branding initiative, suggesting similar merch ideas to a local bank involving a high school team. They customized sunglasses with the bank’s name on one side and the school's name and mascot on the other, all in school colors. After distributing the first 1,500 pairs, fans were so impressed by these merch ideas that they returned wanting to buy more!
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Case Study #9: Uber Eats’ Beach Towels Delight Sydney Staff
Products: Custom Food and Beach Towels
Company: Uber Eats
Industry: Food-Delivery Service
Company Size: Large
Organizer Country: Australia
Target Audience: 300 Head Office Staff Members
Primary Objective: The main goal was to give a cool and thoughtful gift to the young staff, inspired by a hit product made for the client's customers last year, incorporating trendy merch ideas.
Strategy and Execution: In Australia, going to the beach is a big part of having fun and enjoying food. Beach towels featuring fun food, smiley emojis, and flamingos—perfect merch ideas—were all the rage in stores. These designs matched the brand and the young staff's preferences well. Since the towels were made in China, it took three weeks for the merch to arrive at the main office in Sydney.
Marketing Outcomes
- Created a buzz and high engagement among head office staff.
- Successfully matched the gift with the brand and staff interests.
- Expanded appeal, leading to requests from U.S. managers for the towels.
The Result: This gift was a big hit and got everyone talking for a long time. When people in the U.S. heard about the creative merch ideas, even managers there asked to have the fun towels sent to them too.
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Case Study #10: Xref’s Branded Merch Hits Four Countries
Products: Aluminium Water Bottles, Plastic Water Bottles, Tumblers, Notebooks, and Pens
Company: Xref
Company Size: 51-200 Employees
Organizer Country: Australia
Target Audience: Current and Potential Company Clients Located in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the UK
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to provide branded merch for recruitment events across Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK that would be kept as brand reminders.
Strategy and Execution:
Xref needed some cool merch ideas for their recruitment events. They wanted items that people would keep on their desks as a constant reminder of their brand. It was a bit tricky finding the right items for different countries, each with its own style and business culture. Previously, they had given out green notebooks and pens, but they were pressed for time. They decided on high-quality hardcover notebooks that were affordable and pens that matched them perfectly. Although they used to give out glass or metal water bottles, they switched to plastic ones to stay within budget. They also threw in a reusable tote bag, which was a smart addition, as it got the brand out there even more when people used the bags for their weekend shopping.
Marketing Outcomes
- The branded merch ideas used at global events significantly improved brand recall.
- Achieved positive feedback from clients and attendees, boosting brand image.
- The ability to meet budget constraints and timelines impressed the client, highlighting the distributor’s efficiency with these merch ideas.
The Result: The merch ideas presented at the event were a major success, receiving praise from both the client's team and the event attendees. The client appreciated the distributor's ability to adhere to budgetary and time constraints, making the event a huge success.
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Case Study #11: 950 Recycled T-shirts Bring the Social Media Team Together
Products: Journals, Pens, and Stickers
Type Of Client: Online social media
Organizer Country: US
Target Audience: 400 Content Strategy Department Team Members
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to provide a vision, roadmap, education, training, and team building for the content strategy department, emphasizing a green focus with all promotional merchandise being eco-friendly and locally sourced. This included a variety of sustainable merch ideas tailored to their needs.
Strategy and Execution: The distributor, familiar with the client's preferences, suggested a variety of eco-friendly merch ideas like journals, pens, and stickers for team members and attendees. They also introduced innovative merch ideas like a plantable bookmark and a reusable straw. Additionally, they crafted a special card to explain the environmental benefits of these products. To ensure everyone received a well-fitting gift, they used colorful strings to wrap the sweatshirts and added informative tags.
To streamline the process for the client, the distributor managed all planning aspects, from budget oversight to design selection. They also handled logistics, eliminating the need for storage. Furthermore, they launched a recycling initiative, inviting attendees to bring old t-shirts to recycle, resulting in over 950 t-shirts collected, showcasing the effective implementation of these merch ideas.
Marketing Outcomes
- Successfully met the green initiative with eco-friendly promotional merchandise.
- Collected over 950 t-shirts for recycling, demonstrating strong attendee participation.
- Received highly positive feedback for the thoughtfulness and utility of the gifts.
The Result: Every gift passed the eco-friendly test, and we gave away more than 950 t-shirts to Marine Layer. The people who came loved the gifts. They were happy not just to keep and use them, but they also really liked how much thought we put into picking them out.
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Case Study #12: Ford's Low-Cost, High-Impact Promotional Merchandise for the Cleveland Auto Show
Product: Reusable Printed Water Bottles
Company: Ford
Company Size: 10,001+ Employees
Organizer Country: US
Target Audience: Attendees of a Major Auto Show in Cleveland, Ohio
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to distribute eco-friendly, USA Union- Made promotional merchandise at a major auto show, promoting the brand and Auto Workers Union affordably.
Strategy and Execution: The big auto show was happening in Cleveland, Ohio. The car company teamed up with collaborators to create a special product that was not just for advertising but also useful for people walking around the show. They decided on a reusable water bottle with the company's logo on it as a practical addition to their merch ideas. These bottles were eco-friendly, made from 100% recycled materials, and could be recycled again. Plus, they were made by union workers right here in the USA, which was really important. And the best part? Each bottle only cost 85 cents to make. They chose a cool design with a black bottle and a red top to match their other ads, and put their name and logo in white on the bottle.
Marketing Outcomes
- Successfully distributed 8,500 eco-friendly, union-made promotional water bottles, aligning with Ford's sustainable merch ideas.
- Achieved brand recognition and promotion of the Auto Workers Union.
- Sales increased by 3% six months post-event, attributed to these innovative merch ideas and promotional efforts.
The Result: The automotive corporation commissioned 8,500 bespoke promotional water bottles for distribution. Upon the conclusion of the exhibition, each bottle had been successfully allocated to prospective clients. In the six-month period following the auto expo, the firm observed a 3% uplift in sales volumes. This increase was ascribed to enhanced brand visibility stemming from the promotional activities undertaken at the auto show, featuring these innovative merch ideas, augmented by concurrent marketing initiatives.
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Case Study #13: Nine-Piece Chocolate Squares: Mercedes' Recipe for Happy Customers
Product: Nine-Piece Chocolate Squares Gift Box
Company: Mercedes
Industry: Automotive
Target Audience: A New Customer
Primary Objective: The primary objective was to provide high-quality, personalized chocolate gift boxes to new Mercedes car owners, enhancing customer satisfaction and brand loyalty through a thoughtful appreciation gesture.
Strategy and Execution: Mercedes decided to buy 9-piece boxes of fancy chocolates from Chocomize to give to people who just bought a new car. It's a sweet way to say thanks and show they really value their customers, and it’s one of their creative merch ideas.
Marketing Outcomes
- Enhanced customer satisfaction with personalized, high-quality chocolate gifts.
- Increased brand loyalty among new Mercedes car owners.
- Demonstrated Mercedes' appreciation, creating a lasting positive impression.
The Result: People who buy a new car are very happy with this special gift. This makes them feel good about choosing Mercedes. They feel that they are getting a more personal touch compared to other places, which makes them want to stick with the brand because of the effective merch ideas.
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FAQs
1. What are some unique merch ideas for 2024?
Unique merch ideas for 2024 include custom puzzle games, eco-friendly products, and high-tech gadgets. According to a survey, 75% of companies believe eco-friendly products enhance brand perception, making them a top choice for innovative merchandise.
2. What are effective merch ideas for boosting brand awareness?
Effective merch ideas for boosting brand awareness include branded tech gadgets, sustainable items, and limited-edition products. Studies show that 80% of people remember the brand after getting a promotional item, showing how powerful good merch can be.
3. What are the best merch ideas for events?
The best merch ideas for events include custom lanyards, branded water bottles, and personalized tote bags. These items are practical and can be used during and after the event. For example, branded water bottles are not only eco-friendly but also help increase brand visibility, with 80% of event attendees likely to use them regularly.
4. What are some creative merch ideas for companies?
Creative merch ideas for companies include eco-friendly products, personalized tech gadgets, and custom puzzle games. Studies show that 75% of businesses report that eco-friendly merch improves their brand image, making it a top choice.
5. What are some merch ideas for small businesses?
Merchandise ideas for small businesses include custom tote bags, branded reusable water bottles and personalized pens. These items are cost effective and give high returns on investment. Studies show that custom tote bags can generate over 1,000 impressions per month, helping small businesses increase brand visibility and customer loyalty.
REFERENCES
(Iaspromotes)
(Justso)
(Warwickpublishing)
(Pinnacle Promotions)
(Swaghut)
(Actionpromote)
(Hit Promotional Product)
(PPAI)
(Chocomize)