Think your customers don’t want another branded mug? Think again.

The ASI conducted a study that validates what your gut is telling you – people like promotional products, but just how much they like them may surprise you.

WHAT’S TRENDING?

According to Mandy Arnold of Eagle Creations, a local Lowcountry promotional product company, “Since Covid we have seen an increase in safety-related items, like branded masks and hand sanitizer. Being in the South, we found branded sunscreen and lip balm are always customer favorites, and work-from-home related products like branded notebooks, mouse pads and post-it notes also have become more popular. Fortunately, despite supply-chain challenges we have been able to meet soaring demand and tighter timelines.”

#TRENDING ITEMS

• Local flavors – Grits, cornmeal, tea and popcorn are some local treats that are always appreciated as gifts, incentives or rewards.
• Virtual event & team items – Webcams, bandanas, headphones and even martini sets can add fun to an otherwise boring Zoom.
• Work-from-home products – Mousepads, desk sets and the ever-popular stress ball add the fun to functional.
• Eco-friendly items – According to an ASI study, 46 percent of people feel more favorably about a brand if their product is environmentally friendly. Bamboo cutting boards, backpacks made from recycled bottles and reusable drink ware are good examples. 

So don’t worry that a pen or mug is boring, your customers still appreciate traditional promotional products. But you can think out of the box and find unique and affordable items if you put your (branded) thinking cap on. Visit Eaglecreations16.com for some great thought-starters.

THOUGHT-STARTER

When a nonprofit had to cancel its annual fundraising dinner due to Covid, a golf course donated its clubhouse patio and practice putting green for a socially distanced, outdoor event. The organization held a putting contest, silent auction and happy-hour event, which drew more attendees than the previous year’s gala.

In return for the donated space, the nonprofit included a Two Ball Pillow Pack – Titleist TruFeel imprinted with the golf course’s logo and a course brochure in attendees’ gift bags.

NOODLE THESE NUMBERS

Pens – 56% own a branded writing instrument, women slightly more so than men.

Bags – 34% own a logoed bag, women much more than men. Little known fact: Branded bags garner the most impressions of surveyed branded products with over 5,700 impressions.

T-shirts – 46% own a T-shirt with a logo on it, men much more so than women. And shirts in the Southeast garner many more impressions of that logo than elsewhere. Must be the warmer weather.