Promotional Products Branding Trends for the Coming Year

We came back to our office with rich information about products as usual and trends to help our customers achieve promotional branding excellence. However, some apparent shifts in our industry were obvious this year and they're important for promotional branding tactics in the coming year.

Of course, last year, some of the promotional product trends were still highlighted, like the demand for technology-related or environmentally friendly promotional merchandise. As we in our 30s and 40s walked the show floor, it occurred to us the vast effect that Millennials are having on our industry, impacting product reputation and style.

We want a younger representation of professionals in this industry. It's difficult to admit, but it's true. Most of the vendors and distributors that we saw are older and not meeting the requirements of millennial clients by giving out cheaper promo products that don't last long and items that millennials don't actually want.

Cheap is Out - Value is In

If your company uses cheap promotional items - even for trade shows - here's something you might not want to hear - recipients correlate the quality of the product to the quality of the company handing them out. People want a quality item that they'll actually use, so cheap items just don't cut it.

Technology continues to be ever-growing and ever-evolving

Technology related items are the increasing category of promotional products. It's easy to know why this is happening - 87% of millennials use between two and three tech devices at least once on a daily basis and that influence has also spread to their older peers! Actually, the usefulness of executive gifts is the recipient's number one reason for keeping them, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute. Giving away a useful technology product not only ensures that the recipient will be pleased with your brand - but it also indicates that the product has a high potential for generating brand exposure.

Apparel Styles are shifting

Everyone is familiar with traditional corporate apparel such as polos and dress shirts. Employee uniforms are important to maintain brand consistency, but most employees are not going to wear company branded dress shirts anywhere but the workplace.

Retail inspired designs/brands

Companies searching for wholesale promotional products are requesting name brand products to advertise their business. Again, a quality branded item reflects WHO you ARE and your recipient views it in that manner. What does this mean? Trends can be overwhelming, but view them as an opportunity.