 Ever been to a corporate retreat where you left with more than just memories - maybe a cool T-shirt, a notebook full of ideas, or a water bottle that somehow became your go-to? Turns out, branded merchandise isn’t just about logos on stuff - it’s about creating experiences that stick.
Think about it: 🏕️ Matching hoodies for a team retreat in the mountains? Instant camaraderie. 🏆 Branded medals for a fun competition? A keepsake that sparks stories long after it’s over. 📝 A personalized journal? The place where big ideas (and random doodles) come to life. It’s not about giving people things - it’s about making them feel like they’re part of something bigger. When done right, these small details turn a retreat from a “work trip” into something people actually remember. What’s the most memorable thing you’ve taken home from a company retreat? Drop your answer below! #CorporateRetreats #BrandedMerchandise #TeamBuilding #Branding #BrandedMerch
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 I have to admit - I’m not the best speller. I’ve never come close to winning a spelling bee. So, I totally understand how Philadelphia’s Mayor, Cherelle Parker, felt when she made a mistake during a press conference. She was trying to pump up the crowd by spelling out “E-A-G-L-E-S EAGLES”, like the famous team chant. But instead, she accidentally said, “E-L-G-S-E-S EAGLES.”
The internet, of course, doesn’t forget things like this. It quickly turned into a meme, and people all over Philly (and beyond) started talking about it. Then, something funny happened - people started selling shirts, hats, and other merch with the misspelled word! Right after the video of the mayor’s mistake hit the internet, T-shirts, can coolers, and more popped up for sale.
If you scroll down on the Philly Goat website, you’ll see something important: a note that says the shirts are made only after someone orders them and might take a week or two to ship. This is a print-on-demand business model, where sellers don’t print a bunch of shirts ahead of time. Instead, they wait until someone buys one, then they print exactly what’s needed. This way, they don’t waste money or space on shirts no one wants. This happens a lot in the world of branded merchandise. When a funny or viral moment happens, people rush to make shirts, hoodies, and other products before the moment fades away. If the meme is a hit, they make money. If not, they don’t end up stuck with extra shirts. When done the right way, funny moments like “E-L-G-S-E-S” can turn into big business! And with the Eagles heading to the Super Bowl, you can bet there’s even more “Elgses” merch on the way! #BrandedMerch #BrandedMerchandise #PrintOnDemand #SuperBowl #ELGSES  This year, Kleenex marks a century of keeping us covered - literally! To celebrate, the iconic tissue brand has unveiled a modernized visual identity courtesy of Turner Duckworth. The rebrand features a bespoke serif font inspired by - you guessed it - a case of the sniffles. It's clever, it's fresh, and it's a powerful reminder that even legacy brands need to evolve. 🌀
But what’s especially exciting about this refresh is its potential in branded merchandise. 💡 A unified design system makes Kleenex instantly recognizable across all touchpoints - from tissues to tote bags. 💡 The introduction of a crown icon is perfect for merch like mugs, apparel, or even limited-edition keepsakes. 💡 This rebrand isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about storytelling. And storytelling is what makes branded merch memorable. When a century-old brand like Kleenex can pull off a thoughtful rebrand, it’s proof that merchandise programs need to be as dynamic as marketing campaigns. Aligning your merch with your core story is necessary for building deeper connections with your audience. What’s your take on this rebrand? Share your thoughts or ideas for how branded merchandise can amplify a story like this. 👇 Listen to our deep dive. #Kleenex #BrandedMerch #Branding  The Super Bowl isn’t just a football game - it’s the Oscars of advertising. With millions of fans glued to their screens (and their snack plates), brands are spending big to grab those precious 30 seconds of fame. At $7 million per ad, the stakes are high, but the potential payoff is higher - if they play their cards right.
And hey, while we’re on the subject, let’s not forget the MVP of brand storytelling: branded merchandise. After all, what better way to keep the buzz alive long after the confetti settles? (More on that later.) Why Super Bowl Ads Are a Big Deal Last year, over 123 million people tuned in to watch the game. That’s a lot of eyeballs on your brand, and not just from consumers. As Frank Scherma of RadicalMedia explains, it’s also about wowing investors: “Reach the consumer, but also reach the investors.” Translation? A Super Bowl ad says, “Look at us! We’re big, we’re bold, and we’ve got a sense of humor.” 2025 Trends Funny or Bust People are watching the Super Bowl for touchdowns, hot wings, and laughs. Ads that go the comedic route tend to win big. Think back to Mr. Peanut’s “death” or that one-second Miller High Life ad. Why it works: Humor = memorable. But don’t stop at funny commercials. Extend the joke into your branded merchandise! A clever tagline on a tote bag or a cheeky design on a koozie keeps the laughs (and your brand) alive post-game. Mardi Gras Madness This year’s game is in New Orleans, so expect a “roaring twenties meets Mardi Gras” vibe. Jazz, beads, and all the Big Easy energy you can imagine. And here’s the kicker: even if you don’t snag a $7M ad spot, you can still make noise. Experiential marketing - like on-the-ground activations - was huge at last year’s Vegas Super Bowl, and 2025 will be no different. Plus, branded merch makes the perfect party favor. Picture fans leaving the stadium with NOLA-inspired goodies featuring your logo. Celebrities + Influencers = Star Power No Super Bowl ad is complete without a celebrity cameo, right? (We see you, Cardi B and The Rock.) But now, influencers are joining the mix, bringing extra social media clout. Here’s the secret sauce: pair a big-name celeb with a relatable influencer, and you’ve got the best of both worlds - mass appeal and niche credibility. Add some limited-edition branded merch featuring your celeb campaign, and boom, instant collector’s items. Rookies Stealing the Spotlight Every year, we see new brands throwing their hats into the Super Bowl ring, and 2025 is no exception. From Häagen-Dazs to Ritz, rookie brands are making their play. The lesson here? For brands that can’t shell out for airtime, memorable merch can be just as impactful. A clever branded giveaway tied to the game (like a snack-themed product for Ritz!) can generate buzz without breaking the bank. Branded Merch Here’s the thing - a Super Bowl ad lasts 30 seconds. But branded merch? That’s a walking, talking (okay, maybe not literally) ad that keeps your story alive. A well-designed hoodie, hat, or a mug can serve as a lasting reminder of your campaign. The Super Bowl isn’t just about football - it’s about creating moments that people talk about long after the game ends. In 2025, brands are leaning into humor, cultural relevance, and creativity - and smart marketers know that branded merchandise can be the cherry on top. Keep an eye out for the trends that win big. And remember, the best campaigns don’t end with the final whistle - they live on in the hands (and closets) of your fans. What’s your favorite Super Bowl ad of all time? Let us know in the comment - and don’t forget to bring snacks. #SuperBowl #BrandedMerch #BrandedMerchandise #SuperBowlAds I've been working with a bunch of clients lately figure out if they need a brand refresh or a full rebrand. It's a big decision, so I wanted to share some thoughts.
For me, it's all about understanding your brand's unique story and goals. A brand refresh is like giving your home a fresh coat of paint. It’s still your house but with updated vibes - maybe a new logo, modern colors, or a fresh tagline. You’re tweaking what works to keep it relevant. On the other hand, a rebrand is like moving to a new neighborhood. You’re rethinking everything: who you are, how you show up, and even what you stand for. It’s bold, but sometimes that’s what’s needed to hit reset. 🤯 So, when do you know which one to choose?
What do you think? Have you ever gone through a brand refresh or rebrand? Share your experience in the comments! 👇 #branding #brandedmerch #brandedmerchandise When a B2B startup takes its first steps, branding might not seem like the top priority. After all, in the B2B world, the focus is often on proving value, closing deals, and establishing credibility. But here’s the thing: branding isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation that sets everything else up for success. Without a solid brand identity, your marketing efforts can feel like shouting into the void.
Branding is more than just a logo or a catchy tagline; it’s the story and the promise that connect with your audience on an emotional level. When you’re a startup, this connection matters even more. Why? Because in a competitive B2B environment, companies want to partner with brands they feel aligned with. They want to know you’re reliable, that your values resonate with theirs, and that you can deliver what you promise. But how do you get started? First, be clear on what makes your business unique. Maybe it’s the way you solve a common industry problem, or perhaps it’s your commitment to customer service or sustainability. Whatever it is, your brand should be the vehicle that carries this message. Once you’ve laid that foundation, think about marketing as the amplifier of your brand. This is where strategies like branded merch, content marketing, social media, and email come into play. But here’s the twist: every piece of content should be infused with your brand’s personality. Authenticity is your best friend - it’s what makes you memorable. In the end, branding and marketing aren’t separate functions - they’re two sides of the same coin. Build a brand with depth and clarity, market it with consistency, and your B2B startup will be primed not only to make sales but to create lasting connections. After all, in business, relationships are everything. #Branding #BrandedMerch #BrandedMerchandise Why Staying True to Your Brand’s Values Builds Trust and LoyaltyIn a world that’s crowded with content, everyone’s clamoring for attention. It’s tempting to jump on the latest trend, add another catchy slogan, or promise the world to get noticed. But let’s face it - people are smart, and they know when a brand is wearing a mask. Authenticity, on the other hand, is like a magnet. It draws people in and keeps them engaged for the long run.
When a brand is true to its values, it’s not just throwing out feel-good statements - it’s making a promise. This promise is that who you are on the surface aligns with what lies beneath, whether it’s sustainability, quality, transparency, or community focus. People want to believe that the brands they support share their values. And when they find a brand that “gets them,” trust builds naturally. Here’s the thing: Authenticity doesn’t mean perfection. In fact, it often means embracing flaws and acknowledging mistakes. Take, for example, a brand that faces criticism. An authentic brand won’t go radio silent or deflect blame. Instead, it’ll confront the issue, communicate openly, and work to make things right. This honesty goes a long way in proving to customers that the brand isn’t just about image - it's committed to growth and integrity. Why does this matter for loyalty? Well, consider the brands you admire most. Chances are, they didn’t win you over just by being flashy or clever. They built loyalty through consistent, value-driven actions. Over time, customers don’t just become repeat buyers; they become advocates, singing praises and sticking around even when there are cheaper options. Authenticity is no longer optional. It’s essential for building relationships that last. So, ask yourself: Are your brand’s values clear and consistent? Are you delivering on the promises you make? Staying true to your values isn’t just good branding - it’s a powerful way to earn trust, inspire loyalty, and make a lasting impact. #Branding #BrandedMerch #BrandedMerchandise Why Leadership Support Drives Storytelling SuccessIn today's world, storytelling is the fuel behind great brands. But here’s the secret - no matter how brilliant your marketing team is, strong leadership support is essential to make it work.
When executives champion storytelling, it becomes more than a marketing tactic - it turns into a company-wide mission. Think of the biggest brands - Apple, Nike, Patagonia - their leaders don’t just approve storytelling, they live it. A CEO’s vision, shared authentically, sets the tone for the entire organization. And here’s why it matters: When leadership is excited about storytelling, everyone else follows suit. Teams align, departments collaborate, and resources flow to support the initiative. The result? A cohesive brand narrative that employees and customers connect with on a deeper level. Storytelling isn’t just a feel-good strategy - it drives engagement, loyalty, and, yes, even sales. So, if you want your brand’s story to make waves, ensure your leadership is on board. #Branding #BrandedMerch #BrandedMerchandise Your brand is more than just a logo - it's the face of your company, the story you tell, and how people connect with you. But just like anything else, brands can get outdated. When the world moves fast, it’s essential that your brand keeps up. So, how do you know when it’s time for a refresh?
One of the biggest signs is when your brand starts feeling stale. Maybe your logo hasn’t evolved in years, or your messaging feels out of sync with your company’s growth. If your audience has changed or if your business values have shifted, but your brand still feels stuck in the past, it's time to rethink things. Another red flag is when you find yourself blending in with the competition. A strong brand should make you stand out and communicate why customers should choose you. So, how do you refresh without losing what makes you, you? Start by modernizing your visual identity - logo, colors, fonts - and make sure your brand message resonates with where your business is now. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel, but make sure your updated look and voice reflect the values and vision of your company today. A successful brand refresh isn’t just about looking good - it’s about staying relevant, connecting with your audience, and keeping your story fresh. #Branding #BrandedMerch #BrandedMerchandise Why It MattersEvery brand has a story, but not every brand has an origin story. 🌱 Your origin story isn’t just a history lesson—it's the heart of your brand. It's about why you started, the challenges you faced, and what drives you forward. 💡
Think about it: Why do people connect with certain brands? It’s not just the products or ads—it’s the story behind them. 🎯 Your origin story is what makes your brand relatable and memorable. Whether you began with a wild idea or a mission to make a difference, this story is what sets you apart. 🚀 Don’t shy away from the struggles; embrace them. People connect with authenticity, and real stories have ups and downs. Sharing your journey, including the challenges, builds trust and shows your passion. ❤️ And when people understand why you started, they’ll care about where you’re going. Your origin story isn’t just about the past—it’s a bridge to the future. Share it, and watch how it brings your brand to life. ✨ |
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