Years and years ago, vendors would 'hawk' their goods in open-air markets. A couple of centuries later, brands now rely on Amazon, Google and Facebook to push their products and services in front of the eyes of their target customers. But as digital ad costs continue to rise, retailers are exploring new ways and rediscovering traditional techniques—like promotional products—to advertise and diversify their marketing strategies. But like any marketing effort, the effectiveness of promotional products is greatly influenced by the changing of buying behaviors and several retail trends.
So today, we’ll help you maximize the power of promotional products by sharing some top retail trends—and how they could affect your choice of promo items.
The Rise of E-commerce
Online shopping has grown in popularity over the last few years, and it’s now easier than ever for consumers to buy products from the comfort of their own homes. This shift has changed how businesses think about their marketing strategies and affected the types of promotional products that become popular. Companies are now looking for promotional products that are more versatile and can be used in both physical & digital marketing campaigns.
Custom selfie frames are a great example of versatile promotional items. They’re unique, fun, creative and ready to make your launch party or trade show event an absolute hoot! Since they’re selfie frames, they are also likely to be shared online. So, these frames can be a huge help for both your traditional & digital marketing efforts.
The Sustainability Trend
Another trend affecting the promotional products industry is the rise of sustainable products. Consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious, so they look for brands that align with their values. Companies respond to this trend by incorporating more eco-friendly materials into their promotional products. From reusable water bottles to bamboo pens, plenty of sustainable options are now available to businesses that want to show their commitment to the environment while getting the word out about their products.
The Return of Experiential Shopping
This 2023, the world will see the return of experiential shopping. After two years of varying restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers are eager to enjoy in-store shopping again. But they might be looking for a new experience. Luckily, you can utilize clever outdoor media and creative promotional products like quirky custom-printed notepads or coasters to engage shoppers in your physical stores. Just make sure to pick items that best reflect your brand image and offerings.
The Continuous Impact of Seasonal Trends
Seasonal holidays create a surge in demand for specific types of promotional products. Planning to promote your brand during Valentine’s Day? Create custom pens or keychains with hearts or cupids to tie in with the holiday’s theme. You can also get customized mugs or chocolate boxes that can be offered as freebies for every purchased item in your store. Giving away these products offers a fun and festive way to promote your brand while connecting with your target customers.
Summing It Up
In conclusion, the retail industry is constantly changing, and businesses need to stay on top of the latest product trends if they want to get the most out of their promotional products. So right now, you can focus on trends like the rise of e-commerce, the return of experiential shopping, the increasing popularity of sustainable products and the continuous impact of seasonal trends. But make sure to watch out for developing retail trends to ensure your promotional products remain effective and impactful in boosting brand awareness and engagement.
If you need a dynamic and innovative marketing, design and printing company to produce your promotional items for special events or your next trade show or sale event, Wollongong Printing is here to help. We offer promotional merchandise, like apparel, bags, pens and drinkware. Our team is also experienced in printing outdoor banners, marquees, promo table covers and custom-printed stationery.
Check out our product range to get started.
