The Promo Column Forward with confidence
Happy New Year! What will 2018 bring? Another year older and deeper in Brexit. Actually, let’s not go there – our politicians don’t seem to have much of a clue where that’s leading, so why should I claim any special prescience? Promotional products commentator Stuart Derrick reports.
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Merchandise will continue to be a go-to purchase for businesses of all sizes. Itʼs worth reminding ourselves of a few of the reasons why itʼs so effective. Survey after survey shows that merchandise delivers a better return on investment than many other marketing activities. It is appreciated by recipients, and keeps a brand or message front of mind for longer periods than many alternative channels. Look at your own desktop now and calculate how long youʼve had your favourite branded mug, pen or stress toy. Iʼll warrant theyʼre practically members of the family.
Low cost
Merchandise is relatively low cost so itʼs an inclusive option in a way that spot advertising may not be. It is also incredibly flexible with thousands of options and price points that can accommodate the demands of any business, campaign, or strategy. Go merch!
Another prediction that many will be making about merchandise is the rise and rise of techie gadgets. Now that weʼre almost welded at the hip to our smartphones, technology does not hold the fear that it did for past generations. Thereʼs also something of a Mooreʼs Law effect with merchandise as the cost of technology continues to plummet with each technological advance. There is more computing power in our phones than NASA had to get a man on the moon. In fact, USB sticks and routers are more powerful than the car-sized computers used in the space race, which is mind blowing. Technology is increasingly put to some strange uses in the merchandise sector, particularly when it comes to combining functions. Take a look at the Tritan water bottle with sports towel and integrated speaker, from our friends at Mid Ocean Brands. Who came up with that combo? It makes sense
Tritan water bottle with sports towel and integrated speaker
| 98 | January 2018
till, New Year is a time for predictions, so hereʼs one that Iʼm comfortable with.
though – three things you need for a gym workout, combined in one package. Or how about a flowerpot wireless speaker cum night light – who knew that was a thing?
WTF technology
On the lighting front, Baby USB has a neat new product in the shape of a 3D LED lamp that can be designed in the shape of a bespoke logo. The eye-catching lamps emit a variety of light colours and can also incorporate a digital clock in a wooden or plastic base. You can also add a Bluetooth speaker to the product for added WTF!
Of course, the issue with the march of technology is that it can leave some products looking a bit out of date quickly. Thatʼs less of an issue with the hardy perennials of the promotional world, be they pens, mugs, T shirts, or mouse mats. Of course, just because something is an established product, doesnʼt make it dull. Take Dreampens, for example. The Polish pen manufacturer has come up with a neat branding twist for its writing implements that allows it to feature impactful 3D logos on the clip of the barrel. The Clip4You pens produce standout and make the humble writing instrument a real talking point.
From pens to gumshields. With the 6 Nations rugby kicking off this month, itʼs a good reminder that if you donʼt want to end up looking like Brian Moore in his ʻPitbullʼ days, you should protect your gnashers. Thankfully, sports specialist 14 Promotions knows safety in sport plays a massive part in the development of any contact sport especially where the younger generation are involved. Its gum shield range is fully
compliant with CE
Regulations and tested to BSI DD 253:2001. As well as 14
14 Promotions’ gum shield
Clip4You pen
colours to choose from, including sparkle (a big favourite with the forwards Iʼm sure), there are three flavoured versions. Each is presented in a branded protective box, with full usage instructions.
For any parents standing on the touchline urging on their offspring, itʼs a time for gritting teeth and focusing on the half-time hot chocolate. Thankfully, help is at hand in the shape of hand warming heat pouches, courtesy of European Solutions. The toasty packs are reusable and can slipped into your pocket or mitten to provide a source of warmth on the briskest of days. On the branding front, they are available in a variety of colours and can feature a printed message or logo.
Little favourites
It goes to show that you donʼt need a flashy, technical solution to your merchandise needs, and you donʼt need to spend a fortune of make an impact.
Sticky page markers by Duncan Shotton
One of my favourite little items of late, and something Iʼd be delighted to receive as a gift is the sticky page markers by designer Duncan Shotton. These mini marvels come in a variety of designs that allow you to mark the important pages in reports, books and documents – all very grown up Iʼm sure youʼll agree. The fun part is that they are designed as landmarks of the worldʼs cities, various landscapes (polar, desert, forest), the planet Mars, or the Loch Ness monster. The edge of your document becomes a world in its own right, making you the centre of attention during important meetings, therefore the most listened to person, and probably in line for a promotion and a big pay rise. And if that happens, it will indeed be a happy 2018.
www.printwearandpromotion.co.uk
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