The Evolution of Branded Merchandise
15 key insights for the future (Download the report)
Retail media has moved from an emerging channel to essential growth engine.
Branded merchandise has long been a staple of the marketer’s toolkit - but in today’s experience-led landscape, it has evolved far beyond logo-stamped pens and giveaway keychains.
Consumers now expect authenticity, creativity and genuine utility in the items they receive, choose to keep and connect with. Merchandise is no longer just a blank canvas for a logo; it is a tangible expectation of brand identity, proposition and experience. To stay ahead, brands must rethink not only what they produce, but why and how they do it.
This report explores the future of branded merchandise through 15 key insights, shaped by our Growth and Strategy team’s attendance at the Promotional Products Association International
Expo 2026 (PPAI). One theme came through loud and clear. Promotional products are no longer trinkets or giveaways – they need to be inspired, retail quality brand experiences.
