By Amanda Hofman, Chief Swag Officer and Branded Merchandise Expert

When most people think of branded merch, they think of freebies at events or employee welcome kits. But one of the most unexpected and powerful things swag can do?

👉 Start conversations you’re not even in the room for.

Branded Merch Is More Than a Giveaway—It’s a Quiet Connector

Branded merchandise isn’t just a logo slapped on a t-shirt. When done right, it’s a strategic brand-building tool. Whether it’s a hoodie, tote bag, or water bottle, custom merch has the power to spark interest and spread awareness—organically.

When someone wears your brand, it travels:

• To school drop-off
• On Zoom calls
• Through airport security
• Into Trader Joe’s (yes, especially Trader Joe’s)

Your merch builds presence in places you’re not actively pitching. And that’s where the magic happens.

Why Branded Swag Works (Even When You’re Not There)

Here’s what smart, intentional branded merch does:

• Expands your visibility without you having to show up
• Builds emotional connection through wearability and repeat exposure
• Sparks curiosity and word-of-mouth marketing—the most trusted kind
• Supports community-building with fans, customers, and team members

It’s a low-effort, high-impact strategy for any brand looking to grow.

Don’t Sleep on Wearable Marketing

If your goal this year is to expand your reach, grow your community, or create deeper brand recognition, custom swag should be in your toolkit. It’s more than a T-shirt, it’s a conversation starter, a brand ambassador, and a walking billboard all in one.

So… about those Trader Joe’s cashier shirts: Are you going pink or blue? Solid or floral?
Just imagine your logo on one of those, now that’s a merch moment.