Let’s be real for a second: If your swag is just a logo slapped on something—congrats. You didn’t create a marketing tool. You created clutter. 😬 The Problem with Boring Branded Swag We’ve all seen it before:🧢 A t-shirt with your company logo—meh.📝 A pencil with your website URL—yawn.☕ A coffee mug with your branding—straight […]
Author: Amanda Hofman
How Erewhon Turned Branded Merch Into a Cultural Flex
When your grocery store sells $19 celery juice and raw milk, it’s not just a place to shop—it’s a brand experience. And yes, Erewhon—the ultra-luxury Los Angeles health market—sells merch. But this isn’t your average tote bag with a logo. It’s giving: “I’m looking for a man in finance” energy. 👀 The Power of Branded […]
Why Most Branded Merch Misses the Mark (And How to Do It Right)
Let’s be real: Most branded merch = logos slapped on junk. ✨ That’s not strategy. That’s clutter. If your branded merchandise isn’t being worn, used, or loved — it’s not working. And that’s because so many brands are stuck in an outdated swag mindset: bulk-ordering cheap products, adding a logo, and calling it a day. […]
Say ‘I Do’ with a Sauce Packet Bouquet: Taco Bell’s Wedding Swag is Next-Level
Yes, you read that right—you can now get married at the Las Vegas Taco Bell… complete with wedding-themed Taco Bell swag. 🌮💍 Taco Bell Swag: Taking Brand Love to the Altar I’ve written a lot about Taco Bell merch before, but their sauce-covered bowties, sauce packet garter belts, and even a sauce packet bouquet have […]
The Swag Item Everyone Fought Over at Expo West — And What It Means for Your Brand
Want to know the one swag item people were shoving each other to get their hands on at Expo West last week? The answer might surprise you ⤵️ (Plus, there’s a major lesson for you at the end!) Meet Belgian Boys (and Their Irresistible Swag) Have you heard of Belgian Boys? (I hadn’t—until I saw […]
The Truth About Big Business Wins (And How Branded Merch Can Actually Help You Grow)
You know those BIG business wins you see all over social media? Here’s the dirty secret about them: They’re (often) a big fat lie. And they’re doing a HUGE disservice to entrepreneurs everywhere by setting a “standard” of success based on smoke and mirrors. Sure, maybe they did: (Probably, they didn’t—but that’s another story.) What […]
3 BIG Reasons Why Your Team Needs Cool Swag Now
Branded merchandise isn’t just for customers—your team needs it too! Investing in high-quality, stylish company swag can boost morale, increase brand loyalty, and create a strong sense of belonging. Here’s why your business should prioritize team swag today: 1️⃣ Strengthen Team Connection in a Remote World In today’s remote and hybrid work environments, your employees […]
The #1 Question About Branded Merchandise for Trade Shows
One of the most common questions I hear about branded merchandise is: “I need giveaways for my upcoming trade show. What should I print?” Before you make a decision, consider this: Are you looking for brand recognition or lead generation? Branded Merch for Brand Recognition If your goal is brand recognition—meaning you want to hand […]
3 Ways We’d Improve the Dr. Pimple Popper Merch Shop
Props to Dr. Sandra Lee (aka Dr. Pimple Popper) and her Skin Physicians and Surgeons team for having a merch shop—there are plenty of clever and fun designs here! But as with any branded swag collection, there’s always room for improvement. Here’s how I’d refine the shop to make it even better: 1️⃣ Kick the […]
The Whataburger X Wrangler Collab Merch is Serving All the Feels
When two iconic brands like Whataburger and Wrangler team up, you know the merch is going to be something special. And let me tell you—this collection is giving me ALL THE FEELS. Why Am I So Obsessed With This Merch? This branded swag collection is the perfect blend of trendy and nostalgic, and here’s why: […]