Merch Success: The Crucial Importance of Early Planning for Merch and Apparel in the Coming Year

Greetings Marketers!

As the year winds down, it’s time to gear up for the one on the horizon. Now is the opportunity to lay the groundwork for your marketing success by planning your merch and apparel needs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 3 reasons why December and January (or before!) are the sweet spot for this strategic move. And as a bonus, we’ll provide you with a checklist of 10 occasions throughout the year when having branded merch is an absolute must. Let’s dive into the world of strategic merch!

Top 3 Reasons to Plan Your Merch & Apparel in December or January:

• Strategy: December and January provide a tranquil pause in the whirlwind of the holiday season. Utilize this serene period to strategically align your merch and apparel plans with your broader marketing objectives, setting the tone for a year of cohesive branding.

• Events are just around the corner: Anticipate and prepare for upcoming events. Whether it’s a conference, trade show, or product launch, planning in advance ensures you’re not caught in a last-minute scramble, and your brand is ready to shine on every occasion. #PromoHack: Optimize the timeline for complete custom items, avoiding holidays like Chinese New Year.

• Budgeting: Lay out your merchandising budget early on. By planning in December or January, you can strategically allocate resources, prevent financial strain, and maximize the impact of your branded materials throughout the year. #PromoHack: Order 1 for many- allocate items or budgets across various departments or events and order bulk to last through the year.

10 Occasions Marketers Need Branded Merch For:

• Employee Appreciation Day: Boost team morale by recognizing and appreciating your hardworking staff with branded goodies.

• Client Appreciation Gifts: Strengthen client relationships by showing gratitude with thoughtful branded gifts.

• Product Launches: Elevate your product launches by incorporating branded merchandise for enhanced visibility.

• In-House Events: Create a sense of unity and pride during in-house events and workshops with branded apparel.

• New Hires Welcome Kits + Team Apparel: Make a lasting impression on new team members by welcoming them with a branded swag collection. Encourage and promote company culture with team apparel, supplies, and ongoing swag to be proud of where they work!

• Social Media Giveaways: Increase your social media presence by running branded merchandise giveaways and contests.

• Customer Loyalty Rewards: Encourage customer loyalty by offering exclusive branded items as rewards.

• Seasonal Campaigns: Stay on-trend and relevant by aligning your merchandise with seasonal promotions and holidays.

• Trade Show Flexibility: Be ready for unexpected opportunities with a stash of versatile branded items for impromptu trade shows.

• Company Milestones: Celebrate significant company milestones with branded merch to mark the occasion.

So it’s time to weave the fabric of your marketing calendar for the coming year now. By planning your merch and apparel needs in December or January, you’re not just preparing for events; you’re strategically shaping your brand’s narrative for the year ahead.