Merchandise - Hypte Branded Solutions

April 16, 2025

Branded merchandise trends are always changing. So how do you know which ones to follow? Some techniques are timeless, like using popular sports logos and integrating short-form videos and other smart tech features. To really stand out, however, it helps to notice which way the wind is blowing and find a creative way to harness the power of the moment.

First, be sure your landing pages and fulfillment systems are ready for action. Then explore three major trends, what makes them stand out and how they might work for you.

Nostalgic or Retro-Themed Merchandise

Putting an 80s or 90s spin on a timely message is the secret sauce to a lot of successful branded campaigns these days. From obscure references like eighties painting master Bob Ross in an Adobe ad, to a Star Wars-themed Target commercial, the message is pretty straightforward – the past is in. At least some elements of it. Music, movies and kitschy outfits, sure. Cold War politics, maybe not so much.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to nostalgia trending on social media.

What’s behind this phenomenon is apparent if you spend any time on Insta, Tik Tok or YouTube, all of which encourage audiences to revisit the past in some form. There is a lot of crossover discussion among the kids about styles their parents loved, mingled with memories from those who miss the good ol’ days.

Incorporate Details That Stand Out: For branded merchandise to work, think of goods inspired by past styles (e.g., vintage Ts, vinyl records, retro game consoles).
Pull on Heartstrings: Nostalgia has a strong emotional pull, but it should be universally appealing if you’re trying to reach a broad age demographic.
Aim at Multiple Generations: For example, reach out to Gen Zers as well as Gen Xers through evocative memories of a childhood fad that was amazing but now makes us laugh.

Appeal to Social Trends – with Caution

It is almost surprising how many big brands have taken chances by appealing to the latest social trend in their ad campaigns. They’re not wrong to try, though. Some have had more success than others, which is great news for smaller names. They are illustrating the difference between what makes a smart risk and something that is just plain risky.

As always with social trends, tap into the ethos of your audience, above all. How open-minded are they? What do they care about? Some savvy brands stay relevant by hinting at current events without outright supporting one cause or another. Doing so gives the appearance they are edgy for those who care, without crossing a line that might lose them customers.

Combine Current Trends with Themed Months. We’ve written about how brands can make use of Women’s History Month. What celebrations are up ahead that could tie to a social trend that is just taking off?
Be More Inspirational than Controversial. Even high-end fashion brands and luxury retailers have figured out how to leverage a moment. By making use of musical artists that might be considered rebellious and other socially conscious pop culture, businesses can create buzz and reinvigorate their image, attracting more youthful attention to their products.

Limited Edition and Exclusive Releases

People will never tire of exclusivity, especially if they think they can get a piece of the pie. You don’t have to offer VIP access to send the message that your merchandise is special, limited, and available to folks who matter. Even campaigns aimed at the youngest among us often have an air of exclusivity.

Advertise Your Limited Quantities: Your target groups should get the message that items like collectible merchandise or special edition apparels are available either in limited quantities or for a limited time. You get to decide whether that means there are 5 or 500 items available, on the time frame of your choosing.
Consider Unique Collaborations. Partnering with a luxury logo or popular influencer is another way to sell a high-value image.
Create a Sense of Urgency: The sense of scarcity creates a sense of urgency and exclusivity, driving demand. People are often willing to pay more for something they perceive as rare or unique.

Call HYPTE for Unique Branded Merchandise Solutions

HYPTE has paired eye-catching branded merchandise with digital marketing and live events for a variety of well-known brands. Check out our past projects and you’ll see what we mean.

Reach out to HYPTE Branded Solutions online for more information, or call us at 708-343-9730 to discuss our branded solutions.

April 17, 2024

Think your branded merchandise doesn’t matter? Think again. Positive associations with even small memorabilia can have a surprisingly lasting and positive impact on how people view your business. Consumers themselves overwhelmingly believe a “promotional product is a great way to stand out from other advertising efforts,” according to a recent Gitnux study. They hold onto these items and “feel more positively about a brand after receiving promotional products from that brand.”

Top choices these days include fun yet practical items such as:

Clothing
Kitchen products
Umbrellas
Promotional bags
Mugs and other drinkware
Magnets

For some insight into what makes for successful branded merchandise, take a peek at the most relevant qualities that can help you build a loyal and engaged following:

High Quality Apparel

Always popular, it’s no surprise that apparel continues to be the number one type of branded merchandise. However, as the stakes get higher the quality of your apparel needs to be top notch. The days are gone when you could slap a logo on a plain, white T and call it a day. You need assurance of an appealing style, on-brand messaging, and superior look and feel before allowing any wearable products out the door.

Flash Buys

Looking for a more interactive way to generate enthusiasm and create a sense of exclusivity around your product? According to Popupsmart, “56% of businesses receive higher click-to-open rates from flash sales emails compared to their yearly rate. 50% of purchases occur during the first hour of a flash sale.” Spontaneous, short-term sales are a great way to take advantage of digitized marketing, as well as to make acquiring something new more fun and engaging for the consumer.

Sustainable Items

Anything showing you have your finger on the pulse of larger societal trends will make your brand stand out as fresh and in touch with average customers. One area that has grown exponentially is in sustainable products.

But consumers are more savvy than ever and won’t get sucked into a company’s “green” initiatives if their promises seem empty. It’s increasingly important to showcase your values, whatever they are. And you can appeal especially to younger demographics with items such as reusable straws, compostable bags, and anything else that shows you are on the cutting edge of environmentalism.

Products That Support Newer Technology

Remember when branded mouse pads were all the rage? That same idea needs to be updated to show you are in the know when it comes to technology. And considering the wide range of tech accessories, more companies are replacing those thumb drives with webcam covers, earbuds, and other helpful items prospective buyers can take on the road.

More Customization

One sure way to distinguish yourself from the masses is with carefully customized branded products that specifically match your company’s messaging. What this means is injecting a level of detailed creativity that make your branded goods stand out, whether through:

High-end materials
Textures and engraved messages
Select colors
Original designs

The extensive range of ways to tailor products these days is unprecedented. And more companies are discovering that to grow they need branded merchandise that distinguishes themselves from their competitors, from custom products to better packaging. A branding expert will learn about your business to craft unique ideas that reflect your individual voice, values, style and messaging.

Co-Branding, or Brand Collaborations with Popular, Recognizable Names

Being associated with universally recognized, popular name brands is a surefire way to increase your visibility. For over twenty years, Hypte Branded Solutions has helped thousands of clients target their ideal audience through swag carrying the logos of Patagonia, the NFL, Lululemon and more. To get the most bang for your buck, partner with an experienced branded solutions firm such as Hypte that can provide a wide range of options.

Consult with Branding Experts at HYPTE for the Best Merchandising Solutions

Investing in name brand items is one of the smartest decisions a growing business can make today. You are sure to impress when your specialized form of branded merch comes with a Nike or Ralph Lauren logo – as part of a broader solution provided by HYPTE Branded Solutions.

Contact HYPTE online, or talk to a branding specialist at 708-343-9730 about the best ways to target your branded merchandise to your ideal audience.

March 20, 2024

It would be hard to deny the impact Nike’s ad campaigns have had on girls’ and women’s interest levels in sports, and in turn on the brand itself. It started with their women-centric “Just do it” ads in the 1990s. That’s when the sportswear behemoth linked sports involvement to positive life outcomes for girls – a little known issue at the time – and opened the doors to new ways other companies would spread their own messages.

March is Women’s History Month (International Women’s Day was on March 8). To get the juices flowing for your next campaign, take a look at some of the most successful ways companies appeal to women during this time, as well as throughout the year.

1. Shifting Outdated Perceptions About Girls and Women

Nike didn’t just create ads of women jogging or girls playing soccer. The company took a risk by bringing up facts that went far beyond the topic of sports – including timely social trends. This allowed them to appear edgy and instigate conversations that created buzz.

2. Incorporating High Quality Branded Merchandise & Apparel

Since those early Nike ads, the ways other brands have appealed to women have grown exponentially. With the help of social media, high-quality merchandise and more branding opportunities, there are countless possible approaches to messaging. A qualified brand strategist like HYPTE will help you find unique opportunities to promote your services that are innovative and within your budget. One effective way we can do that is by combining your logo with brands like Nike to help expand your audience.

3. Remembering History

People love to learn about strong, inspirational and fascinating women past and present, from Eleanor Roosevelt to Malala Yousafzai. This approach is straightforward and fairly simple to pursue along with other brand strategies to share your message.

4. Working with Influencers to Land Prime Brand Collaborations

This one is evergreen and increasingly good to know. As Influencer Marketing Hub noted recently, “Analyzing sponsored posts on Instagram, 84% of them were posted by female influencers while only 16% were posted by male influencers.” The trend in influencer marketing is only growing, and March might be the perfect opportunity to jump on this women-led bandwagon.

5. Expanding Their Appeal

A solid tactic for gaining followers is to try to expand your appeal while also aiming at your target audience. Those Nike ads didn’t just attract girls. They were successful because they appealed to parents, sports lovers, and everyone else who cares about outcomes for young people.

6. Showcasing Female Voices from Within Their Own Brand

Mercedes-Benz made a splash last year when they showcased the voices of specific women, including their Tel Aviv Tech Centre CEO and Saudi Arabia’s first female race car driver. When your brand makes use of its own inspiring female voices, this makes you seem more authentic – which is essential to modern-day marketing – while also gaining the trust of potential female fans.

7. Touting Their Accomplishments

The video Mercedes-Benz released didn’t shy away from “the company’s goal to have 30% of women in senior management by 2030.” What goals is your company pursuing – and what have you already accomplished that could be used in your promotions?

8. Challenging Negative Stereotypes – and Starting Conversations

Remember that Always “like a girl” campaign that went viral overnight? They cleverly took a familiar phrase and turned it upside down to challenge a common stereotype. Even if everyone wasn’t a fan, it spread like wildfire because it was such a popular conversation starter. Even the brand may not have anticipated the tens of millions of viewers it would get on social media sites.

Consult with Branding Experts at HYPTE About Full-Service Solutions

At HYPTE Branded Solutions we provide a wide range of strategies to assist our clients, whether they’re aiming to reach a female audience or simply want to take their brand to the next level. How do we do this?:

Contact HYPTE online or call us at 708-343-9730 to discuss other ways we can help you reach your target audience.

Tag: Merchandise

Branded Merchandise Trends That Will Make Your Campaign Stand Out