The Brand Merch hype.

Brand Merch. This is marketing trend numero 9 in our 2023 Trend Report.

As much a trend for brands, as it is a fashion statement for consumers; the craze for brand merch has been brewing for a while.

T-shirts by Aussie creative community publication, Paradiso.

Shop Local Movement

Brand merch taps into the ‘shop local’ movement, giving community a chance to show their pride, affiliation and support for their favourite brands.

For brands, the strategy behind merch is building awareness — create a cap or tote bag striking enough to catch eyes on the street, and you might earn a new follower or customer from it.

Far from a small business, but these HAY totes are just too good not to share.

Not just for product based biz

It may seem that merch is something saved for product based businesses, but this is certainly not the case. Its’s actually a fun opportunity for service and hospitality brands to create and offer something different.

Custom cap by Brand & Design studio Alleyway Designs

Your turn

Now, one more thing before you go order 1000+ branded caps. Ask yourself these important Qs:

✷ Is your brand identity strong enough (yet) for merch?
✷ Do you have a loyal community that would actually purchase your merch?
✷ What type of merch products would align with your brand?

Popular aussie-inspired NYC bar The Flower Shop has a complete range of casual apparel.