A Year in Review: Highlights of the 2024 Promo Products Market

As we get set to welcome another holiday season, it’s the perfect time to look back at the highlights that made this year unforgettable. From popular trends that dominated the promo market to strategies that help you get the most out of your products, this year was filled with opportunities to take your business to the next level. Join us as we explore the products that resonated the most with the public, as it can help you gain some valuable insight for your next promotion.

Sustainability

One of the themes that dominated the promo product market this year was sustainability. Although the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly promos has been steadily increasing over the last few years, the desire for reusable fashion among younger generations has given the product category a significant boost. As Gen Z-ers aim to reduce reliance on single-use plastics, they opt for longer-lasting products that will appeal to all ages. As a result, we saw an uptick in highly customized apparel that enables a deeper emotional connection to be formed between the advertiser and the recipient, when the products are used to convey interests and values.

Retail Inspired

Retail brands coming into the promo space is not a new concept but this was definitely the year for big-name brands. As of January, the hashtag #stanleycup had almost 7 billion views on the platform, after a viral video showed the 40-oz. Quencher intact after a car fire. This was the moment everyone decided they needed to get their hands on one, even influencing promo suppliers to create their own version. The Intrepid and the HydroFlex tumblers are clear examples of the dominance of retail-inspired products in the promo market. Other examples include the PopGrip as well a number of activewear options that include sweatpants, performance shirts, and sports jackets.

Viral Products

The social media-fueled demand for promo is showing no signs of slowing down. Aside from quality, part of the reason why an advertiser may choose a name-brand product over a generic version is its ability to be shared on social media. Social media aesthetics and consumers’ increasing brand awareness have transformed promo products into lifestyle accessories. Nowadays, promotional products have become an extension of our clothes and our style, which has led a great number of businesses to capitalize on viral trends, by adding their logo to the hot “it” product of the moment.

The timing for acquiring hot promo products is critical, and jumping on a potential new trend too early doesn’t always work. But as a fan of personalized products and what they can do for your brand, the good news is there will always be new fads, new items, and decoration methods that you can try as a way to revitalize your marketing efforts. At COMDA we always aim to keep you informed with the latest industry news and standards of the market. That way you will have more tools at your disposal to create a unique experience for your audience!