Statistics About Promotional Products For UK Businesses

Considering ordering promotional merchandise for your business - but need a little further convincing that it's worth the investment? We've rounded up a few killer statistics that will show you exactly why your brand should be getting involved.

Since our launch in 2004, Total Merchandise has worked with thousands of companies across the UK, helping them smash targets and rapidly improve their brand awareness.

We know, Simon, we know...

With that in mind, it's safe to assume we know a thing or two about exactly how powerful promotional products can be - but don't just take our word for it!

Rather, have a read of the stats and insights we've rounded up below, that demonstrate exactly why and how merch is what your business should be investing in for 2020

How Do Customers Feel When They Receive Promotional Merchandise?

Research conducted by the BPMA (British Promotional Merchandise Association) found an astonishing 96% of people believe promotional products increase their awareness of a brand, with 83% believing it increased their consciousness of the brand for up to a year.

From a psychological perspective, 79% of customers feel 'appreciated' when they receive a piece of promotional merchandise, whilst 47% are 'happy' and 21% are 'impressed'.

In short, it's all highly positive, meaning promotional merchandise could well be the perfect advertising choice for ensuring a significant connection between your business and existing or potential customers. They can't flick past it like they could a print advert, or mute it as they could with an advert on the television - rather, your branded merchandise is directly in their hands.

How Much Do UK Businesses Spend On Promotional Merchandise?

Businesses across Great Britain spend €1.76bn (approximately £1.46bn) on promotional merchandise each year, with a spend of approximately €54 per employee. (That's according to The Promotional Item Market In 2019 report, at least.)

The relevance of this statistic? If businesses are spending thousands and thousands of pounds on promotional products, they're obviously confident in its ability to work and help them smash their marketing goals, whether they want to generate attention for a new launch or simply wish to catch the eye of potential customers.

How Likely Are Customers To Use Promotional Products?

A study conducted by the BPMA found 91% of customers who receive a logo-branded item of clothing would wear it.

Another piece of their research found half of the respondents had four or more pieces of promotional merchandise on their desks at any given time - be it a promotional mug, a printed pen, a branded notepad or something else!

What Awareness Can Promotional Products Generate For My Business?

Insights shared by the ASI (Advertising Speciality Institute) suggests that the typical promotional item has the potential to be clocked over and over again by your customers. In short, every time they wear or pick up the item, they'll be seeing your logo, which in turn generates awareness for your brand. The research reveals the average impressions across the lifespans of the most popular branded products, which includes...

Hoodies: 6,100 impressions
Baseball caps: 3,400 impressions
T-shirts: 3,400 impressions
Office details: 1,450 impressions
Promotional bags: 3,300 impressions
Branded pens: 3,000 impressions
Polo shirts: 2,300 impressions
Drinkware: 1,400 impressions
Umbrellas: 1,100 impressions
Power banks: 900 impressions
Calendars: 850 impressions
USBs: 700 impressions

Again, unlike traditional advertising forms, the above items are far harder to ignore or switch off.

What Are The Most Most Important Qualities For Promotional Products To Have?

According to research shared by the BPMA, 50% of customers believe a product that's 'useful' makes the perfect piece of merchandise. That ties in with research we conducted earlier this year; we found 79% of people would prefer to receive a product that's 'useful' more than any other characteristic.

Personalisation and durability are also key factors when deciding what does (or does not) make a great piece of branded merch, with relevance and product quality also important to discerning customers.

So with all that in mind, what are you waiting for? Browse our full range or promotional products and contact us today to get a bespoke quote for your business.