About Us & History | Total Merchandise

About Total Merchandise

Total Merchandise is, and has always been, different.

Why?

We came into existence with the clear intention to be the most trusted promotional partner to UK businesses and organisations.

We didn't want to be yet another supplier who added little, aside from a margin.

We strive to really get to know our customers and build long-term relationships. We develop an understanding of your branding goals, meaning you can trust us to present savvy creative solutions that meet your budget and aspirations.

How?

To be a good partner, you need to trust that we are great at what we do:

  • Focus - Our core business is promotional products and branded merchandise for UK businesses and organisations. We'll leave the hen do t-shirts and mugs with a photo of your dog to the others!
  • Expert & Friendly UK Sales & Service Teams - Our people are our key asset. With more than 50 people on our team, many of them have been with us since the beginning and have an encyclopaedic knowledge of the industry. Our staff pride themselves on building strong relationships with customers new and old through exceptional customer service.
  • Dedicated Account Managers - We understand that consistency is a valued commodity and our team of expert account managers are here to help every step of the way. Regular contact and updates are all part of the service, so you can be confident that your order is progressing.
  • Sector Expertise - With nearly two decades' experience, we've developed a deep expertise across a range of private and public sectors. Whether it's an FTSE 100 brand or a local SME, an NHS or government department, a university or a school, a major national charity or a local cause – we understand that every organisation's requirements are different. Our years in the industry allow us to take an authoritative stance and our highly skilled team are on-hand to advise on the best promotional products for your marketing goals.
  • Excellent Reviews - As much as we love to blow our own horn, don't just take our word for it! We're rated "Excellent" on Trustpilot, while 96% of customers who've left us feedback on Reviews.io would recommend us.
  • Award-Winning - Since 2019, we've been consecutively voted as Promotional Merchandise Distributor of the Year in the Sourcing City Awards. Voted for by the industry, this prestigious title is a testament to the fact our suppliers love us as much as our customers do! In 2020, we won Distributor of the Year in the British Promotional Merchandise (BPMA) Awards, and have most recently been shortlisted as a finalist in the 2024 edition of the event. 2024 also saw us win the BRIMAN Award: a meaningful nod to our support of British manufactured promotional products.

What?

At the heart of everything we do is our mission to be your business' promotional partner. We are one of the UK's leading suppliers of promotional products and branded merchandise.

  • Wide Product Range - With over 10,000 key product lines on our website, you're sure to find what you need. If you can't (or you need inspiration), please contact us as we can source pretty much any unusual request from our suppliers.
  • Low, Transparent Pricing - Our Everything Included price display means that what you see is what you'll pay. It's that simple!
  • Price Match Guarantee - We're so confident in our unbeatable low prices that if you find a cheaper quote on a like-for-like basis elsewhere, we guarantee to price match or beat it.
  • Artwork & Design Studio - Not everyone can be a Picasso, which is why we offer art & design services to ensure your logo and marketing message look their best on your chosen products. We can amend your existing artwork, add additional details or even completely re-draw your logo into a print-ready format.
  • Eco-friendly Options - We know that concerns surrounding the environment, sustainability and CSR are higher than ever on corporate agendas. With more than 1,000 eco-friendly products - including recycled, compostable and biodegradable items - and over 550 UK-made merchandise ideas available to order with your design today, we're here to help.
  • Express Delivery - Cutting it fine? Many of our products are available with express delivery options - perfect for those last-minute orders.

Ready?

Now you know who we are and what we do, we'd love to show you just why we've been reviewed so highly by our customers. Partner with us today to explore how we can develop and grow your brand with promotional merchandise. We look forward to working with you.

Connect with us for the latest promotional marketing and company updates:

History

A great idea, a desire to do things differently and a bucket-load of determination. These were our core ingredients back in 2004 when Total Merchandise was founded as a big idea in a little spare bedroom.

We don't just say we care, we show you. That's what has set our business apart from the start.

David Stoddart came from a sales background, whilst Michelle Rae Stoddart had a history in finance and Jason O'Connor was based in promotions & entertainment. They had the perfect combination of different industry experience, but a shared mindset and determination which enabled them to grow the business into what it is today.

Our winning attitude has filtered from our founders into every area of our business and is reflected in the long-lasting relationships we've formed with businesses of all sizes, our high-quality products, excellent customer service, our work ethic and how we treat our staff.

From the days of leafleting local businesses to being one of the UK's top promotional product suppliers, we've learnt a lot about how to get it right and we believe that comes from forming a partnership with each and every one of our customers. We're in it for the long term and strive to create promotional solutions that really drive your brand forward.

This approach has paid off from day one.

Our rapid growth has seen us move across a stretch of six offices into increasingly-larger premises. Today you can find us in modern, custom-built offices in the heart of Colchester Business Park, a great hub for us with plenty of local amenities and space to continue to expand.

From those early days of two employees, we've now got a team of more than 50 people across our Sales, Customer Services, Product, Artwork, Tech, Accounts and Marketing teams, all working hard under the leadership of Jason O'Connor to drive our business (and your brand) forward.

We're excited about the next chapter of our story. Are you joining us?

FAQs about Total Merchandise Chevron down

Q: What is Total Merchandise?

A:

Total Merchandise is the award-winning supplier of promotional products to businesses and organisations across the UK. One of the leaders in the industry, we provide a wide of branded merchandise and promotional giveaways, with products to suit any marketing campaign.

Q: Why choose Total Merchandise?

A:

Total Merchandise prides itself on the experience it offers to customers, as well as the quality of the promotional products we sell. Don’t just take our word for it though – take a look at some of the recent 5* reviews that have been left by our happy customers! We offer fast quotes (you’ll receive pricing in one working hour or less), low prices and quick dispatch – and you can be confident that you’re in safe hands when you work with our friendly and experienced team.

Q: When was Total Merchandise founded?

A:

Total Merchandise was founded in September 2004.

Q: Who founded Total Merchandise?

A:

Total Merchandise was founded by Jason O’Connor, David Stoddart and Michelle Rae Stoddart.

Q: Is Total Merchandise on social media?

A:

Yes! You can find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Q: Where is Total Merchandise based?

A:

Total Merchandise is based in Colchester, Essex.

Q: What awards has Total Merchandise won?

A:

Since December 2019, we’ve won two awards. Total Merchandise won promotional merchandise Distributor of the Year 2019 from Sourcing City; we were also voted promotional merchandise Distributor of the Year £5m+ in the prestigious BPMA Awards in February 2020.

Q: Is Total Merchandise a member of the British Promotional Merchandise Association?

A:

Yes, Total Merchandise has been a member of the British Promotional Merchandise Association (BPMA) since 2005.

Q: Does Total Merchandise deliver promotional products outside the UK?

A:

Due to landing taxes, courier issues and Brexit, we've made the decision to stop delivering outside of the UK as it no longer allows us to offer our customers the service level we would like to. 

Q: Are the Total Merchandise team experts in promotional products?

A:

You betcha! With years of experience and insight behind us, we know exactly what our customers want to help them smash their marketing goals and generate positive brand awareness for their businesses and campaigns. With over 5,000 promotional products, we’re always willing to go above and beyond for our customers – meaning that if you can’t find what you’re looking for on our site, you can trust us to source it for you. Here to help every step of the way, we’re proud to be your promotional partner.

Q: How do I contact Total Merchandise?

A:

Got a promotional product query? Need some guidance on finding the perfect giveaway item for your upcoming campaign? We're here to help. Simply email info@totalmerchandise.co.uk or call 01376 509092 to speak to a member of our friendly and experienced team today.

Written by

Jason O'Connor | Co-Founder and Managing Director

Jason is our Managing Director and co-founded Total Merchandise in 2004. Sitting at the heart of the business, he's one of the most authoritative and trusted figures in the industry. Overseeing a business that's grown from a spare room start-up to an award-winning company that works with huge brands across the UK and employs more than 50 people, he sits at the heart of Total Merchandise. When he's not in the office, Jason likes to relax with music or Netflix boxsets, spend time with his family and walk his dogs.

Connect with Jason O'Connor on LinkedIn Connect with Jason O'Connor on LinkedIn

Jason O'Connor Sales Director