Today, (Charles) and Swammi (Creative Director) chat about the world of luxury merchandise, exploring what makes certain promotional items stand out as premium, rare, and exclusive.
What Makes Luxury Merchandise Different?
Most people think about promotional merchandise and imagine everyday giveaways like pens, mugs, or t-shirts. But there’s a whole other level of merchandise that’s more than just a freebie. We’re talking about luxury merch. Exclusive, premium items often have a unique story behind them. But what makes them different from the regular stuff?
Swami (our Creative Director), what has your experience with luxury customized merchandise?
“I recall a gift my mom received years ago — a Chanel bag worth around €800 (approximately $1400 in AUD). Along with that bag was a small, branded hook designed to hold the bag. It was such a thoughtful touch!”
And that’s the beauty of luxury items — it’s not just about the product itself, but the story, exclusivity, and experience it creates. But Swami isn’t alone — I’ve discovered some truly exclusive merchandise that has caught my attention. For instance, did you know that Rolls-Royce offers luxury custom umbrellas with their logo? These aren’t just any umbrellas — they’re gold-plated and can cost a small fortune.
And Rolls Royce isn’t alone. Other luxury brands, like Tesla, have also gotten creative with their merchandise by offering personalized watches and custom jackets. While a Tesla jacket may not be as trendy as a few years ago, the idea of limited edition and exclusive products drives the value of luxury merchandise.
What Makes Luxury Merchandise Desirable?
One key factor in luxury merchandise is exclusivity. The rarer the item, the higher its value. This is why brands often create limited-edition items. Think of it as creating a collectable — once something is rare or difficult to obtain, it becomes more desirable.
We see this in the world of autographs, too. Have you ever tried to get an autograph from a superstar? It’s getting increasingly complex to obtain signatures from top athletes and entertainers. For example, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Cristiano Ronaldo are notorious for not giving many autographs. Why? Because they don’t want their signatures to devalue their brand. If everyone has a signed piece of merchandise, the value goes down. So, they control the supply to keep the demand high.
A Personal Experience with Luxury Merchandise
In our conversation, I had to ask Swami about his experience with exclusive merchandise. What would he choose if he could get any piece of
luxury merchandise for his team?
Swami says, “If I had the budget, maybe a smartwatch branded with our company logo—something functional and stylish that my team could use daily. But if not a material item, I’d consider giving the team a shared experience—something like a team outing, and they’d get a souvenir hoodie or branded apparel to remember the experience.”
We’ve also seen this concept of shared experiences as luxury merchandise. For example, we worked with a financial company that took their team out for an 18-hole golf game, providing branded golf equipment like caps and putters. While this might not sound ultra-luxury, the thoughtfulness behind the gesture and the value of the experience made it incredibly special for the team.
Luxury Doesn’t Always Mean Expensive
One of the most interesting aspects of luxury merchandise is its perceived value. It’s not always about spending big bucks. A prime example is Supreme, a streetwear brand known for producing limited-edition products, including clothing, branded lighters, and bricks. Yes, you heard that right—Supreme released a brick branded with their logo, selling for several hundred dollars!
The key here is that Supreme has mastered the art of exclusivity and desirability. Their products aren’t always expensive, but the branding and limited availability elevate the value, making them highly sought after.
What Type of Luxury Merchandise Would You Choose?
Now, let’s bring it back to the personal side of things. Swami was asked what luxury merchandise he would create for his team if money were no object. His response? A branded surfboard with the Tudor watch logo and the signature of his favourite surfer. He mentioned that the surfboard would be simple, with a grey or white colour — minimal but truly special.
Last Thoughts: Luxury Merchandise
Luxury custom merchandise isn’t just about high-end price tags. It’s about creating exclusive and memorable items. Whether it’s an experience, a custom product, or something with an emotional connection to your audience, luxury merchandise can enhance brand perception and build deeper customer loyalty. We are the best at exclusive merchandise that reflects brand values. From personalised apparel to limited-edition products, we work with you to create luxury promotional items that will leave a lasting impression. Contact Cubic Promote today.
If you have any thoughts on luxury merchandise or have had an experience with unique items, we’d love to hear from you! Let’s continue the conversation on your social media channel of choice.
Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcast: From Rolls Royce to Supreme We Talk Custom Luxury Merchandise – The Promo Playbook by Cubic Promote | Podcast on Spotify
Or listen to the podcast on our web player here: The Cubic Promote Playbook Podcast | Marketing Insights
