Hello Kitty turned 40 a few days ago. This iconic cat may not be that particularly big in Australia but around the world this expressionless girl-cat is HUGE. Lady Gaga and Katy Perry are amongst millions of people that are huge fans of this kitty. One thing that appeals to many people about Hello Kitty is the number of different official and unofficial products available. I've gone through many websites and found a few of the stranger ones and thought I share them with you

1. Focus on brand recognition.
2. Tap into nostalgia for success.
3. Collaborate for fresh designs.

History of Hello Kitty

Hello Kitty was a 1974 cartoon character that came from Japan. Originally a character on a coin pouch.  After the second world war, Japan was coming into an economic boom and many kids had money to spend. Hello Kitty and her merchandise appeared at the right place at the right time. Over the decades until today, the popularity of this cat has only grown. Today she sells nearly $8 billion dollars worth of merchandise a year with over 50,000 different types of official merchandise. (I'm sure there are even more products that are unofficial).

Odd Hello Kitty Branded Items

Hello Kitty has plenty of products like rulers, pens, pencils and plush toys. However, she also has a fair share of products that are just a little bit odd. Here are some of the best that I have come across:

• This Hello Kitty released by Swarovski has 19,636 crystals. Definitely not your standard product, this one is worth thousands!

• Have you ever considered tricking out your car with a Hello Kitty engine? This fully functional motor features a cute repeated Kitty design. Not sure if this assists in the running of the engine or not.

• Hello Kitty plush toys are very common. After all, with such an adorable design it makes sense that kids would want a Kitty to cuddle up with. But have you seen a reversible baked chicken Hello Kitty plush before? This style is definitely a little out of the ordinary.

• We've talked about luxury branded toilet paper before, but Hello Kitty custom printed toilet paper? Yeah, it's a thing.

Lessons from Hello Kitty Merchandise

Hello Kitty branded promotional products have become a global phenomenon, and there are many lessons that Aussie companies can learn from her success. Here are some of the key takeaways:

• The importance of brand recognition: Hello Kitty's simple design has made her instantly recognizable worldwide. Aussie companies can learn from this by creating a simple and memorable design for their own promotional items, such as custom pens, tote bags, or water bottles.
• The power of nostalgia: Hello Kitty has been around for over four decades, and her design has remained relatively unchanged. This has created a sense of nostalgia among her fans, which has helped to drive her continued success. Aussie companies can learn from this by creating promotional items that tap into the nostalgia of their target audience, such as retro-style promotional keyrings or vintage-inspired t-shirts.
• The value of collaboration: Hello Kitty has collaborated with many different brands and designers over the years, which has helped to keep her design fresh and exciting. Aussie companies can learn from this by collaborating with other brands or artists to create unique and interesting promotional items, such as custom phone cases or branded headphones.
• The importance of quality: Hello Kitty branded products are known for their high quality, which has helped to build trust and loyalty among her fans. Aussie companies can learn from this by ensuring that their own promotional items are of the highest quality possible, such as eco-friendly reusable straws or premium-quality notebooks.

How to Create Branded Merchandise

Creating branded promotional items can be a great way for Aussie companies to build brand awareness and loyalty. Here are some of the key steps involved in creating branded promotional items:

• Choose the right item: The first step in creating branded promotional items is to choose the right item. This will depend on your target audience and the goals of your branding campaign. Some popular promotional items include custom t-shirts, branded tote bags, or personalized water bottles.
• Design your item: Once you've chosen your item, the next step is to design it. This should involve creating a simple and memorable design that reflects your brand. Many promotional item suppliers offer design services or templates to make this process easier.
• Find a supplier: Once you have your design, you'll need to find a supplier, like Cubic Promote, to produce your promotional items. Look for a supplier who can produce high-quality products at a reasonable price and offer customization options.
• Promote your items: Once your promotional items are ready, the final step is to promote them. This can involve using social media, email marketing, and other advertising channels to get the word out. You can also distribute your promotional items at events or trade shows to reach a wider audience.

Takeaway

Hello Kitty's iconic design has made her a popular choice for branded products in many industries, including promotional items. Aussie companies can learn from Hello Kitty's success by focusing on brand recognition, nostalgia, collaboration, and quality when creating their own branded promotional items. By choosing the right item, designing a memorable design, finding a reliable supplier, and promoting their items effectively, Aussie companies can build brand awareness and loyalty among their target audience with promotional items such as custom pens, tote bags, water bottles, t-shirts, and more.

Unique Kitty products first spotted here: http://www.ibtimes.com/hello-kitty-keeping-times-1717399?ft=h6k97