Here at Cubic Promote we've seen just about every promotional item you can think of and, while a lot of them are similar we can say that certain brands and organisations thrive on delivering the unexpected. Why do they do this? Typically doing things in a radical way makes you unpredictable, edgy, and creative and many organisations would love to have their branding associated with these terms.

1. Be unpredictable to boost creativity and credibility.
2. Choose unique and functional designs.
3. Customise quantity and availability.

Take Supreme for Example

Supreme is a clothing and lifestyle brand that is rather incredible. Their marketing, motifs, and limited supply have allowed them to charge huge amounts of $$ for simple basic merchandise. They are at the forefront of creating clothing for millennials. So how did they get here? Take a look at their 2019 range of custom branded gifts, and you will begin to have an idea as to why:

Supreme Porcelain Decorative Statue | 2019 Drum Kit | Supreme Hammock | Supreme Snooker Cue

So what do a drum kit, a hammock, and a porcelain statue have anything to do with a tee-shirt? The answer is nothing. The answer is also everything. These separate products reinforce the brand image that the brand Supreme, is full of surprises and that they are a creative force.

The Benefits of Being Unpredictable

Many organisations thrive on being perceived as stable, conservative, safe, secure, and reliable. I can imagine banks and insurance companies would prefer to be associated with those words. Therefore more traditional practical merchandise would be perfect. (luxury promotional pens, anyone?)

On the other hand, other brands need to thrive on being unpredictable. Why? And what are the benefits? Well being unpredictable will mean that your branding and organisation become associated with being creative after all the best creative efforts have always come as a surprise. If you are an organisation that attempts to woo and wow its audience by being creative then having a range of unexpectedly unique promotional merchandise will definitely benefit you.

How Can you Emulate Supreme?

To emulate a leading streetwear brand and become perceived as being creative is easy. Have a range of merchandise that is uniquely different in design, colour, and functionality. Talking to a professional (like myself) is the easiest way to get the best ideas. If you want to pick things yourself, then choose products that belong in a different industry, a different category, or are just plain amusing than your sector. Shake things up a bit. Be a bit bold and experiment with colours.

Implementing Unexpected Branded Merchandise Strategies

To effectively implement unexpected branded merchandise strategies, consider the following key elements:

• Know Your Audience: Understanding your target audience's preferences and interests is crucial. Research their demographics, lifestyle, and purchasing habits to choose promotional products that align with their needs and desires.
• Creativity in Design: The design of your promotional products should be unique and eye-catching. Play with colors, patterns, and typography to create visually striking merchandise that reflects your brand's personality.
• Functionality: Unexpected branded merchandise should not only be visually appealing but also functional. Ensure that the products serve a purpose or provide value to the recipients, making them more likely to use and showcase them.
• Limited Availability: Introduce a sense of exclusivity by offering limited quantities or limited-time promotions. This scarcity can create a sense of urgency among your audience, driving them to engage with your brand and make a purchase.

Takeaway

So there you have it! Adding unexpected branded merchandise to your marketing strategy can help establish your credibility, creativity, and uniqueness. By following the key elements outlined in the article, such as knowing your audience, being creative in design, ensuring functionality, and introducing a sense of exclusivity, you'll be on your way to successfully implementing this strategy. Don't hesitate to seek professional guidance or experiment with different products - you never know what surprises might lead to success!

Want help picking merchandise that makes your organisation and brand name be perceived as unique and creative? Message us or call us and ask us how!

Images are first seen on the website: https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/supreme-ss19-accessories/#slide-7