Brands release merchandise beyond just clothing and memorabilia
Trend - As branded merchandise becomes ever more popular among consumers looking to showcase their loyalty, the products themselves are evolving into more than just clothing and memorabilia pieces. In using this approach, brands are not only looking to create shareable moments but also expand their reach into categories not typically in their wheelhouse.
Insight - Now that streetwear and collectible merchandise has become more widely accessible and mainstream than it once was, consumers have started to put a premium on hyper-niche iterations of this merchandise in order to create the highly coveted sense of scarcity that often drives consumer behavior in this category.
Insight - Now that streetwear and collectible merchandise has become more widely accessible and mainstream than it once was, consumers have started to put a premium on hyper-niche iterations of this merchandise in order to create the highly coveted sense of scarcity that often drives consumer behavior in this category.
Workshop Question - How could your brand expand their reach through unexpected merchandise?
Trend Themes
1. Hyper-niche Branded Merchandise - Consumers are putting a premium on hyper-niche branded merchandise to create a sense of scarcity and increase the desirability among buyers.
2. Collaborations - Collaborations among brands widen the variety of merchandise offerings and cater to a unique target audience.
3. Unconventional Marketing - Unconventional marketing through unique collaborations and merchandise offerings capture buyers' attention and create a sense of exclusivity among consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Fashion retailers can expand their product offerings beyond clothing and accessories by collaborating with other brands to produce unique merchandise.
2. Food - Food and beverage brands can tap into consumers' interests by creating limited-edition and branded merchandise that integrates aspects of their culinary delights.
3. Outdoor Gear - Outdoor gear retailers can collaborate with brands from other industries to create unique products and merchandise offerings that appeal to their audience.
