5 Ways Branded Merchandise Builds Your Brand (Backed by 2026 Data)
At Anchor James, we have made branded merchandise for businesses since 2004. Clients often ask us one thing before they invest: does it actually work? The 2026 research says yes. Here are five ways the right merch builds your brand.
1. It makes people feel appreciated
A thoughtful gift changes how people feel about you. In PPAI's 2026 consumer study, about 83% of people said receiving a promotional product makes them feel appreciated. That good feeling sticks to your brand.
2. It improves how people see your brand
The same study found 90% of consumers agree that promotional products make them feel more positive about a brand. Few ads can say that. When we design merch for clients, we aim for pieces people are proud to be seen in, because quality reflects on you.
3. It keeps your logo in front of people for months
An ad disappears in seconds. A great hat or tumbler gets used for months, creating impressions every time it leaves the house. That is why we steer clients toward items people keep, not throwaways.
4. Apparel is what people want most
Apparel is the most-wanted promotional category for Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, according to PPAI. In ASI's 2026 study, 55% of people said they would be excited to receive a promotional T-shirt. Our team specializes in branded apparel and embroidered hats for exactly this reason.
5. It is a more sustainable way to advertise
A 2026 study commissioned by ASI and PPAI found promotional products create up to eight times less carbon per memorized impression than digital ads. One quality product keeps working without new ad spend.
Make your merch count
The takeaway from the data is simple: quality wins. At Anchor James, a women-owned branded merchandise company in Fort Lauderdale, we help you choose pieces people actually keep. Request a quote and let's build merch that works for your brand.
Sources: PPAI Product Power 2026 study · ASI 2026 Ad Impressions Study · ASI/PPAI carbon study · Custom Ink on PPAI apparel data
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Does branded merchandise really work?
Yes. In 2026 research from PPAI, 90% of consumers said promotional products improve how they see a brand.
What is the most popular type of branded merchandise?
Apparel. It is the most-wanted promotional category across Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z.
How long do people keep promotional products?
Useful items like apparel, hats, and drinkware are often kept and used for months or longer.
About Anchor James
Anchor James is a women-owned apparel and merch company based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Since 2004 we have made custom branded apparel for businesses and embroidered wholesale hats for boutiques and gift shops.
Custom orders
Let's make merch people keep
Tell us what you have in mind and our Fort Lauderdale team will recommend the right products, decoration, and timeline.
Keep reading
