Promotional merchandise works because people actually use it. Unlike an digital marketing such as ads that disappears, a well-chosen promotional item becomes a daily touch-point that quietly reinforces your brand everyday in Brisbane offices, Sydney campuses, Perth job sites and everywhere in between. Below, we break down the biggest benefits for Australian organisations, plus quick, localised tips to get better results from your next order.
If you’re ready to plan a merch strategy, our team at Promotion Products can help you choose, decorate and deliver Australia-wide.
Key Promotional Merchandise Statistics (from APPA/PPAI)
Independent research shared by APPA highlights why branded merchandise is such a reliable performer:
- 82% of consumers respond positively to companies that give out promotional products.
- 80% of consumers have an immediate reaction when they receive a promotional product from a company they have never heard of.
- 75% of people say they would rather receive a promotional product than any other form of advertising.
- Consumers says they are 2.5 times more likely to have a positive opinion of promotional products compared to online advertising.
- 79% of promotional product recipients go on to research the company.
- 95% of consumers that own a promotional jacket can later recall the name of the advertiser.
- 81% of consumers will keep a promotional product for more than one year.
- Office workers hold onto promotional products for more than four years on average.
- 70% of consumers wished they received promotional products from companies more often.
Bottom line: well-chosen, useful promotional products create goodwill, spark consideration, and deliver years of low-cost impressions – often outperforming interruptive advertising on both sentiment and ROI.
Source: Australasian Promotional Products Association summary of PPAI research.
1) Lasting Brand Recall (Not Just Fleeting Impressions)
Every use – morning coffee, gym session, client site visit – repeats your logo and message. Over weeks and months, that repetition builds memory pathways that outperform single-serve media. Choose items that naturally live where your audience spends time (for example, insulated bottles for run clubs, hi-vis caps for construction sites, or desk organisers for office teams).
Geo tip: For Brisbane and South-East QLD, consider sun-smart pieces (caps, umbrellas) and hydration products that suit outdoor events and field teams.
2) Positive Brand Sentiment and Goodwill
Useful gifts spark reciprocity. When someone reaches for your notebook during a meeting – or your umbrella on a rainy Melbourne day – they attach a little bit of gratitude to your brand. Over time, that warm feeling translates to higher consideration and smoother sales conversations.
What to pick: Practical over “novelty for novelty’s sake.” Aim for genuine utility and quality that reflects your positioning.
3) “Prompt to Action” Without the Hard Sell
Great merch doesn’t just sit there, it nudges. Transform a static item into a dynamic touch point. Integrate a branded QR code that directs to a key landing page, or use the print area to deliver a campaign offer. Another method: a small card inviting sign-ups to an exclusive event or pilot. This strategy works because the inherent value of the gift means the follow-up ask is perceived as earned value, not an intrusion.
Local proof points: Tie your CTA to something immediate, e.g., “Scan for 10% off at our Brisbane pop-up this weekend” or “Book a demo at our Sydney roadshow.”
4) Cost-Effective Reach
A well-made product such as a promotional tote bag or hoodie offers much better cost per impression because it’s used repeatedly (and therefore your brand is seen more by others). Compared with media that needs constant top-ups, merch keeps delivering -especially when you choose quality, functional products, durable materials, practical colours and decoration that survives wear, use and washing.
Budget tip: Spend a little more on the keep me factor!
5) Built-In Targeting: Align the Item to the Audience
Unlike broad ads, you can place items directly in the right hands, whether that be new hires, VIP clients, event attendees, school communities, mining site crews, conference speakers. Match the job to be done with the item for maximum impact. This includes the message on the promotional product. Use the opportunity of having your brand in your target audiences hand to say something meaningful to them.
Persona Ideas:
- Ops & site teams: Rugged drinkware, cooling towels, headwear.
- Corporate & tech: Quality notebooks, cable organisers, laptop sleeves.
- Education & community: Totes, stationery sets, sunscreen.
FAQs
Do promotional products really work? Yes. Research summarised by APPA shows strong positive consumer response, long retention, and better sentiment than many digital ads – key reasons merchandise continues to perform for Australian brands.
What are the most popular products in Australia in 2025? Drink bottles, pens, tote bags, mugs, apparel, notebooks, umbrellas, key-rings, confectionery and technology.
How fast can we get merch with Promotion Products? Standard lead times vary by item and decoration method, but we can often accommodate tight event dates. Ask us about the rush options we have available.
Ready to Plan a High-Performing Promotional Merchandise Campaign?
Whether you’re welcoming new staff, activating an event, or rolling out a national campaign, we’ll help you choose the right products, with the right message, and hit the deadline!
👉 Talk to Promotion Products about your next promotional merchandise project.
Marketing Coordinator at Promotion Products. Eve holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing. She combines creativity and strategy to help brands make a lasting impression through thoughtful merchandise. Passionate about creating community through merch, storytelling and design, Eve oversees everything from campaign planning to content creation – championing merchandise as the powerful marketing medium it is.