53 Insightful Statistics on Promotional Products: What to Look Out for in 2025

By LogoSportswear

Branded merchandise is one of the easiest ways a business can enhance brand visibility and connect with customers. These promotional products are practical, long-lasting, and a great canvas for showcasing your logo that more businesses are using them to attract and retain customers.

If you're looking to incorporate personalized merchandise into your marketing strategy, it's worth your time to take a look at promotional products statistics and see where your brand might stand. Gathered by LogoSportswear, here is a helpful list of key trends, data on effectiveness, and market growth of the promotional products industry in the last few years up to the present.

Industry Growth and Revenue Projections

The U.S. distributor promotional products industry grew 2.63% in 2024, reaching $26.78 billion. ^[1]
65% of distributors anticipate further sales growth in 2025, showing strong industry resilience, despite economic challenges. ^[1]
The industry is projected to have an annual revenue of $27.8 billion in 2025. ^[2]

Consumer Engagement and Brand Recall

90% of promotional product recipients remember the brand after receiving a promotional product from a business. ^[2]
80% of promotional product recipients will remember the brand messaging if they receive a promotional item. ^[2]
Apparel has the highest brand recall, with 85% of consumers remembering the brand after getting a promotional product. ^[2]
Mugs are more effective than radio advertising, with 57% of consumers being able to remember the advertiser on the mug. ^[2]
59% of consumers would rather have a promotional product than see ads on TV, radio, or social media. ^[3]
83% of consumers are more likely to do business with a brand after receiving a promotional product. ^[4]
99% of people are willing to go out of their way just to get a promotional product. ^[2]
52.3% of users get promotional products from promotional displays at stores or other sites. ^[2]
37.4% of users get promotional products from events. ^[2]
84% of users are saying they use promotional items when they represent brands or cause they know and support. ^[11]
34% of Gen Z consumers use promotional products weekly, while 21% use them every day. In addition, 68% of Gen Z are saying that branded merchandise gives them a good impression of a brand. ^[13]

Product Effectiveness and Longevity

Outerwear has about 7,856 impressions over its lifetime, the highest in all types of promotional products. ^[5]
41% of users are more likely to do business with an advertiser that gave them outerwear or fleece with a logo. ^[5]
Impressions of promotional products throughout their lifespan. ^[5]

T-shirts – 5,053 impressions
Polo shirts – 2,106 impressions
Drinkware – 3,162 impressions
Umbrellas – 1,760 impressions
Power banks – 870 impressions
Bags – 1,940 impressions
Performance wear – 2,336 impressions
USB drives – 851 impressions
Desk accessories – 2,314 impressions
Headwear – 3,380 impressions
Writing instruments – 2,436 impressions
Calendars – 673 impressions
Health products – 640 impressions

47% of users would keep and wear promo shirts for about 2 years or longer. ^[5]
T-shirts are kept by consumers on average for 14 months, while hats are retained for 10 months on average. ^[6]
Outerwear is usually kept at an average of 16 months. ^[7]
Custom polos are kept an average of 13 months. ^[7]
63% of consumers would keep and use promo drinkware for 1 year or longer. ^[8]
62% of users would keep and use a promo calendar for 1 year or longer. ^[8]
54% of user would keep and use a promo umbrella for 2 years or more. ^[8]
51% of consumers would use a promo power bank for 2 years or more. ^[8]
58% of users would use a promo performance apparel for 1 year or more. ^[8]
43% of consumers would use a promo bag for at least 2 years. ^[8]
44% of users would use promo USB drives for about 2 years or longer. ^[8]
52% of consumers would keep and use a promo writing instrument for at least 1 year or longer. ^[8]
36% of consumers would keep and use a promo health product for about 1 year or longer. ^[8]
Umbrellas, outerwear, health and safety products, USB drives, caps and headwear, and calendars are more influential in the Northeast compared to other regions. ^[8]
Writing instruments, desk accessories, bags, and T-shirts have more influence in the Southeast. ^[8]
Performance wear is more influential in the Southwest. ^[8]
Drinkware has more influence in the Southeast, Midwest, and Pacific. ^[8]
Polo shirts have more influence in the Southeast and Southwest region. ^[8]
Promotional products can increase referrals by 22% unlike with sales without them. ^[4]
Promotional products can increase sales by 27% than with coupons. ^[4]

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Trends

46% of consumers have a favorable opinion of brands if they offer eco-friendly promotional products. ^[8]
More than 50% of users prefer eco-friendly promotional products, including reusable water bottles, tote bags, and other products made from recycled materials. ^[9]
77% of businesses are saying that sustainability leads to increases in customer loyalty. ^[10]
Companies that use eco-friendly promotional items have 30% more positive brand associations compared to others that use traditional promotional merchandise. ^[9]
80% of users are willing to pay more for eco-friendly products. ^[12]

Emerging Trends and Innovations

Consumers are more in favor of sustainable promotional products made from recyclable, reusable, or biodegradable materials. ^[14]
Promotional products are making use of products with smart technology like wireless charging pads and portable smart speakers. ^[14]
Names and unique colors can now be added onto products, thanks to customization technology. ^[14]
Products that promote self-care such as custom yoga mats and aromatherapy kits are becoming more popular as wellness becomes a priority for many. ^[14]
Bold colors, retro aesthetics, and playful branding are expected to have a comeback in 2025. ^[14]
Near-Field Communication (NFC) products like disposable coffee cups, coasters, and keychains, feature NFC technology to help users access digital content by easily tapping their smartphones. ^[15]
Large-capacity tumblers like the Stanley 40-oz. model continue to be popular, with suppliers introducing better features that improve functionality, like new lid designs. ^[15]
Leather-wrapped cans and flasks are gaining popularity because of their premium feel and unique aesthetic. ^[15]

ROI and Advertising Effectiveness

Promotional products have an average ROI of $6.41 for every $1 spent. ^[9]
72% of users are more likely to buy an item after receiving a promotional product. ^[9]
61% of consumers will refer a brand if they get a promotional product. ^[9]

Conclusion

Marketing strategies are constantly evolving, and promotional products remain one of the most effective ways to keep your brand top-of-mind. As the industry grows and trends shift, businesses that invest in promotional products and focus on quality, sustainability, and other innovations can create stronger connections with their audience and leave a lasting impact in 2025.

Looking for custom promotional products for trade shows, events, or the holidays? LogoSportswear offers a wide selection of products that you can use to enhance brand visibility and bring in more customers. Choose from various styles, colors, and fits, and create your own design by uploading your logo or using our Online Designer.

The LogoSportswear Library

Tips, Guides, and Inspiration for Your Custom Apparel Needs