Understaning the WHY?
Merchandise isn’t just stuff with your logo on it—it’s your brand in the wild.
Whether it’s a single standout product or a full-blown range, creating merchandise takes cost. So it has to work. That means having a clear reason for doing it—and knowing what success looks like.
For most of our clients, merchandise is a way to unlock a new income stream that sits naturally alongside their core business. When you get the mix right—design, cost, margins, and how you take it to market—merch can be a serious revenue driver, not just a side hustle.
But the value doesn’t stop at the till. Merchandise is also marketing. Whether it’s a giveaway that sparks conversation or a retail piece that turns heads, every product out there is doing a job for your brand. Think of it as wearable, shareable, hold-in-your-hand advertising.
Every brand has its own story, audience, and ambition. Once we pin down why you want to do merch, we can get to the exciting part—figuring out what to make and how to make it matter.
DECIDING THE WHAT
Choosing the right products is essential, and this typically falls into two main categories: accessories and apparel. Each offers its own set of advantages, depending on your goals, audience, and budget. You're not alone in navigating this decision—we bring extensive experience, data insights, and market knowledge to help you curate a merchandise collection that’s both effective and aligned with your brand.
As previously mentioned, developing a merchandise range comes with upfront costs, and it’s important to select products that will move quickly and efficiently. We’ll guide you through this process in more detail, but here are our initial thoughts on product selection and how to approach building a range with confidence and strategy.
Accessories are often seen as secondary—items that exist simply to complement something more important. But we don’t entirely agree. We believe accessories can be powerful, standalone products that add real impact to any merchandise collection. They’re not just supportive—they’re strategic. Their "one-size-fits-all" nature eliminates the need for managing multiple size options, reducing leftover stock and simplifying logistics. From a production standpoint, accessories are easier to execute—logos don’t need to be resized for different fits, and there's less risk of customer returns due to sizing issues. That makes them not only efficient but also reliable.
Here’s why accessories are such a smart choice:
Advantage Explanation
• Lower CostAccessories Caps, keychains, waterbottles are generally cheaper to produce than apparel.
• Universal Fit No need to worry about sizes, which simplifies inventory and improves customer satisfaction.
• More Frequent Use Items like mugs, phone cases, or notebooks are used daily, keeping your brand in constant view.
• High Portability Small and lightweight, they’re perfect for giveaways, events, and easy shipping.
• Collectible Appeal Accessories can be turned into limited editions or sets, creating demand among fans and collectors.
• Versatility Ideal for experimenting with designs, colors, or collaborations—without significant financial risk.
Apparel—such as T-shirts, hoodies etc—offers a bold and highly visible platform for brand expression. With its larger surface area, apparel turns every wearer into a brand ambassador, making it a powerful medium for storytelling, identity, and connection. Unlike accessories, apparel can foster a deeper emotional bond with consumers, often becoming part of their personal style. It’s also perceived as a higher-value item, making it well-suited for monetized collections, limited-edition drops, and fashion-forward marketing. While accessories are ideal for broad reach and everyday utility, apparel delivers impact, aspirational appeal, and long-term brand engagement. The most effective collections often balance both, using accessories for scale and apparel for substance.
Advantage Explanation
• High Visibility Apparel has a larger surface area for branding and is more visible in public settings.
• Emotional Connection Wearing branded apparel can create a strong sense of identity and loyalty.
• Perceived Value Apparel is often seen as more valuable, making it great for premium merch or paid items.
• Fashion Statement Apparel allows fans/customers to wear your brand as part of their personal style.
• Influencer-Friendly T-shirts and hoodies photograph well for social media or influencer campaigns.
DOING THE HOW
Once you’ve answered the all-important “why” behind your merchandise strategy—whether it's to drive revenue, boost engagement, or amplify brand awareness—the “how” becomes much clearer. Execution can take many forms, each offering its own advantages. You might launch through a sleek e-commerce platform, giving your audience global access with just a few clicks. You could go tactile and immersive with in-store retail, where customers can feel the quality, connect with the brand physically, and walk away with an instant purchase. Or, you may choose to activate at events—pop-ups, festivals, trade shows—where limited-edition merch turns into a memorable moment, driving hype and exclusivity. Each channel becomes a stage for your story, and the way you sell becomes part of the brand experience itself.