Bring the Heat: Turn Up Your Summer Branding
As the temperatures rise, so do opportunities to engage with customers, clients, and employees. Summer is the perfect time to boost brand visibility, build stronger relationships, and create moments that stick. With the right branded merch, your brand won’t just be seen—it’ll be remembered. This playbook provides actionable tips to help your brand shine all summer long.
Keep Your Logo in the Spotlight All Summer Long
Choose High-Retention, Everyday Items
Make sure your brand becomes part of your audience’s daily routine with products they’ll use consistently. Think insulated drinkware, stylish apparel, and durable tote bags. Items like these are essential for beach trips, errands, and outdoor adventures, making them perfect for summer. ASI research shows that top promotional product categories can generate over 5,000 impressions throughout their lifetime.
Upgrade to Premium, Must-Have Gear
Want to go beyond the basics? Step up your game with high-value items like custom coolers, Bluetooth speakers, and sleek sunglasses. PPAI research reveals that 72% of consumers associate the quality of a promotional product to the company’s reputation. Offering high-value products reinforces positive associations that stay long after the summer ends.
Build Culture with Employee Gifts
When employees feel valued, they don’t just represent your brand—they champion it. Appreciation kits with branded hats, hydration gear, and outdoor essentials foster team pride and reinforce company values. The right branded products create a ripple effect of positivity, strengthening your workforce and extending your brand’s reach beyond the office.
Leverage Summer Events for Maximum Exposure
Make a Statement at Events
From trade shows to festivals, summer is prime time to get your brand in front of the right audience. Think beyond traditional giveaways—branded backpacks, engraved notebooks, and influencer-worthy merch turn swag into a status symbol.
For an even bigger impact, create experiential moments with pop-up lounges, photo booths, or branded charging stations. The more interactive, the more memorable.
Engage Gen Z with Connected Swag
Looking to connect with the digital-first generation? QR codes and NFC tap products bridge the gap between physical and digital, linking to exclusive content, contests, or social media activations. When done right, your giveaways don’t just get used—they get shared.
Boost Team Pride with Branded Merchandise
Company retreats and team-building events deserve more than a logo on a water bottle. Think custom adventure gear, location-inspired apparel, or even branded outdoor games. These items create lasting memories and double as long-term marketing tools.
Stay Smart, Sustainable, and Trend-Forward
Embrace Sustainability Without Losing Style
Eco-friendly is more than a trend—it’s an expectation. Reusable drinkware, biodegradable totes, and eco-conscious apparel show your brand’s commitment to sustainability. In fact, research shows that 90% of Gen Z consumers are willing to pay more for products with sustainable packaging. Brands that integrate eco-friendly items into their promotions demonstrate their commitment to environmental responsibility, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.
Quality Over Quantity
Trendy, well-made products are kept, used, and talked about. 90% of Gen Z are likely to recommend brands that offer high-quality promotional products. Invest in trendy, well-made products, particularly in categories like apparel, accessories, and self-care. High-quality items lead to higher engagement and lasting loyalty from your audience.
Prioritize Usefulness for Lasting Impact
A promo item’s lifespan depends on one thing: usefulness. PPAI research shows 75% of consumers hold onto promotional products because they’re useful. Functional, high-quality gifts like hybrid work essentials (custom laptop bags, portable chargers), picnic sets, and travel accessories—seamlessly integrate into daily life. Thoughtful, practical items keep your brand top of mind and help build trust and long-term loyalty.
Support Wellness with Thoughtful Gifts
Employee wellness isn’t just a workplace initiative—it’s a retention strategy. Gifts—like yoga mats, beach chairs, and hydration gear—are not only practical but also promote physical well-being. Wellness gifts show employees you value their health, which will boost morale, productivity, and engagement, while strengthening your company culture and loyalty.
Let HALO Help You Own the Summer
This summer, let’s make your brand impossible to ignore. Whether you’re doubling down on sustainability, upgrading to premium merch, or creating unforgettable experiences, HALO has the expertise (and the products) to help you shine—long after the season ends.
Looking for summer inspiration? Dive into our curated collection here: Destination Summer Catalog
