OPINION
It’s time for an extinction event
Let’s bring an end to the era of poorly conceived promotional merchandise and usher in a new dawn of brand-rich and strategic merch that makes a difference to your bottom line.
Let’s bring an end to the era of poorly conceived promotional merchandise and usher in a new dawn of brand-rich and strategic merch that makes a difference to your bottom line.
A big problem. It's plagued by outdated practices and a legacy of missed opportunities. There are dinosaurs roaming everywhere, stuck in a prehistoric mindset of transactional exchanges and too little in the way of added value.
But, dare we say it, there’s a problem in marketing departments too. Too often merchandise is an afterthought. It’s not given any serious attention or gravitas. It’s not strategic or brand-aligned. It gets delegated down the tree and it’s rarely scrutinised by senior staff—often flying under the radar as “shadow” marketing spend and delivering anything but tangible results.
At ORB, we see a promotional merchandise industry that’s content with the status quo. We see the traditional distributors, deeply entrenched in the old ways of doing business. Focusing solely on transactions rather than meaningful brand engagement. They pretend to understand marketing, brand and customers, but they're talking the talk without walking the walk.
What they fail to recognise is that merchandise, when mishandled, becomes a mere commodity rather than a powerful brand touchpoint. And let's be clear: nobody needs another cheap mug with basic logo branding to clutter their desk or a forgettable t-shirt to sleep in.
The good news is, it doesn’t have to be that way. As a Marketer, you have a choice to make.
You can keep on treading that over-trodden path with the same old stale suppliers, creating more badly branded products with no value to your audience which, best case, end up in a local charity shop.
Or you can start weaving merchandise thinking into your broader brand and marketing strategy, and realise demonstrable successes in acquisition, retention and loyalty. You can start generating returns. Not simply adding to costs.
What if we told you that promotional merchandise could be transformative? That instead of being an afterthought, it could be a cornerstone of your brand strategy? This is not just about giving away freebies; it's about crafting stories, experiences, and connections.
At ORB, we challenge the notion that merchandise is a mere cost. We see it as an investment—an opportunity to make a lasting impression on your customers and employees. Imagine merchandise that people not only want to keep but are proud to use and show off. That’s the merchandise that can turn customers into brand ambassadors and employees into loyal advocates.
Senior leaders, consider this: the investment in promotional products is not insignificant. When executed poorly, it's a wasted opportunity at best. At worst, it can detract from your brand's image. But when aligned with your brand's core values and integrated into your marketing strategy, merchandise becomes a potent tool for enhancing brand perception and loyalty.
The approach at ORB is different. We’re not just suppliers; we’re partners in brand storytelling. We work with you to understand your brand ethos and craft merchandise that embodies this identity. This is about more than logos on plastic—it's about meaningful products that resonate with your audience's values and lifestyle.
It’s time for a change. The industry needs a shake-up, and ORB is leading the charge. We’re here to revolutionise how brands think about and use merchandise.
It’s not about churning out generic forgettable landfill-fodder. It’s about delivering strategic solutions that help you to build lasting relationships and meaningful connections. Creating memorable, impactful brand experiences which genuinely deliver against your customer and staff acquisition, retention, and loyalty goals.
Give us a call. We'll help you to rethink what promotional merchandise can do for your brand and business. Don’t settle for mediocrity. Aspire for more.
Merchandise is dead. Long live merchandise.
We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver a considered, strategic and brand-aligned service that stands out from the crowd. At ORB, it's all about the graft and the craft.
We'll work hard, think deeply and always have your best interests at heart.
Proactively overcoming challenges to meet your exact needs.
Sourcing the best products and prices by engaging multiple suppliers.
Maintaining clear communication at every stage of the project.
Pursuing cost-effective solutions without compromising quality.
Ensuring direct involvement from our MD until you’re fully onboarded.
We bring creativity, insight and a people-first approach to every solution.
Starting with the “why” to ensure solutions align with your goals.
Focusing on audience needs and behaviours before suggesting products.
Delivering creative product treatments that enhance your brand’s identity.
Presenting ideas in a compelling way that simplifies decision-making.
Always looking ahead to your next opportunity for success.