Branded merchandise is having a moment.
From big-box retailers to the NFL runway, merch is no longer just about utility—it’s about storytelling, style, and culture. Let’s dive into why this trend is so captivating and explore some buzzworthy examples.
Why Merch Matters More Than Ever
Branded merch is no longer confined to tradeshows, sales meetings and client gifting. It’s become a vehicle for brand identity and a way to connect with passionate communities.
The shift towards creative, high-quality designs has elevated merch from “nice-to-have” to “must-have.” Big brands are noticing, and the results are eye-catching. Check out some of our favorite newsworthy branded merch moments over the last few weeks.
1. Poppi’s Bold Move to Target
Who knew soda could be so chic? Poppi, the gut-health soda brand known for its playful branding and millennial aesthetic, has officially brought its merchandise to Target. Yes, you heard that right, Target is now selling Poppi branded clothing.
In addition to buying cans of Poppi soda, fans can also grab colorful caps, totes, and apparel in-store at Target. This strategic move blurs the line between retail and lifestyle branding, making branded merch what the young kids say, “a vibe”.
2. Merch from Pop Culture Moments
We LOVE when merch opportunities come from pop culture magic. We’ve all seen the interview with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo where the interviewer asks the two actresses about “people connecting with the lyrics and holding space with that”. Cynthia’s reaction, for an unbeknownst reason, immediately became viral on social media. Grande, supporting her co-lead, reached for Erivo’s hand but wound up cradling her fingernail instead, a moment that went viral on its own.
Soon after, a merch line celebrating the viral moment was available. And it’s all really solid merch. Pop culture merch isn’t just about memorabilia—it’s a way for fans to feel part of the story.
Just goes to show that there is always an opportunity to be creative!
3. NFL Merch Gets a Glow-Up
Sports merchandise has gone high fashion. With collaborations featuring top-tier designers like Emma Grede and Kristin Juszczyk, the NFL is embracing a fresh, elevated aesthetic.
The New York Times explored this trend, asking, “Do football fans really want to be fashionable?” Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding yes. You can expect to see chic pieces celebrating your favorite teams in the coming years, catering to a more discerning, style-conscious audience.
Why This Trend is So Interesting
What’s fascinating about these examples is how merch has evolved from promotional swag into a powerful extension of brand identity. Whether it’s soda, Broadway, or sports, merch is creating new avenues for fan engagement. It’s personal, stylish, and taps into shared passions.
As brands continue to innovate, one thing is clear: merch is no longer just an accessory. It’s a statement.
