2021: it’s been a year that has been one of promising changes and comebacks. We are seeing in-person events and trade shows be resurrected and a feeling of normalcy returning everywhere - especially in the promotional products industry.
Source: asicentral.com
As these changes occur, we are also seeing product trends change rather quickly. What were the biggest changes we saw in the first quarter?
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A return to non-PPE related items. Sanitizer was ranked number two in 2020, but dropped down to the number 10 spot. Other healthcare related items like touchless openers, gaiters, thermometers and antimicrobial products fell off of the list completely.
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Masks: without doubt, face masks topped the charts as the most searched for promotional product, whether imprinted or blank. Although still ranking at the top for searches, the overall search rate for masks dropped by 20%.
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Seasonal: with the pandemic prompting people to get outdoors items like coolers, towels and golf products reemerged and had a large upsurge of interest.
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Pens: Although pens have always remained at the top of the list, pens gained even more steam, as many establishments like banks and restaurants, made decisions to make pens a “single-use” item, in order to avoid spreading germs through multiple uses.
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Home items: with many companies now choosing to have their staff permanently working from home, home and comfort items proved popular. Blankets, candles, towels, spa products and kitchen items all made significant jumps in popularity.
As things continue to normalize in the next quarter, what do we expect to see grow in popularity? Here are our predictions:
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Golf: with golf season starting in Q2 and golf events starting to make a comeback, we expect to see things like golf balls and golf apparel make a jump. With warmer weather approaching, we will also expect to see fitness related items start an upward progression.
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Signage and Displays: as mentioned earlier, with trade shows and other in-person events slowly making their way back, we expect this category to gain a lot of momentum.
What initiatives does your company have for the remainder of the year? Will you be planning any events, either in-person or virtual? Will any of the trending products listed above be in your promotional marketing plan? Reach out and let us know; we’d love to hear your plans: communications@crosscountryus.com