There are lots of opportunities for corporate outings in the summer – ball games, charity runs, community events and employee picnics to name a few. And in addition to the company affairs, employees and customers are spending time at the beach or pool; enjoying golf, tennis or fishing; and just hanging in the yard or at the park with the family. All of this time in the sun gives every company the perfect opportunity to increase brand visibility with stylish gear meant to protect their audience from those harmful rays.
Consider a few of the most popular items on the market today.
- Rash Guards: Originally designed for surfers, these fast-drying lightweight shirts offer UV protection and warmth, and are available in both long sleeve and short sleeve styles in a wide variety of colors.
- Sun Hats: Move beyond the standard ball cap, and embrace sun hats in any of the many fashion-forward styles like booney hats, bucket hats and fedoras.
- Board Shorts: Offered with or without side pockets, board shorts come in different lengths and colors, and are constructed of moisture wicking, fast drying fabric.
- Hiking/Boating/Fishing Shirts: Vented backs, long or short sleeves and multiple pockets offer necessary features on a shirt that is also made with fabric that packs light, dries fast and provides UV sun protection.
- Sunglasses: There are classically cool styles and modern fashionable designs, but everyone needs a pair of sunglasses for protection from the sun, wind and dust … not to mention the fun of having different eyewear for different activities and outfits.
- Cooling Towels: Simply soak the towel in water, wring it out, snap it a few times, and voila! a cool refreshing towel to get reinvigorated on a hot day.
All of these items can be branded with corporate logos, which means there are multiple opportunities to increase brand awareness this summer. Give a stylish stay-cool item as your next giveaway to keep those rays at bay.
42% of U.S. consumers who keep promotional hats do so because they are attractive. Although it seems to be stating the obvious, hats need to look good to be worn. And if there is a choice to be made between a unique, well-designed hat and one that is boring in its color and logo decoration, then it’s likely the well-designed cap will win the day.
High fashion labels have embraced the clear tote, and your corporate customers have noticed. Originally a utilitarian accessory meant to make passage into sports stadiums, schools and airport security lines easier, clear totes are showing up on fashion runways, and in stores from Urban Outfitters to Nordstrom.
Rain slickers are back! Originally this classic outdoor rain jacket was offered only in the traditional maritime yellow. Heavy, but functional, it was created for those brave souls who worked outside.
Spring and summer weather brings sunshine (finally!), and as we greet the warm rays, everyone will be reaching for their sunglasses. That inevitable need for stylish eye protection gives every company the opportunity to showcase their brand in a subtle, but effective way.
The history of bicycling has left many believing that it’s a sport limited to the very young or the super-fit. But, in reality, the times are changing. More than 100 million Americans rode a bike in 2014, and bicycles have out-sold cars most years in the US since 2003.
Effective marketing efforts should bring the brand message to customers through many different channels. Social media, event sponsorships, and experiential marketing are all proven promotional methods that help build the brand equity. To support these efforts, the company logo must be visible, the promotional materials creative, and the logo treatment consistent.
T-shirts, sweatshirts and hoodies are wardrobe staples for everyone. Consumers of comfort clothing will wear a well-designed tee under jackets and blazers; statement sweatshirts can be seen at the gym or, if you’re paying attention, even on many of Taylor Swift’s recent album performances; and hoodies, whether zip-up or pullover, remain a slightly edgy article of clothing that is embraced by youth-driven communities.
Brand management is vital for the success of any organization. It affects every aspect of a brand’s products, communications and marketing. The corporate brand manager is the on-staff gatekeeper for your brand, but what about all the companies you partner with to help you get the word out?
newfound identity 