Trends to Look for in 2021!
As the year comes to an end, this gives us an opportunity to look back and reflect on product trends that stood out in the promotional marketing industry. Based on this analysis we are able to make predictions as to the direction promo is headed in the future, allowing distributors to better prepare their product offering for the following years. It is not always about simply adding new options, but rather understanding how those products play into larger aspects of society. This will ensure that your clients will always have the best, and most relevant products in the market available to them.
Sustainability
Emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly products is a trend we expect will continue to grow in 2021. As cities and states introduce bans of single use plastics, this creates demand for items such as tote bags, drinkware, and products made from recycled materials. Clients looking to gain positive brand association will be looking to add their logos to products that promote eco-consciousness. Distributors should consider marketing products made from natural resources such as bamboo, and seek to add more bag options for clients to use in different settings.
Retail Inspired Apparel
Trends in retail are also an important indicator to determine where the future of the industry could be headed. Retail trends tell us a lot about the public’s preferences and taste, which clients can use to build brand awareness. These trends are often temporary and part of fads that come and go as quickly as they became popular. This is why as a distributor it is important to stay in the loop, so you can help clients capitalize on these trends before the next one takes over. Loungewear and Athleisure will be huge next year as business owners will look to invest less in formal office wear as many workplaces have made a shift from traditional office settings to work from home arrangement. Expand your product offerings to include apparel that combines the comfort of athletic wear with the retail appeal of unique fabric blends. The result is sporty yet visually attractive clothing that offers the perfect balance between comfort and style.
Multi-Purpose
Lastly, we expect products that have multiple purposes to rise as an effective tool for promotion in 2021. This trend may come as a surprise but makes sense when you consider the effects the pandemic has had on the economy, which has forced many industries to look to low cost alternatives for advertising. The concept behind this trend is to maximize the effect of a message by branding items that can be used in different situations. Whether it's multi-tool items, combination products or versatile items that can be used in different ways, all of these products increase the likelihood of a message being seen. As a distributor you can create offers that emphasize on this group of products, knowing that budget will be more of a factor, clients will be interested in logoed items that increase exposure.
While some trends will never go out of style, others are quickly evolving and rapidly growing. Ensuring your product line up is constantly being updated with the latest products in the market creates more ways for clients to connect with their audience. As a distributor staying ahead of current trends allows you to better plan and execute your offers for the upcoming year.