Industry News

Just like companies, higher ed marketers don’t have unlimited budgets. Every branded merch decision involves balancing cost, reach, quality, and impact. A new consumer study from the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), based on responses from more than 3,400 U.S. consumers, reinforces something many enrollment and advancement teams already know: people keep branded merch that’s useful, relevant, and fits into their lives. For colleges and universities, that’s an important reminder. Success isn’t about buying the most expensive item. It’s about choosing the right item for the right audience and purpose.

The best branded merch doesn’t just promote a logo – it captures a moment and turns it into meaning. When something feels special, people connect with it on a deeper level. They want to wear it, share it, and be part of the story it tells. That’s the power of merch that taps into emotion, not just logic. It leverages a few timeless principles: Exclusivity builds loyalty. Owning something “not everyone can get” makes people feel like insiders. Collaboration creates energy. Partnering with another brand, artist, or influencer brings audiences

Staying ahead of trends in branded merchandise is key to creating influential and memorable experiences for students, alumni, and donors. After attending PPAI’s (Promotional Products Association International) 2025 Expo – the largest promotional products showcase, we’re excited to share some of the most relevant trends and how they can help admissions, alumni, and advancement teams elevate their engagement strategies. Here’s what’s making waves in the world of branded merch and how your institution can take advantage. 1. Live Activations With more events returning to in-person formats, interactive brand experiences are

When it comes to deciding on the perfect branded merch for your project, you’ll want to consider the quantity, budget, product color, imprint and date needed. But it doesn’t stop there – there are many more details to consider, so we’ve gathered the best practices to ensure your collaboration with Magellan is a resounding success! Finding the Perfect Product Before you dive into the vast sea of product options, consider a few key factors. While searching on your own for products may seem easier, we always recommend connecting with your

Each year, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), collects, analyzes and reports on sales in the industry. In 2022, the Promotional Products Industry reached $25.5 billion for the first time ever! And that was a 15.6% increase in sales over 2021. The previous record for the industry was $24.7 billion in sales back in 2018. These numbers suggest that promo is no longer just rebounding from the pandemic, but now growing. They found the healthy return of small businesses, like Magellan Promotions, played a major role in that growth.  One

Consumers are more interested than ever in sustainable and eco-friendly products and learning about the businesses that make these products. A 2020 study revealed that consumers globally are four to six times more likely to purchase from and champion purpose-driven companies. And according to the 2021 Global Sustainability Study, 85 percent of people indicate they have shifted their purchase behavior toward being more sustainable in the past five years. Eco-friendly promo merch has become increasingly popular in recent years as consumers have become more conscious of their impact on the