From Aldi to National Parks, branded merchandise is no longer an afterthought — it’s an extension of your brand. Here’s what your business can learn.
I decided to hit up the merch booth at a Jason Isbell concert I attended earlier this year. The line wrapped through the lobby, into another room, and spilled out into the theatre, stopping a few rows before the stage. I parked it and slowly made my way through the labyrinth of like-minded fans until I finally reached the booth—only to realize the T-shirt I wanted was a whopping $50. I took a look at the tag and, noticing it was made from recycled plastics, shrugged and paid the man.
And despite the ever-rising prices and never-ending line, so did hundreds of other people that night. That kind of enthusiasm around merch is no longer exclusive to bands. People are lining up for it at gas stations, grocery stores, and even fast food chains. What used to be an afterthought is now a powerful way to build loyalty, create buzz, and deepen customer connection.
Branded Merch as a Cultural Shift
Merch used to mean a free pen or a stress ball that went straight into a drawer—or worse, a landfill. Today, it means a reusable cup someone actually uses or a T-shirt someone wears out to dinner. People are embracing merch not just as free stuff, but as a way to signal their values, humor, and identity.
The shift is clear: consumers want merch that feels intentional, well-designed, and personal. They’re not just okay with repping their favorite brands—they’re excited about it.
Brands That Are Getting It Right
Aldi
The grocery chain’s merch drops have become fan events. From tracksuits to bucket hats, the collection feels playful, affordable, and perfectly on-brand. Each item reinforces Aldi’s identity as a no-frills, community-first retailer.
KFC
KFC leans into its quirky image with products like firelogs that smell like fried chicken, retro T-shirts, and Colonel Sanders floaties. It’s weird, it’s on-brand, and it sparks conversations.
Liquid Death
Liquid Death has mastered the art of merch that matches its irreverent tone. The water brand sells everything from skate decks to incense chambers to wearable items that look like they belong at a metal show. It’s more than just fun — it’s a way for fans to join the brand’s rebellious, tongue-in-cheek universe.
National Parks
Park-branded items don’t just look good — they also serve a mission. Many National Parks partner with nonprofits like the National Park Foundation to produce their merch. Revenue from sales helps fund conservation efforts, infrastructure, and educational programs, so people can feel good about rocking their Smokey Bear dad hat.
Why It Matters for Your Brand
Branded merch isn’t just about free exposure. It’s about offering something useful, memorable, and meaningful. When someone wears your logo on a T-shirt or carries your design on a tote, they’re endorsing your brand in the real world. It becomes a form of word-of-mouth marketing with staying power.
Bad merch gets tossed or forgotten. Great merch becomes part of someone’s daily routine.
How We Approach Merch at 3SIXTY
We treat merch the same way we treat branding: with strategy, intention, and attention to detail. Our goal isn’t to create the cheapest promo item possible, it’s to craft pieces your audience will actually want to keep.
That means understanding the culture around your brand, choosing the right materials, and designing with both form and function in mind. When done right, merch becomes part of your story.
We apply that same discernment when choosing our own branded merch. Bags and T-shirts made from recycled plastics, high-quality water bottles that reduce single-use waste, and recyclable or eco-friendly packaging all help tell the story of a creative agency that cares about the impact we have on our environment.
Final Thoughts
Branded merchandise has evolved from forgettable freebies to items people seek out and proudly use. For businesses, it’s a powerful way to build community, reward loyalty, and show off personality.
At 3SIXTY, we believe merch should be treated as another touchpoint for your brand. Let’s create something your audience will line up for.
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