2025 Branded Merchandise Statistics That May Surprise You
The promotional products world isn’t just alive, it’s scaling.
The numbers behind the promo industry tell a story louder than any sales pitch. Whether you're a legacy brand or an upstart, these stats reveal exactly where things are headed and why smart merch decisions are about way more than slapping a logo on a pen.
Here are the most surprising stats coming out of 2025, and how they connect to the bold, sustainability-forward world Rupt is building for brand merch.
65% of distributors anticipate continued sales growth from 2025
(Source: PPAI)
We’re in the middle of a full-on surge. Merch demand is rising, and brands are hungry for gear that actually gets used. The days of cheap, forgettable giveaways are fading. In their place are smarter, better-crafted pieces with staying power.
90% of people remember the brand after receiving a promo item
(Source: Sellers Commerce)
Promo merch locks in memory. Especially when it feels premium, intentional, and useful. At Rupt, we design pieces that live on desks, in bags, and in everyday moments. It's not just because we want to be proud of the products we produce, it's because that's what the industry needs. That’s how merch becomes a real brand asset. Not just part of a pile in a landfill.
73% of recipients are more likely to do business with the brand
That’s what happens when merch connects and does the job. It’s not just about brand recall. It’s about building a relationship. One item and one interaction can be the beginning of brand trust. If someone receives a high quality piece of promo merch, that's a much stronger foundation for trust than a logo-slapped keychain.
99% of people are willing to go out of their way to get merch they actually want
(Source: Sellers Commerce)
People will hunt for good merch. Limited drops, event exclusives, or just gear that feels like it belongs. Whether it’s a dual-use charging station or a speaker with second-life packaging that becomes a desk clock, it’s all built to be wanted, to be sought-after.
Over 90% of consumers say sustainability matters, and 25% say it’s extremely important
(Source: PPAI)
Being sustainable isn’t a bonus anymore, it’s expected. Rupt prioritizes recycled materials, offsets carbon emissions, and offers international shipping with lower impact in mind. Doing better for the planet should not be optional. It should be built into the way merch gets made and moved.
38.25% of promotional product sales are office accessories
(Source: SAGE)
Nearly 4 out of 10 promo purchases are things people use at work. Think wireless chargers, multi-device cords, or mini desk speakers. These are the kinds of everyday tools that keep your brand visible and valuable all day long.
The Bottom Line
Promotional products are no longer just swag, they’re strategy. The right product, with the right purpose and design, builds long-term brand equity. Rupt makes the merch that gets remembered. Not because it's loud. But because it's built to add value, and built to last.