Why Killing Branded Merch Hurts Your Brand

Lately, more companies have started moving away from branded merchandise—and honestly, I think it’s a mistake. In this episode, I break down why banning or avoiding branded merch can actually weaken your marketing instead of improving it. Great merch isn’t just about putting a logo on an item. When it’s done well, it builds awareness, creates connection, reinforces messaging, and keeps your brand visible in ways digital marketing alone simply can’t. The problem isn’t branded merch itself. The problem is bad strategy, lazy execution, and treating merch like an afterthought instead of a meaningful part of the brand experience. If you care about marketing that creates real engagement and long-term brand impact, this conversation matters.