The Merch Drop

Ep 162 05-01-2023 Creative merch ideas from brands like Starbucks, Panera Bread, Sweetgreen, and HBO's hit show Succession. Discover how these brands are using unique merch to engage their fans and customers and discover how you can apply these strategies to your own marketing campaigns. - Starbucks x Brandon Blackwood: A luxury bottle holder for the Starbucks Pink Drink and Paradise Drink, availa...

Exciting merch for marketing campaigns Indiana Jones, McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, and more! From innovative packaging designs to movie-themed merchandise, and from quirky promos like Red Lobster's drip bibs for prom to cool collaborations like Aubrey Plaza's "wood milk" spoof, these brands are killing it with their promotional strategies. Don't forget Tito's Vodka's "Walk-tail" Collection supporting...

🍻 Budweiser is spinning us right round with their coaster-sized vinyl records, promoting underground artists. Don't own a record player? No worries, you can still jam out on Spotify! Go Bud for supporting indie talent! 🤦‍♂️ Walmart Canada had an awkward moment with an environmentally friendly t-shirt that accidentally spelled something nasty. Oops! Maybe a better review process next time, eh? 💅...

Pizza Hut's collab with Chain is worth a mention - they're selling reversible bucket hats that look like their iconic stained glass table lamps. But you can only get them when they drop. The Future King of England finally got the crown, but he's not down to wear the Burger King crown offered by fans. Elton John's got some pricey tour merch for sale, including a boot-shaped candle for 250 pounds. T...

Ep 158 03-30-2023 The New York Yankees have gone viral in Brazil, where the majority of Brazilians don't even know that the Yankees are a baseball team. Benjamin Moore Paint celebrates painting contractors with its trendy new MA®KET clothing line for young, fashion-conscious painting contractors. Pop-Tarts released a new flavor, Banana Bread, along with a limited edition crocheted sweater. Liquid...

Ep 157 03-23-2023 We've got the return of a 90s snack, Dunkaroos, and they even came out with some cool new sneakers. Jack Daniels is still fighting the battle against a silly dog toy called Bad Spaniel. The NBA is stepping up their email game by making personalized emails, and Northwestern Mutual is trying to reach Gen Z with their Pinterest board called the Great Realization. Oh, and Clinique ha...

Ep 156 03-16-2023 Former employees of Silicon Valley Bank are selling their old company merch on eBay. I mean, sure, a cutting board with the company logo might seem cool, but do you really want to risk a used one? And don't even get me started on the knock-off stuff. I saw a "risk management department pint glass" that's obviously fake. Like, how much swag does one bank risk management department...

Funko is throwing away $30 Million worth of toys! Oreo is introducing frozen treats and giving away a very 'cool' freezer (see what I did there?). And Pizza Hut is bringing back March Madness Basketballs, and you can use your Big New Yorker box as a hoop! Watch this on YouTube: https://youtu.be/PFxyEJf8Q18 If you have a side hustle, a start-up, or a brick-and-mortar business, or just want to hear...

Ep 154 03-02-2023 Twitter isn't paying it's bills. They owe for and private jets, but also for some more lavish expenses - like luxury whiskey and swag! Cinemark has opened up online preorders for a limited edition 'Scream VI' collectible Ghostface Popcorn Tub. Fans want to know where Marvel has hidden their Ant-Man and The Wasp SF Giants hats. Canadian National Treasure Ryan Reynolds' Terry Fox F...

Ep 153 02-23-2023 Today I get to unbox my Jameson Whiskey Desk Decoy for St Patrick's Day! Smashburger is offering a macaroni-shaped body pillow to celebrate their new "S'mac N Cheese Burger" - or are they? Boban Marjanović can hold 301 Pepperidge Farm Goldfish in his huge hand. And you can too, with a replica Boban hand/Goldfish bowl. Wanna see your dream collab? Try it with AI! Watch this episod...

Ep 152 02-16-2023 Panera wants you to carry your sandwich in a BAGuette Purse, Fordham University "Parody" merch shop is open, and Jameson Whiskey wants you to take some St Paddy's Time Off. Every week join Rich Graham and Amber Jewell as they discuss marketing with swag, merch, apparel, and custom branded promotional products. Watch this episode on youtube: https://youtu.be/KQHPMo7jckw Join us LI...

Ep 151 02-09-2023 How to use merch if you run an independent coffee shop, and SPAM is doing a collab with some travel and food influencers. A short one today! Every week join Rich Graham and Amber Jewell as they discuss marketing with swag, merch, apparel, and custom branded promotional products. Join us LIVE on Thursdays at noon eastern time. https://bigpromo.live/youtube https://fb.com/BigPromot...

Bushwood is open to new members! Michelob Ultra recruits Tony Romo, Serena Williams, Brian Cox, and lots more for their "big game" commercial. Heinz Ketchup drops the ball on registering a logical version of the domain for their big game promotion. Campbell's Chunky Ghost Pepper Soup is so spicy you have to sign a 'waiver' to try it - but not really. Cool swag too! Watch this on youtube: https://y...

Ep 149 1-26-2023 A&W took it up a notch and roasted M&Ms on Twitter. Montrealers braved the cold this winter to line up in a snowstorm for a chance to buy Nike's limited edition Bagel Dunks. Meanwhile, Philly Cream Cheese joined in the fun and got on the 'Bagel Dunk' bandwagon by creating some fake 'Cream Cheese' socks. Valentine's Day is a special day for White Castle, as they bring back...

Ep 148 01-19-2023 Amber found McDonald's new UK campaign to "Raise Your Arches". Rich highlights the Dolly Parton X Duncan Hines collab for some new baking mixes. Other topics include Heineken 0.0's Super Bowl ad starring Paul Rudd as Ant-Man, Jimmy John's Clothing Store, Chex Mix collaborating with hip-hop legend Sir Mix-A-Lot to bring back the iconic bagel chip, and Alcohol Advertising Scotland’...

Ep 147 01-12-2023 American Girl has announced Kavi Sharma as the 2023 Girl of the Year. Timex has developed a line of Bored Ape watches to align with their NFTs. Royal Docks had a cool beer release by hiding Backyard Crusher Lawn Chairs around town. Every week join Rich Graham and Amber Jewell as they discuss marketing with swag, merch, apparel, and custom branded promotional products. Join us LIV...

TCU is playing in the National Championship Monday night, and their 'hypnotoad' meme mascot will be there in full swing on tie dye hoodies and tees. Martha Stewart has shared her “dry January hacks” for Tito’s Vodka, which encourages abstention from alcohol for the month but still getting your Tito's on and offering TIto's bottle attachments to repurpose unused vodka. Nature Made has rejected age-...

H&M removed the Justin Bieber collection that he had previously dismissed as "trash". This caused a stir among fans and the fashion industry alike. Triscuit is embracing it's unapologetic side, collaborating with Gordon Ramsay. Liquid Death made headlines when a fan survived a skydiving crash and was rewarded with the "Hard To Kill" tee. Jack Daniels has a trademark dispute going to the Suprem...

Ep 144 12-22-2022 Snoop Dogg is in the consumer products business: from cereal and snacks to pet products. Hefty released their Snack Scarf to help people smuggle food from holiday parties, while Busch Light created 'Bush Lights' beer can lights for the holiday season. Franzia Wines also launched an inflatable boxed wine lawn decoration, in addition to Ugly Christmas Sweater with Lights. Hot Pocke...

MINI partners with ICE CREAM to help the Polar Bears, White Claw is teaming up with Netflix for the latest 'Knives Out' movie. And HOP WTR wants you to lock away your booze for Dry January. Also BPC friend of the show Liquid Death wins a marketing award for their Georgia Voter Fanny Pack promotion. Every week join Rich Graham and Amber Jewell as they discuss marketing with swag, merch, apparel, an...

Ep 142 12-08-2022 As we head into the holiday season, many brands are releasing their own special merch in order to capitalize on the Christmas cheer. From Miller High Life's leg lamp beer tower to H-E-B's brand store, it seems that just about every company is getting into the act. While some people may be growing tired of all the branded merch, others find it fun and festive. What do you think? E...

Ep 141 12-01-2022 Chick-fil-A is finally getting into the merch biz, with apparel, accessories, home goods, and more available for purchase. And YES you can order stuff on Sundays! Crown Royal is launching a program to send military care packages to soldiers. Corona is giving away lit palm trees, akin to their iconic, seasonal palm tree commercial. Lindsay Lohan stars in a new Pepsi ad, and HelloF...

A special Thanksgiving episode featuring branded gift ideas for your friends and family! A White Castle Ugly Sweater will make you the hit at your holiday parties. The new Cheetos Duster will make Aunt Nellie's salmon mousse irresistible. A Vlasic Pickle Candle for the pickle lover in you life, and a Jameson Whiskey Bottle Tree you can place on top of your Miller Lite Christmas Tree Keg Stand. All...

Ep 139 11-17-2022 Rich is at it again, bringing you the latest in merch marketing! Velveeta wants you to text them late at night for a "Foodie Call" - va va voom! Marty McFly and DocBrown from Back To The Future have launched a merch line, with proceeds benefitting Parkinson's research. Coors Light is getting cute with color changing Nail Polish. And a craft brewery in Vermont has a clever marketi...

Ep 138 11-10-2022 This week Rich is flying solo, bringing you the latest in merch marketing! Southern Comfort has release 'drinking pants' that include a shot glass pocket, and their slogan emblazoned across the ass - kind like the Juicy Mayo pants from last week's episode. McDonalds UK is giving away a 'gaming chair' as part of a sweepstakes. Starbucks has released their 25th anniversary cups, an...