169+ Promotional Product Statistics: What Works in 2025, What Doesn't, and Why!

(Credit: Grand View Research)

U.S. Promotional Products Market Size

North America (U.S.)

In 2024, North American distributors set a record with USD 26.6 billion in sales

(Credit: ASI)

U.S. Distributors’ Promotional Products Sales Over the Past 10 Years

Industry Performance by Year ($)

Year	Industry Performance ($)
2015	20,808,170,722
2016	21,304,931,457
2017	23,285,980,409
2018	24,746,578,839
2019	24,223,484,868
2020	19,617,112,147
2021	22,077,935,415
2022	25,522,419,472
2023	26,094,912,163
2024	26,780,831,357

Promo products market size in Canada

(Credit: PPAI)

In 2024, PPAI research valued the Canadian promotional products market at CAD 1.35 billion (about USD 983 million), marking a 0.81% increase from 2023’s CAD 1.33 billion.

Promo products market size in China

In 2024, China’s promotional products market was valued at USD 2.744 billion, according to Cognitive Market Research, and is projected to grow at a 5.5% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2030.

Promo products market size in India

India’s promotional products market was valued at approximately USD 731.8 million in 2024, with an expected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.8% through 2030.

Promo products market size in the UK

(Credit: ASI)

In 2024, the U.K. promotional products market reached £1.232 billion, up 4.2% from 2023.

Promo products market size in Australia

According to Cognitive Market Research, Australia’s promotional products sales were USD 0.923 billion in 2021 and USD 1.071 billion in 2025. The industry is expected to reach USD 1.436 billion by 2033, growing at a 3.739% CAGR each year.

3. Consumer Response to Promotional Products

How Consumers Respond to Promotional Products

When asked what promotional products they owned, most consumers named a pen or a drinkware item.

(Credit: ASI)

When asked about promotional products, most consumers said they enjoy receiving them, want them again and again, and judge a brand by its quality. Here's how they respond:

(Credit: PPAI)

• 96% of people want to know in advance when a company is giving away promotional products.
• 8 out of 10 people love receiving promotional products.
• 7 out of 10 people wish they could receive promotional products more often.
• 79% of people pass along promotional products that are no longer valuable (regifted, sold, or donated).
• 80% of people have an immediate reaction when they receive a promotional product from a company they’ve never heard of.
• 72% believe that the quality of a promotional product reflects the reputation of a company.

When asked how they currently use promotional merchandise, businesses responded as follows:

(Credit: Suzannelynchdesign)

• 32% use it for tradeshow giveaways
• 26% use it for customer engagement
• 23% use it as a sales incentive
• 13% use it for employee engagement
• 6% use it for other purposes

How long do people typically keep promotional products?

On average, people keep promotional products for about a year. Outerwear, umbrellas, and t-shirts last the longest in consumers’ hands, while calendars, writing instruments, and headwear are kept for the shortest time.

(Credit: fairware)

Average Months Promotional Items Are Kept

Promotional Item	Average Months Kept
Outerwear	16
Umbrellas	14
T-Shirts	14
USB Drives	13
Desk Accessories	13
Polo Shirts	13
Mobile Power Banks	12
Drinkware	12
Bags	11
Headwear	10
Writing Instruments	9
Calendars	8

The 28 Best Promotional Products

When asked which promotional products they’d really like, American consumers made their preferences clear. From everyday essentials to fun extras, here are the top 28 items they want most — ranked by the exact percentage who said "yes, please."

4. Promotional Product Impressions Study

(Credit: Sellerscommerce)

For maximum reach, choose outerwear — it delivers 7,856 impressions, more than double that of most other promotional items.

See the table below for the impressions created by different promotional products over their lifetime.

5. Promotional products statistics by industry

At GiftAFeeling, our TSSL Lab—the world’s #1 research lab in gifting psychology—has been tracking how different industries rely on promotional products to build connections, increase visibility, and achieve measurable ROI. While the items may vary by sector, the purpose is the same: driving stronger engagement through branded merchandise that people actually use and remember.

From education and healthcare to finance, retail, and nonprofits, promotional products have become a core part of marketing, outreach, and retention strategies. Our latest findings reveal how much each industry spends, which product categories dominate, and why certain items (like apparel, drinkware, or safety gear) consistently outperform others.

In this section, we’re breaking down promotional product statistics by industry—highlighting top spenders, popular item categories, and proven use cases. Whether you’re in B2B services, construction, or hospitality, these insights will help you benchmark your own promotional campaigns against industry standards and make smarter, data-backed choices.

1. Education

• 13.1% of total US promotional products industry revenue comes from education.
• Has been the biggest buyer in 9 of the last 10 years.
• Generates around $3.6 billion in annual promotional product sales.
• Includes buyers from K‑12 schools, colleges, trade schools, and even summer camps.
• Promoes are used to build school spirit, event attendance, admissions, and alumni community.

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by educational institutions:

Promo Items by Buyer Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Buyers Purchasing
T-Shirts & Hoodies	46%
Pens & Stationery	39%
Water Bottles	33%
Lanyards & Badges	28%
Backpacks & Totes	24%

2. Healthcare

• 10.4% share of all promotional product sales comes from healthcare.
  
• Worth approximately $2.7 billion annually.
  
• Includes hospitals, clinics, dental practices, and wellness organizations.
  
• Used for patient outreach, health fairs, and staff recognition.

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by healthcare organizations:

Promo Items by Buyer Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Buyers Purchasing
Branded PPE	44%
Wellness Kits	39%
Pens	34%
Drinkware	31%
Hand Sanitizer	27%

3. Business Services (B2B)

• B2B buyers prefer apparel (39%) and office items (38%).
• Promotional products are widely used in client onboarding, trade shows, and sales kits.
• 4.3 billion USD (16% of total U.S. sales) comes from non-traditional channels, reflecting diversified B2B sourcing.
• 72% of B2B buyers see promotional products as essential to their marketing mix.
  

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by business service companies:

Promo Items by Buyer Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Buyers Purchasing
Apparel	39%
Office Items	38%
Tech Products	29%
Drinkware	25%
Bags & Totes	21%

4. Construction & Building Trades

• 6.8% share of total promotional product sales, worth over $1.8 billion.
• 41% of purchases are for branded safety gear like hard hats and vests.
• 36% of buyers prefer durable drinkware for job site use.
• 28% of companies order custom work gloves for staff.
• 52% reorder the same promotional items every year for consistency.

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by construction and trade businesses:

Promo Items by Buyer Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Buyers Purchasing
Safety Gear (PPE)	41%
Durable Drinkware	36%
Work Gloves	28%
Branded Apparel	26%
Tools & Utility	23%

5. Financial & Banking Sector

• 8.2% share of total promotional product sales, valued at over $2.1 billion.
• 72% of financial institutions use promotional products for client appreciation.
• 65% use branded items for event giveaways and sponsorships.
• 59% report higher customer retention when using personalized promotional gifts.
• 41% of promotional spend in this sector goes to premium items like leather goods and tech accessories.

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by financial institutions:

Promo Items by Buyer Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Buyers Purchasing
Tech Gifts	41%
Leather Journal	37%
Pens	33%
Drinkware	28%
Desk Accessories	26%

6. Manufacturing

• 5.7% share of total promotional product sales, valued at over $1.4 billion.
• 64% of manufacturing companies use branded apparel as their top promotional item.
• 58% prefer functional items like tools, safety gear, and drinkware.
• 72% use promotional products mainly for trade shows and client giveaways.
• 67% report increased brand recall after distributing promotional merchandise.

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by manufacturing companies:

Promo Items by Buyer Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Buyers Purchasing
Tools & Safety Gear	58%
Drinkware	36%
Office Items	29%
Bags & Totes	22%

7. Retail

• 19.6% of U.S. promotional product sales come from retail-branded products, totaling about $5.3 billion.
• 71% of retail companies use promo products for seasonal campaigns and store openings
• 64% report increased customer foot traffic after distributing branded merchandise

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by retail brands:

Promo Items by Buyer Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Buyers Purchasing
Bags & Totes	36%
Drinkware	31%
Seasonal Gifts	29%
Hats & Caps	24%

8. Hospitality & Travel

• 7.5% of total promotional product sales come from the Hospitality & Travel sector, valued at about $2 billion.
• 70% of millennial & Gen Z travelers prefer travel-themed promo items
• 62% of purchases go toward guest welcome gifts and event giveaways
• Average spend per order in this sector is about $1,350

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by hospitality and travel companies:

Promo Items by Buyer Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Buyers Purchasing
Travel Kits	39%
Luggage Tags	35%
Drinkware	33%
Tote Bags	25%

9. Nonprofits & Associations

• Contribute 3–4% of total U.S. promo sales (~$950 million annually).
• Purchases tied to fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and donor recognition.
• 67% of nonprofits use promotional products for community outreach.

Top promotional items most frequently purchased by nonprofit organizations:

Promo Items by Nonprofit Purchase %

Promo Item	% of Nonprofits Purchasing
Tote Bags	48%
T-Shirts	42%
Wristbands	29%
Pens	27%
Water Bottles	24%
Stickers/Decals	19%

6. Impact of Promotional Products on Brand Awareness & Sales

1. The impact of promotional products on brand awareness

(Credit: Sellerscommerce)

• 90% of recipients remember the brand name after receiving a promotional product.
• 85% are more likely to do business with a brand that gave them a promotional item.
• 91% of marketers say their main goal in using promotional products is to increase brand recognition.
• 81% of consumers agree that promotional products help them remember a brand better.
• 78% of recipients say these items leave a favorable impression of the brand.
• 66% of consumers say they can name the brand on a promo product they received in the past 12 months.
• 95% recall the name of the company that gave them a promotional product within a year.
• Promotional products can increase brand recall by up to 80%, according to industry studies.
  

2. The impact of promotional products on sales

(Credit: Brprinters)

Promotional products turn brand awareness into revenue. Statistics prove that promotional products motivate customers to take action:

• 75% of consumers are more likely to buy after receiving a promotional product.
• 27% search for a brand they didn’t know after getting a promo item.
• Promotional products boost referrals by up to 500%.
• Tangible items keep brands top of mind longer than digital ads.
• Low cost-per-impression makes them one of the most efficient sales tools.
  

7. The impact of promotional products on employee retention and customer loyalty in 2025

1. The effect of promotional products on employees

Promotional products don't just win customers—they also keep employees engaged and committed.

Statistics show:

• Employees who receive branded gifts stay an average of 1.5 years longer.
• 73% say promotional products increase pride and intimacy in the workplace.
• 24.3% feel included as part of the team when they receive them.
• 25.8% feel appreciated by their employer when they’re gifted one.
• Personalized items make employees feel valued and recognized.
• Branded gifts strengthen connection to the company’s culture.
• Swag boosts morale, motivation, and daily engagement.

2. The impact of promotional products on customer loyalty.

(Credit: Brprinters)

Promotional products don’t just attract customers — they turn them into loyal fans. Statistics prove their lasting impact:

• 83% of customers feel more loyal to a brand after receiving a promotional product.
• 73% are more likely to buy again from the same company.
• 85% remember the brand that gave them the item.
• Branded items create positive emotional connections with customers.
• Useful products keep the brand visible in customers’ daily lives.
• High-quality giveaways strengthen trust and perceived value.

8. Top Promotional Products Trends in 2025

(Credit: Gentlepk)

1. 72% of consumers prefer promotional products that are eco-friendly or made from sustainable materials.
2. 74% of consumers own reusable drinkware from a brand.
3. 59% of event attendees say tech accessories are their favourite giveaways.
4. 88% feel more connected to a brand when a product is personalized.
5. 68% are more likely to view a brand positively when it offers premium-quality products.
6. 64% say sustainable packaging improves brand perception.
7. 52% are more likely to use outdoor and adventure gear regularly.
8. 69% of corporate buyers are investing in wellness-focused gifts.
9. 78% use branded tote bags weekly.
10. 67% of remote workers value work-from-home branded essentials.
11. 81% say high-end corporate gifts improve client loyalty.
12. 65% keep event-specific merch as a memento.
13. 74% of younger consumers favour brands with socially conscious products.

9. Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Promotional Product Trends

In 2025, shifting to eco-friendly and sustainable promotional products won’t be optional — the market is moving there fast. Consumers want greener options, and the stats prove why brands can’t afford to ignore them:

• 72% of consumers prefer promotional items that are eco-friendly or made from sustainable materials.
• 73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products.
• Over 50% of buyers favour reusable water bottles, tote bags, and products made from recycled materials.
• Companies using eco-friendly promotional products enjoy 30% more positive brand associations than those using traditional products.
• Sustainable items such as reusable straws, bamboo products, and recycled-material goods have seen a 35% growth in popularity over the last 5 years.

10. Promotional Product Statistics for Trade Shows, Conferences & Events

Trade shows, conferences, and events are some of the best places for brands to make a lasting impression. The right promotional product doesn’t just attract visitors to your booth—it starts conversations, builds connections, and keeps your brand in their hands long after the event ends. The stats below show just how effective branded merchandise can be for driving booth traffic, sparking engagement, and creating future sales opportunities:

• 83% of attendees remember the company that gave them a promotional product at an event.
• 79% say they’re more likely to do business with a brand after receiving a giveaway.
• 76% of trade show visitors have a positive impression of a brand that offers useful swag.
• 72% say branded items make them more likely to visit a booth.
• 69% of attendees keep promotional products for more than a year.
• 61% of attendees say giveaways encourage them to learn more about a company.
• 59% prefer practical items like pens, tote bags, or drinkware.
• 58% of event planners believe promotional products boost attendee engagement.
• 56% of attendees say receiving swag makes them feel valued.
• 53% of visitors are willing to give contact details in exchange for a giveaway.
• 51% say free branded items influence their perception of a company’s quality.
• 48% of companies use giveaways as their main booth traffic driver.
• 47% of recipients visit the company’s website after the event.
• 45% of attendees share event swag on social media.
• 42% of brands report a boost in lead conversion rates after giving promotional products.
• 40% of attendees say they’ve made a purchase from a company after getting a freebie.
• 38% of exhibitors increase their booth visits with interactive swag giveaways.
• 35% of brands include QR codes on event giveaways for instant engagement.
• 33% of attendees say they’ve recommended a brand to others because of an event freebie.

11. Statistics on Promotional Products Ending Up in Landfills

Promotional products are meant to increase brand visibility. But many fail to provide real value, ending up as short-term giveaways instead of tools for building lasting relationships. Below are studies that highlight the problem—and show why investing in quality and sustainability makes all the difference.

• 40% of corporate gifts are thrown away immediately after being received.
• 66% of promo items eventually end up in landfill.
• Only 18% are passed on to others.
• Just 16% are kept long-term.
• A plastic pen can take up to 450 years to decompose in a landfill.

Why They Don’t Last

The main reason so many promotional products end up in the trash is simple: they’re cheap, plastic, and not useful. Items that have no real value to the consumer are more likely to be thrown away quickly.

Low-Quality vs. Eco-Friendly Promotional Products

For fresh ideas on promotional products that really work, check out our guide: 159+ Genius Promotional Item Ideas (With Brand Case Studies).

12. FAQs

1. How big is the global promotional products market?

The global promotional products market is valued at USD 26.5 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to USD 37 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 3.75%.

2. How effective are promotional products for marketing?

83% of people remember the brand after receiving a promotional product, and 8 in 10 keep it for over a year.

3. What are the statistics for eco-friendly promotional products?

Over 46% of buyers prefer eco-friendly promotional products made from recycled or sustainable materials.

4. How much do companies spend on promotional products?

Companies usually spend between $20 and $100 per recipient, depending on whether the gift is for events, clients, or employee recognition.

5. How many promotional products distributors are there?

North America has over 30,000 promotional product distributors, with many more worldwide.

6. How big is the promotional products industry?

The U.S. promotional products industry is projected to reach $27.8 billion in 2025.

7. What role did environmentally friendly products play in the industry's growth?

When asked, 78% of distributors said demand for eco-friendly promotional products is shaping the industry’s future, and 65% report rising customer interest in green items. Sustainability isn’t just a trend—it’s now a core driver of growth.

8. What promotional products do U.S. consumers currently own?

When asked, the majority of U.S. consumers reported owning promotional products: 89% have branded pens, 88% own drinkware, 73% have bags, and 69% have headwear.

9. What is the growth rate of the promotional products market?

The global promotional products market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.75% from 2024 to 2033, rising from approximately USD 26.55 billion to USD 36.98 billion.

10. What is the forecasted size of the promotional products market?

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global promotional products market was valued at USD 26.55 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 36.98 billion by 2033, with a projected CAGR of 3.75%.

11. What is the market size of the U.S. promotional products industry in 2025?

In 2025, the U.S. promotional products industry is expected to generate about $27.8 billion in sales.

12. Where do suppliers import promotional products from?

According to an industry study, most promotional products come from China, with smaller shares coming from countries like Vietnam, India, and Mexico.

13. Has the U.S. Promotional Products industry grown or declined in the past 5 years?

There is growth — the U.S. promotional products industry has seen a 3.3% CAGR from 2020 to 2025, reflecting consistent expansion over the past five years.