Merch Is a $30.9B Market — Here’s Why We’re Focused on Quality, Not Landfill

The global branded merch market is projected to hit $30.9 billion by 2027.

That’s massive. And if you’re a brand, it’s a huge opportunity to create real-world connections with your audience. Done well, branded merch can drive loyalty, increase brand recall, and turn customers into advocates.

But — there’s a problem.

The $30.9B Opportunity — And the $ Problem

66% of promotional products end up in the trash within a year.

That’s billions of dollars spent on throwaway stuff — cheap, low-quality merch that nobody really wants to wear, use, or keep. And more importantly: nobody will remember you for it.

In 2025, there’s no reason that should still be happening.

At Kollektif, we believe the future of branded merch is all about quality, design, and intention. Because when merch is done well, it drives real results.

Why 66% of Merch Ends Up in Landfills

Too many brands still treat merch as an afterthought: a rushed, low-cost order of mass-produced items with no real strategy behind them.

• Poor materials
• Generic designs
• Low production standards

The result? Cheap products that feel… cheap. No wonder they get tossed.

In today’s world — where consumers care deeply about sustainability, quality, and brand values — this kind of throwaway marketing isn’t just wasteful. It’s a missed opportunity.

How We Vet International Manufacturers and Suppliers

At Kollektif, we take merch seriously.

We’ve built an international network of manufacturers and suppliers — and we don’t just go for the lowest bid. Every partner is vetted for:

• Quality of materials
• Production standards
• Design and finishing capabilities
• Responsiveness and reliability
• Environmental impact

This isn’t random bulk ordering. It’s a curated supply chain built to ensure that when your name goes on something, it’s something people will actually want to keep.

Because a T-shirt, a tote, a hat — whatever it is — should feel as good as the brand behind it.

The Real ROI of Quality Merch

When you invest in great merch, the numbers speak for themselves:

• 85% of consumers say branded merch helps them remember a brand
• 83% are more likely to do business with a brand after receiving high-quality merch
• Word-of-mouth marketing can increase up to 500% when customers receive merch they actually like

In other words: this is not just a “nice to have.” Done right, merch builds lasting brand love — and drives measurable returns.

Let’s Create Things Worth Keeping

That’s why our shop at Kollektif exists. To help brands create products that people actually want to own — not stuff they regret accepting at an event, or toss in a drawer.

In a world full of throwaway marketing, let’s make things worth keeping.