ASI’s 2026 Ad Impressions Study provided one of our most comprehensive looks at the value, effectiveness and impact of promotional products, particularly when it comes to how branded products influence buying decisions with a low cost-per-impression. Now, we’re spotlighting stats around individual product categories, research questions and specific international markets worth taking a second look at.
Bags round out the top five promotional products categories by percentage of annual sales volume, according to Counselor’s State of the Industry report, making up nearly $2 million in revenue. And, based on our Ad Impressions research, they’re tied for the same ranking when it comes to the products that U.S. consumers are most excited to receive.
Likely because of that, branded tote bags have one of the lowest costs-per-impression out of all product categories analyzed in this year’s report – estimated at just 1/10 of a cent per impression. That’s thanks to an estimated average lifetime impression of nearly 5,000 (second only to outerwear).
Also of note: We asked consumers what their view of an advertiser would be if they received a sustainable or socially responsible promo item, compared with a standard one. Eighty-six percent of consumers said they would have an even more favorable view of the advertiser receiving a sustainable bag, and 87% for a bag produced in a socially responsible way – higher figures than for any other product category. Coupled with those high average numbers of impressions, it’s an indicator that for some clients, it may be worth shelling out a bit more per item for a quality bag.
Read and download the full 2026 Ad Impressions report here.
Click here for a pdf of this infographic.
