After “Emily in Paris” became a hit on Netflix via MTV Entertainment Studios, the show’s producers and the network parent company wanted to find a way to celebrate the show through merchandise, touching on the fashion-forward nature of its Parisian setting and reflective of the characters’ own wardrobes. They decided on an apparel line, created…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
Don’t Worry: The Mariah Carey McDonald’s Holiday Meal Is Here With Special Packaging
McDonald’s announced an upcoming co-branded meal with Mariah Carey, just in time for the holiday season. So far, the brand has only said there will be special packaging, but based on McDonald’s previous celebrity meal collaborations, we’d be shocked if there wasn’t a merchandise component to come…
Read MoreKFC’s Answer to the Ugly Sweater Trend is the Finger Lickin’ Chicken Mitten Bucket Hugger
KFC is selling an item called the “Finger Lickin’ Chicken Mitten Bucket Hugger. “It’s literally a knitted sweater (of the “ugly” variety) designed to wrap around a KFC bucket, with little mittens sewn into the side. From now until Nov. 11, customers who order online either for pickup or delivery will receive a code to claim one for free while supplies last…
Read MoreWhisps’ Custom Cheese Carvings Are Next-Level Personalized Merch (You Can Eat)
For its latest promotional marketing effort, Whisps, the cheese snack company, will have its “award-winning cheese carver” turn any user submitted image into a 100% edible cheese sculpture. It can be anything: a person, a pet, an inanimate object, another piece of cheese. Each custom carving costs $200, but there are stock designs for $49.99…
Read MoreCustom Ink Acquires Swag.com
Custom Ink announced today that it has acquired Swag.com, a branded merchandise and corporate gifting company whose tech-enabled “swag distribution” model is similar to that of the gifting-as-a-service companies we’ve seen recently. Swag.com founders Jeremy Parker and Josh Orbach will stay on staff leading the company within the Custom Ink umbrella…
Read MoreStarbucks’ New Holiday Cups Incorporate New Colors, Personalized Gift Tags
In an effort to be more inclusive, Starbucks incorporated a lilac shade into its annual red-and-green holiday cups. The cups also feature little spaces for baristas and friends to write personalized messages.
Read MoreNetflix’s ‘Stranger Things’ Store Is Full of Branded Products and Customizable Apparel
Netflix’s branded merchandise effort has been wide-ranging across its shows and movies. But there’s perhaps no greater cash cow on the streaming service than “Stranger Things.” While fans wait for the next season, Netflix wants to keep the show top-of-mind. What better way to do that than a totally immersive store, complete with all of…
Read MoreA24 Released a Book About Movie Merch and Is Auctioning Products From It for a Good Cause
A24 just released a book about movie merch, and is now auctioning off promotional products featured in the book to raise money for good causes. Where else can you find a “Dumb and Dumber” double-sided pencil (eraser-end only), “Fargo” paper shredder or a“Jackass” whoopee cushion?…
Read MoreSwiss Miss Reinvents the ‘Ugly Sweater’ With a Built-In Hot Cocoa Pocket
We’ve made it pretty clear where we stand on promotional ugly sweaters for the holiday season. They’re so common now that to really stand out you have to do something really fun or clever. Well, Swiss Miss did something really fun and clever by introducing an ugly sweater with a zippered hot cocoa pocket—and it’s already sold out…
Read MoreRalph Lauren’s New ‘Color on Demand’ Project Could Allow In-Store Garment Dyeing (While Saving the Planet)
Ralph Lauren has been working with Dow Chemicals on a new process for cotton dyeing called ECOFAST Pure that reduces chemicals, water and energy, and could move garment dyeing into retail locations. Ralph Lauren has already used Dow technology in its “Color on Demand” project, which allows the company to dye the cotton at any point in the manufacturing process…
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