Five years has already been quite a decade. Consider all that’s transpired in the 2020s: a global pandemic, a supply chain crisis, millions of workers quitting, widespread social justice movements, deep political polarization, exploding global tensions and revolutionary technological advancements.
Promo businesses are still feeling the impact of each of these events. It begs the question: What will the rest of the decade bring? And what do distributors and suppliers need to do to prosper during these tumultuous times?
In this package of stories, we’ve identified six key concepts that will serve as broad barometers of success and represent major opportunities in the next five years. These will influence the very nature of promo businesses – as well as the industry and the entire medium of branded merch. We also asked industry leaders for their predictions on the one trend that will define promo over that period.
We can’t change the past but we can shape the future. These articles are a good place to start. – C.J. Mittica
Adaptability
Embracing transformation and continuously improving are essential for thriving in an ever-changing market.
Automation
The possibilities are boundless for what some believe is the next industrial revolution.
Global
The largest U.S. distributors are meeting client needs by expanding internationally into Europe and beyond.
Sustainability
Greater accountability and transparency will define the next wave of environmental stewardship.
Personalization
Promo companies are leaning into extra customization and the power of choice to deliver exactly what recipients want.
People
After a profound shift in the world of work, employers will be challenged to continue meeting ever-heightened expectations among employees.