In the fast-paced world of promotional products, staying ahead of trends is essential. While most people see concert merchandise as just another revenue stream for artists, it’s actually a powerful indicator of what’s hot across various industries. Understanding these trends can give you a competitive edge, helping you deliver products that resonate with your clients and their audiences. Here’s why concert merch is more than just swag—it’s, in a sense, a crystal ball for spotting what’s trending.
1. A Pulse on Consumer Preferences
Concert merch offers a direct line to what consumers are gravitating toward in real time. When you see certain items flying off the shelves at a show—whether it’s vintage-style graphic tees, eco-friendly tote bags, or minimalist hats—you’re witnessing the preferences of a highly engaged audience. These trends often reflect broader shifts in consumer behavior, which can be leveraged across multiple sectors. For a promotional branding agency, this insight is invaluable. By incorporating these popular styles into your product offerings, you can create items that align with what’s currently in demand.
Next time you go to a show try to look at the merch table as you walk in and note everything that you see (taking a photo or even just a mental picture is my favorite way to do this) and then swing by the merch table and see what is no longer available. What products do you see sold out or are no longer available for purchase?
A recent item that I noted sold out was at the Salt Lake City Bikini Kill Show on August 25th, it seems that the cassettes of their popular albums as well as a poster and a tee shirt design or two sold out.
2. Cross-Industry Trend Indicators
The trends seen in concert merch often spill over into other industries, from fashion to tech to lifestyle brands. For instance, the rise of sustainable materials in band merch—like organic cotton or recycled polyester—mirrors a growing consumer demand for eco-friendly products across the board. Similarly, the popularity of retro or nostalgic designs can indicate a larger cultural movement that could influence everything from apparel to packaging design. By paying attention to what’s selling at concerts, you can anticipate and even set trends in your own industry.
You can not only track what types/styles of products are trending but also what brands of tee shirts are popular within the scene. We all know the classic gildan tags, but some brands like American Apparel/Los Angeles Apparel are also fan favorites. The higher quality your products are the more likely your items will sell better.
3. Testing Grounds for Product Innovation
Concerts are also proving grounds for product innovation. Artists and bands are constantly experimenting with unique merch items to stand out, from limited-edition vinyl records to tech gadgets like branded power banks. These innovative products often catch on with consumers, who then expect to see similar creativity from other brands. Staying attuned to these innovations allows you to know what products are popular, ensuring they remain relevant and appealing to your target audiences.
4. Insight Into Audience Engagement
The types of merchandise that fans are willing to purchase give you insight into how audiences want to engage with brands. For instance, the success of experiential or interactive merch—like custom pins that fans can swap and collect or AR-enhanced posters—shows a desire for more immersive, participatory brand experiences. Translating this into your promotional strategies can help you create more engaging and memorable campaigns for your clients, fostering deeper connections with their audiences.
Next time you go to a show, note down what items are being bought at the merch booth and are immediately being worn. Most likely it will be a shirt or hat.
5. Forecasting Future Trends
One of the most significant advantages of paying attention to concert merch is its predictive power. Because concertgoers are often trendsetters—early adopters who are willing to spend on the latest and greatest—what sells at shows can be an indicator of broader market trends. If custom-branded tote bags are trending at concerts, you might see a spike in demand for similar products across retail, corporate gifts, and other promotional channels. By identifying these trends early, you can position yourself at the forefront of their industries.
For example, an artist, JPEGMAFIA, has been on tour and a custom balaclava he made with his logo has sold out. This could be due to multiple factors such as environment, trending styles, etc. but it is still something to keep in mind even if its a more out there product choice.
Conclusion
Concert merch is much more than a souvenir—it’s a vital source of information that can help shape your product offerings and marketing strategies. By understanding what’s trending in the concert merch world, you can offer products that not only resonate with their audiences but also keep them ahead of the curve.
So, the next time you’re thinking about what products to recommend to your clients, consider what’s selling at concerts. It might just give you the insight you need to start your next project.
