The Merch Drop

The Merch Drop is your source for inspiration for your own marketing and promotional campaigns. This show highlights brands that use custom merch, branded apparel, and printed goods as integral aspects of their marketing strategies.We’re here to fuel your creativity — so business owners and marketers like you see the full potential of branded promotional products. We’ll show you how various industries use custom branded merch as strategic tools to promote their products and services, engage their customers, and elevate their brand recognition. We spotlight recent promotions from brands big and small, local and global, who have successfully used branded merchandise to capture the attention of their target audiences. From unique promotional apparel and customized drinkware to corporate gifts and creatively designed printed materials, we explore it all.

The Merch Drop is a business podcast hosted by Rich Graham, with 186 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Rich Graham hosts The Merch Drop, a business show with 186 episodes published.

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  Episode #187

  H-E-B’s Heavy Metal Merch Drop: From Viral Idea to Website Chaos

  Oct 30, 20259 minS0

  <p>This week, I’m talking about H-E-B’s wild heavy-metal T-shirt collab with designer Connor Dwyer. What started as a fun grocery-store-meets-metal-band mashup turned into one of the most viral merch drops of the year.</p><p>Here’s what’s happened:</p>A fan design turned into an official partnershipA charity angle raised $35,000 for Austin musiciansA tech fail that left fans frustratedWhat small brands can learn about handling hype and demand<br/><p>Hype is great—but make sure your system can take the hit. If your fans show up ready to buy, you’d better be ready for them.</p...

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  Episode #186

  Chomps Austin Pop Up Event Was Genius

  Oct 17, 20256 minS0

  <p>‪@Chomps‬ the meat snack brand, pulled off one of the smartest pop-up activations of the year. </p><p>They took over an old gas station in Austin for a back-to-school event: they cleaned out parents’ cars, handed out free snacks and branded merch, and turned everyday stress into a shareable experience.</p><p>Experiential marketing like this works. It builds lasting brand equity. Small brands can learn from it.</p><p>---</p><p><br></p><p>Equipment we're using:</p><p>Sony ZV-1 (affiliate link) - https://amzn.to/36LK8e2</p><p>Sony ZV-1 Vlogger Accessory Kit (affili...

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  Episode #185

  Baggu X BART? Not so fast!

  Oct 9, 20258 minS0

  <p>When is “ask forgiveness, not permission” a good idea? Baggu found out the hard way.</p><p>At their new San Francisco store opening, the sustainable bag brand gave away BART-branded water bottles, hats, and stickers — without permission from Bay Area Rapid Transit. </p><p>It wasn't really BART merch, Baggu thought it was OK to knock off the BART logo and make it their own. Not good!</p><p>The stunt went viral, drew backlash, and pushed Baggu into crisis-control talks with BART about a legitimate merch partnership.</p><p>This breakdown covers how a giveaway meant to celebr...

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  Episode #184

  King's Hawaiian O'Hare "Soft Wear" Merch Swap

  Oct 2, 20257 minS0

  <p>King's Hawaiian just used branded merch to market a logo refresh at Chicago O’Hare Airport. Their team set up a booth with private changing rooms, and travelers swapped the clothes they were wearing for a free “soft-wear” sweatsuit. </p><p>King's also gave out snacks, plus a travel pillow and eye mask. All traded clothing went to a Chicago charity. Simple execution that people remembered.</p><p>https://kingshawaiian.com/products/merchandise/?limit=100</p><p>Want help planning a merch swap? We help business owners and marketers build smart campaigns with branded merch that people enjoy using. Hit me up...

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  Episode #183

  McD's & US Open Cups, Aldi vs Trader Joes Bags, Spam Musubi Fund Raiser, Gorton's Fish Merch

  Sep 30, 202414 minS0

  <p>Spam's Musubi Maui fundraiser offers items like Musubi-shaped ottomans, mixing fun with philanthropy.</p><p>McDonald's and the US Open use collectible cups to increase customer engagement and sales.</p><p>Aldi and Trader Joe's go head to head on cooler bags. I look at L.L.Bean's tote bag rivalry with Lands End.</p><p>Gorton's is updating its image with retro-style merchandise for younger consumers.</p><p>Takeaways:</p><p>Try limited edition merch to support causes and generate interest in our brand</p><p>Consider collectible items that customers will keep and use often</p><p>...

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