You’ve got an awesome bar or restaurant — you’ve got to stand out and keep customers coming back and keep your staff happy.
Time to beef up the branded merch!
First Things First: Deck Out Your Crew
- Staff Gear: Get your team looking sharp in some branded shirts, caps, or aprons.
- Branded Glassware: Serve up those drinks in glasses with your logo.
- Fun Coasters: These little guys are cheap, but they work. Don’t use just logos either. Try trivia questions, or fun sayings related to YOUR business. Mention your local sportsball team (being careful not to violate any licensing restrictions). You might find some regulars trying to collect ’em all!
Sell Some Swag: Let Your Fans Show Some Love
- Comfy Threads: Fans will buy T-shirts, hoodies, caps – the classics.
- Stickers Galore: They’re perfect for laptops, cars, or wherever else people stick things these days. Cheap for you, fun for them.
- Drinkware: Mugs, water bottles, you name it. Help your customers stay hydrated and advertise for you when they’re out in the world. Make your brand a household name by getting it into households.
- Kitchen Gadgets: Try some branded cutting boards or oven mitts.
- Bar Tools: Think bottle openers, corkscrews, or snazzy cocktail shakers.
- Can Koozies: not just for 12 oz cans – bottles, slim cans, big cans are all available.
Spread the Love: Give That Stuff Away (but be smart about it)
Selling merch is cool and all, but sometimes giving it away is even better:
- Social Media Contests: Run a photo contest with a hashtag. Winners get some sweet, sweet branded swag.
- Reward the Regulars: Got a loyalty program? Throw in some exclusive merch. Make ’em feel like VIPs.
- Get Local: Sponsor a fun run or a festival. Hand out your branded goodies and watch your local street cred soar.
Wrapping It Up
Branded merch isn’t only about checking a box or making a few extra bucks. It’s about getting your name out there and making people feel connected to your place. The next time you’re out and about, you might just spot someone wearing your bar’s name on their favorite hoodie.
How cool is that?
