5 Promo Trends to Watch
ASI Chicago welcomed suppliers, distributors, and the promo curious to McCormick Place in downtown Chicago for three days of product perusing, networking, and education July 22-24.
Trade show floors are like treasure hunts, if treasure came in the form of golf accessories, belt bags, and quilted everything. ASI Chicago was a promo pro’s dream. It had it all, but these were the trends we noticed from booth to booth. If you’re a distributor selling promotional products, a printer considering adding promo to your offerings, or a promo supplier looking to keep your finger on the pulse of the industry, this roundup is for you.
The Quilted Craze
Whether it’s a bag, quarter-zip, or blanket, quilted fabrics are having a moment. Quilted items offer a retail-inspired look while offering an elevated feel. When it’s the right fit for a client, it’s an easy way to go from basic to elevated.
-
- Numo’s quilted nylon Cloud collection in various styles.
-
- Credit: Allee Bruce
-
- Brooks Brothers Diamond Quilt 1/4-Zip from SanMar.
-
- Credit: Allee Bruce
-
- Quilted Cinch Bucket Tote from Uinta Design.
-
- The Fold Up Outdoor Blanket and Polar Sunset Outdoor Blanket from Terrytown.
-
- Clip-On Quilted Mini from Uinta Design.
Bags Galore
Bags were aplenty on the show floor. From crossbody styles and bags made for carrying your emotional support water bottle to totes and slings, there’s one for any use case. Looking for simple, elevated, or unique? Suppliers have you covered.
-
- The Rollink Mini Bag Go available from SMG, ideal for the basics like credit cards, change, driver’s license, lip balm, keys, and more.
-
- The Rollink Phone Case and other hard shell bags available from SMG.
-
- The Essential Backpack from Terrytown made from recycled PET crinkle nylon.
-
- Bellroy totes, belt bags, and backpacks made from a recycled, crinkle nylon material.
-
- Hands-free Hydration Water Bottle Sling from Uinta Design.
-
- Stylish belt bag from Uinta Design.
Golf Gear
Ever since COVID-19 — when everyone found new ways to get outside — golf has seen a spike in growth that just hasn’t stopped. The folks at Ball Pro say it’s one of the fastest-growing markets, so there’s no reason printers and distributors shouldn’t step into this growing vertical. From custom golf hat accessories and club head covers to divot tools and flasks for “birdie juice,” suppliers bring their A game when it comes to golf gear.
-
- SNAPS Golf Hat Strap Clip from EMT.
-
- Imprintable Golf Tournament Gift Sets from EMT.
-
- Custom divot tools and golf tees from Ball Pro.
-
- Cooling towels and golf gloves from Ball Pro.
-
- Custom golf glove holders, knitted clubhead covers, and scorecard and yardage book covers from Sunfish.
-
- Custom club head covers from Sunfish.
-
- Birdie Bottle, a specialty stainless steel flask with customizable PU leather. The bottle comes with four 1.5-oz. shot glasses.
Made in USA
As tariffs continue to impact the promotional products industry, more suppliers have shifted to domestic manufacturing, and distributors continue to partner with them as a means to mitigate cost increases associated with goods imported from overseas. From keychains and beanies to apparel, there are plenty of options available for those looking to source USA-made products.
-
- Keychains from WOW Line, one of 275 U.S.-made products available from the company.
-
- The Beanie Factory makes beanies out of Cleveland, Ohio, where all its knitting and cutting happens. It has the capability to create 30,000 beanies per day.
-
- USA-made apparel from Labdip. The apparel manufacturer cuts, sews, dyes, decorates, distresses, and packages its clothing all in Los Angeles.
420 Friendly
Ignite sales with the perfect cannabis promo piece. According to Grand View Research, the U.S. cannabis market was estimated at $38.5 billion in 2024 with an expected CAGR of 11.51% from 2025-2030. With more states legalizing it, more growers and cannabis businesses are popping up across the U.S. with promotional products needs.
From custom lighters, grinders, and trays to rolling papers and kits, branded cannabis products have a time and place.
-
- Custom rolling trays, grinders, and ash trays from Cannabis Promotions.
-
- Custom lighters, cases, and cones available from Cannabis Promotions.
-
- Custom grinders and other cannabis accessories from Smokepromos.com.
-
- Custom 420 box sets and kits from Smokepromos.com.
If ASI Chicago taught us anything, it’s that promo never sleeps. Keep these hot product categories, imprints, and styles in mind the next time a client asks about promo.
