Did you know that Millennials now make up the largest generation in the U.S. and Canadian labor force? According to Pew Research Center, more than 1 in 3 American workers are millennials. Similarly, the Canadian workforce comprises nearly 37 percent of people in the millennial age group as noted by Statistics Canada. And the good news is that millennials respond well to promo products!
Research conducted by PPAI found that 100% of millennials have received multiple promotional products in their lifetime, with 2 in 3 wearing or carrying a promotional product daily. That is a significant opportunity for a brand to directly influence the largest generation of consumers and the workforce. When choosing promotional products for your company, think like a millennial.
Ideas to Market to Millennials
Tech gadgets: The millennial generation grew up with tech. It is rare to see a younger person without their smartphone, Apple Watch, headphones or the like. For millennials, being connected is a way of life and offering tech gadgets to them as a promo product is a surefire way to garner a millennial’s attention. On-the-go phone chargers, wireless earbuds, portable speakers and smartphone stands/rings/pop sockets are all very popular options and readily available for promo items. Call your local Proforma rep for great options on these tech gadgets.
Health and wellness products: Millennials tend to be in on the latest trends, and right now, that includes fitness, healthy eating and taking care of the mind and body. According to the 2019 Physical Activity Council’s Overview Report on US Participation, 75.6% of millennials keep a healthy level to a low/med calorie level of activity. Capitalize on the fitness trends with branded water bottles, yoga mats, fitness trackers/pedometers, cooling towels and even sunglasses can fall into this category or the apparel category, which millennials love as well.
Apparel: While it may seem stale, believe it or not, but millennials actually love apparel, as long as it’s stylish. The one-size-fits-all boxy, oversized T-shirt may not fly off your promo shelves but trendy lightweight hoodies, designer fanny packs, ladies’ tank tops, fitted baseball caps and fitted, soft, quality t-shirts will. And for your millennial employees, company-branded button-downs and polo shirts make getting dressed for work in the morning a breeze!
Promo Marketing is the Way to Go
While it may seem like a difficult generation to market to, especially if you are in a different generation, millennials truly respond to promotional products. According to PPAI, promotional marketing is the most effective advertising channel across all generations so it is really worth the investment.
Source: Pew Research Center analysis of 2016 U.S. Census Bureau data, Statistics Canada Labour force characteristics by sex and detailed age group, annual, PPAI Research on Millennial Consumers, 2017, and the 2019 Physical Activity Council’s Overview Report on US Participation.