How to Stand Out on Campus: The Power of Branded University Merchandise

On a bustling university campus, visibility is key. Whether it's during recruitment season, alumni weekends, or everyday campus life, branded university merchandise is a powerful tool to foster school pride, build community, and enhance brand recognition. For universities, it's not just about apparel, it's about connecting, promoting, and growing. 

Why Universities Invest in Branded Merchandise 

Branded university merchandise serves multiple strategic purposes: 

Driving revenue through bookstore sales: Campus stores generate significant income from branded merchandise, contributing to the university's financial health. 

Enhancing the student experience: From orientation to graduation, branded items create a sense of belonging and school spirit. 

Creating cohesion at events: Whether it's a game day or an open house, merchandise unifies attendees and promotes the institution. 

Supporting recruitment efforts: Memorable giveaways can leave a lasting impression on prospective students. 

According to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), 83% of people are more likely to do business with a brand after receiving a promotional product, highlighting the effectiveness of branded items in building loyalty. 

Who Everything Branded Supports 

At Everything Branded, we supply custom merchandise to a wide range of academic institutions across the country. From prestigious Ivy League schools to regional community colleges, our clients use branded merchandise to boost student engagement, alumni loyalty, and campus visibility. 

Popular University Merchandise Categories 

Branded items extend beyond hoodies and T-shirts. Here's a breakdown of high-performing categories for colleges: 

Apparel That Performs 

T-Shirts: Ideal for open days, events, or general campus wear. 

Hoodies & Sweatshirts: Popular among students year-round; a staple for bookstore sales. 

Varsity Jackets: A timeless symbol of school spirit and sports culture. 

Caps & Beanies: Affordable, practical, and stylish—great for giveaways and game days. 

Practical Promo for Campus Life 

Water Bottles & Tumblers: Reusable, eco-friendly, and perfect for student life. 

Tote Bags & Backpacks: Great for welcome packs, libraries, and bookshops. 

Notebooks & Stationery: Functional, budget-friendly, and ideal for daily student use. 

Laptop Sleeves & Tech Accessories: Popular among tech-savvy students and faculty. 

Event & Recruitment Essentials 

Orientation Kits: Give new students a warm welcome with bundled branded merchandise. 

Alumni Gifts: Premium merchandise for donation drives or fundraising. 

Event Signage: Tablecloths, banners, and flags for open days and recruitment events. 

Staff Uniforms: Branded polos, name tags, and lanyards for professional representation. 

Why It Works: The ROI of Branded University Apparel 

University-branded merchandise isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a marketing tool that delivers results. 

According to PPAI, 83% of people are more likely to do business with a brand from which they’ve received a promotional product. 

Research from Promotional Products Work shows that promotional products are the most highly viewed form of advertising, outperforming traditional and digital media in terms of reach and recall. 

The U.S. promotional products industry generated $26.1 billion in revenue in 2023, according to Business Dasher. 

Branded clothing and accessories also create emotional bonds. Whether it's a hoodie from your first day or a water bottle you carry to every lecture, these items build connection and loyalty. 

Everything Branded: A Trusted Partner 

Everything Branded proudly supports academic institutions with high-quality, custom merchandise tailored to their goals. Whether you're launching a new line for your campus store or preparing for orientation season, our team can help you: 

• Choose the right products based on audience and budget 
• Customize with your colors, logos, and messaging 
• Deliver fast and reliably across the U.S. 

Colleges and Universities We Work With 

We’ve collaborated with a range of schools. Reach out to us to see how easy it is to get branded merchandise for your college. 

• Harvard University 
• Yale University 
• Princeton University 
• We have worked with Middle schools and high schools 

Ready to Upgrade Your University Merchandise? 

Let’s help your institution stand out with branded merchandise that students, faculty, alumni, and prospective enrolees will love. From wearables to event essentials, we’re your one-stop shop for college-branded promotional products. 

Explore Our University Merchandise Range or contact us today to discuss your next campaign.