The Rise of Merchandise: Is It a Must-Have for Every Business?
In recent years, the trend of merchandise has taken over, with businesses big and small jumping on the bandwagon. From tote bags to condoms, it seems like every establishment wants a piece of the action. But is it really necessary for all businesses to start selling merch?
The phenomenon began with well-known brands selling branded totes, but soon spread to lesser-known establishments and even local bakeries. The trend has now become so ubiquitous that even small businesses are struggling to keep up with demand. The likes of Toad Bakery in London have jumped on the bandwagon, selling branded condoms as a Valentine's Day stunt.
While it may seem like a convenient way for businesses to generate revenue, merchandise can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides an opportunity for small businesses to establish themselves as "brands" and attract customers who are looking for unique souvenirs. The likes of Dom's Subs in Hackney, which started selling T-shirts during the pandemic, have found that it has been a "great revenue stream."
On the other hand, merchandise can be distracting from what businesses are really trying to sell, and add to the pressures they face to stay afloat. For individuals, it might be a stand-in for cultural cachet that money can't buy.
In an interview with Elle Hunt, Oliver Costello, owner of Toad Bakery, revealed that production is driven by demand. "Merch is big now in the bakery world," he said. The craze for merchandise seems to have become a way for small businesses to establish themselves as coherent and even covetable brands, but at what cost?
In recent years, the trend of merchandise has taken over, with businesses big and small jumping on the bandwagon. From tote bags to condoms, it seems like every establishment wants a piece of the action. But is it really necessary for all businesses to start selling merch?
The phenomenon began with well-known brands selling branded totes, but soon spread to lesser-known establishments and even local bakeries. The trend has now become so ubiquitous that even small businesses are struggling to keep up with demand. The likes of Toad Bakery in London have jumped on the bandwagon, selling branded condoms as a Valentine's Day stunt.
While it may seem like a convenient way for businesses to generate revenue, merchandise can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it provides an opportunity for small businesses to establish themselves as "brands" and attract customers who are looking for unique souvenirs. The likes of Dom's Subs in Hackney, which started selling T-shirts during the pandemic, have found that it has been a "great revenue stream."
On the other hand, merchandise can be distracting from what businesses are really trying to sell, and add to the pressures they face to stay afloat. For individuals, it might be a stand-in for cultural cachet that money can't buy.
In an interview with Elle Hunt, Oliver Costello, owner of Toad Bakery, revealed that production is driven by demand. "Merch is big now in the bakery world," he said. The craze for merchandise seems to have become a way for small businesses to establish themselves as coherent and even covetable brands, but at what cost?
It seems like it's all about the benjamins, but what if you're small business that just wants to make yummy food or whatever? Do you need to have merch to be cool now? And btw, condoms as a valentine's day thing is kinda weird... 
anyway i feel like merch is cool and all but its getting so out of hand like every single place wants in on the action. like dont get me wrong i love a good tote bag as much as the next person but when did it become necessary for every business to sell merch? 
! i mean, who needs it? its so extra, you know? some ppl r making bank off it tho 
...like dom's subs in hackney, thats a cool move, but like, is it really worth the stress? and what about when the trend dies down? are they gonna be stuck w/ a bunch of mediocre merch that no one wants anymore 
. But seriously, if small businesses wanna make some extra cash, I'm not gonna judge 'em. Just don't forget about the actual product they're trying to sell, ya know? 
and i'm like totally obsessed now 
anyway back to merch... i think it's cool for them to sell branded stuff, but idk if it's a must-have for every business. can't they just focus on making good food or whatever instead of trying to make some sick merch? 
, but is it worth sacrificing some of that authenticity? Like, when you're running a bakery, shouldn't your focus be on actually baking good bread, not just trying to sell t-shirts 
.
. I've got a friend who owns a small business and they're basically living off their T-shirt sales now 
. But at what cost? Are they compromising on quality or even the actual product itself to keep up with demand? 
Not a fan of it.
it just depends on how you approach it, right?
Still, I guess it can't hurt to have an extra revenue stream... as long as it doesn't distract from what they do best 
. toad bakery's idea of selling condoms as a valentine's day stunt tho... lowkey genius 
? but seriously, i think some businesses are just jumping on the bandwagon without thinking it through. what if it doesn't sell out and they end up with a ton of merch they can't get rid of? not saying it's all bad, but more people should probably do their research before diving into the merch game 
toad bakery and dom's subs are low-key my faves now 
. gotta support our local businesses in every way possible 
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! I mean, who didn't know that every business wanted in on the fun of selling their own brand swag?! 
! But for others, it might be a stretch to find that perfect balance between making merch and still delivering amazing products. 