311 - How To Make Merch That People Actually Want with Savannah Dmytriw, aka Merch Girly
Feb 14, 2025
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Savannah Dmytriw, aka Merch Girly, is the VP of Marketing at Team SCG, specializing in corporate merchandising. She discusses the evolution of merch from basic items to thoughtful, brand-enhancing products. Savannah emphasizes creating items that resonate with audiences and don’t end up in the trash. She shares tips on making new hires feel special with unique merch and highlights trends like personalization and sustainability. For marketers, understanding what people truly want can transform merchandise into a powerful branding tool.
Creating meaningful merchandise requires understanding the audience's needs and aligning products with the brand's core values.
High-quality merch enhances employee engagement and serves as organic marketing, transforming employees into passionate brand ambassadors.
Deep dives
The Importance of Intentional Merchandise
Effective merchandise is driven by the intention and messaging behind it, rather than just the products themselves. Starting with the 'why' allows marketers to create items that resonate with their audience and truly represent the brand's values. This strategic approach differentiates memorable merchandise from generic items that often end up discarded, as thoughtful consideration can lead to a more meaningful connection with recipients. Brands that focus on crafting products that reflect their culture and messaging increase the likelihood that those items will be cherished and utilized.
Crafting Quality Over Quantity
A significant factor that separates good merchandise from bad is the level of strategy involved in its creation. Many brands fall short by treating merchandise as an afterthought, leading to generic items that lack impactful design and audience alignment. Investing time to understand the target audience and the purpose of the merchandise ensures that products are not merely trend-driven but are thoughtfully curated to reflect the brand's identity. Quality items, which are selected with care, become prized possessions for recipients rather than disposable products.
Merchandise as a Tool for Internal Branding
Merchandise plays a vital role in internal branding by enhancing employee engagement and corporate culture. High-quality merchandise for new hires and internal events creates a positive first impression and fosters pride among employees. When workers wear company-branded items casually, it serves as organic marketing, extending the brand's reach beyond the workplace. Investing in thoughtful merchandise encourages employees to become passionate brand ambassadors and aids in building a strong community within the organization.
Adapting to Trends and Sustainability
Current trends in the merchandise space emphasize sustainability and mindful branding. Companies are increasingly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact while still providing quality products, such as through initiatives like tree planting partnerships. Brands are also shifting away from overt logo displays toward subtler designs that embody brand values, fostering a deeper connection with audiences. Understanding these trends allows brands to remain relevant while fostering a sense of community and culture among consumers.
Merch is still a valuable marketing tool in 2025, BUT it’s gotten way past pens and mugs with your branding on it. How can you level up your merch game and still be authentic?
This episode’s guest is Savannah Dmytriw, aka Merch Girly. From new hire kits to awards and recognition items, Savannah believes merch doesn’t just celebrate but adds to everyone’s brand marketing experience. Most importantly, she believes that good merch shouldn’t end up in a trashcan—and you should agree. What does your audience want, and what need could you fill? What’s unique but not crazy and random?
Plus, your company employees are some of your most valuable marketing assets. Are you giving them company merch that you’re proud of, or is it just another lame drink tumbler? Merch is also a great way to get your new hires excited about working with you—how do you make it feel even more special?
And, Savannah reveals the latest trends in merch—anyone care for their own personal tree?
If you’re a field marketer, brand marketer, or someone who just loves receiving swag bags full of goodies, this is the episode for YOU. 🛍️