Are you ready for some football…merchandising?
Because when it comes to sporting events like the Super Bowl, it’s not just about touchdowns and field goals – it’s also about boosting your brand and generating revenue. In fact, according to the National Retail Federation, consumers spent an estimated $17.2 billion on Super Bowl-related merchandise and food in 2020 alone.
That’s a lot of nachos and jerseys!
But with so much competition, how can your business stand out from the crowd and score big with fans?
Fear not, because we’ve got the top 10 Super Bowl merchandising ideas that will help you kick off your marketing game plan. From customized apparel to sports gear and even food and beverage products, we’ve got you covered. So grab a cold one, get comfortable, and let’s get ready to tackle the world of Super Bowl merchandising!
Whether you’re a small business owner or a marketing executive, this article will provide you with valuable insights and ideas to help you make the most of your Super Bowl marketing strategy.
So, let’s dive in!
What is a Super Bowl Merchandising Idea and Why Does it Matter?
Super Bowl merchandising refers to the sale of products related to the Super Bowl or any other major sporting event. These products may include customized apparel and accessories, memorabilia and collectibles, promotional items, sports gear, and equipment, and even food and beverage products.
Super Bowl merchandising is an excellent way for businesses to capitalize on the hype and excitement surrounding the event, generate revenue, and increase brand awareness.
The importance of Super Bowl merchandising cannot be overstated. Sporting events are a massive industry, with billions of dollars in revenue generated every year. Fans of sports teams and events are known for their loyalty and willingness to spend money on merchandise related to their favorite teams and players.
In fact, according to Statista, the global sports merchandising market was valued at $33.8 billion in 2020, and it’s projected to reach $48.17 billion by 2027.
By offering Super Bowl merchandise, businesses can tap into this lucrative market and attract fans who are eager to show their support for their favorite teams. Promotional products for sports teams can also help build brand recognition and loyalty, especially if they are unique and high-quality.
Whether it’s a customized jersey or a limited edition collectible, Super Bowl merchandising ideas can leave a lasting impression on customers and keep them coming back for more.
1. Customized Apparel and Accessories
Customized apparel and accessories are a classic Super Bowl merchandising idea that never goes out of style. Fans love to show their support for their favorite teams by wearing personalized merchandise, whether it’s a custom t-shirt or a hat with their team’s logo.
Customized apparel can also include sports team uniforms, which are perfect for youth leagues or adult rec leagues.
One great thing about customized apparel is that it’s versatile and can be tailored to suit any budget or style. For businesses looking to offer higher-end merchandise, they can consider creating custom jerseys or jackets with high-quality materials and printing.
On the other hand, businesses with a tighter budget can still offer customized apparel by creating affordable t-shirts or hats with simple designs.
The key to successful customized apparel merchandising is to make it unique and personal. Fans want to feel like they are part of the team, and offering personalized merchandise can help achieve that.
This can include allowing customers to choose their own color combinations or add their name to the back of a jersey. For businesses looking to take it a step further, they can even offer customization options online, so customers can design their own merchandise and have it delivered to their doorstep.
2. Memorabilia and Collectibles
Memorabilia and collectibles are another great Super Bowl merchandising idea that appeals to die-hard fans and collectors alike. These items can range from simple souvenirs like keychains and magnets to high-end collectible items like autographed footballs or limited-edition bobbleheads.
One of the benefits of offering Super Bowl memorabilia and collectibles is that they have a high perceived value, which can translate into higher profit margins. Fans are often willing to pay a premium for rare or unique items that help them remember their favorite team’s victory or player’s performance.
For example, Super Bowl rings or game-used equipment can be incredibly valuable and sought after by collectors.
When it comes to offering memorabilia and collectibles, it’s important to focus on authenticity and quality. Fans and collectors want to know that the items they purchase are genuine and will hold their value over time. This means working with reputable suppliers and ensuring that all items are properly authenticated.
In addition to offering traditional collectibles like autographs and game-used equipment, businesses can also get creative with their Super Bowl merchandising ideas. For example, they could offer personalized photo frames or shadow boxes that allow fans to display their favorite Super Bowl memories.
They could also offer commemorative coins or other unique items that celebrate the event.
3. Promotional Items
Promotional items are a staple of any Super Bowl merchandising strategy. These items are often given away for free to fans and serve as a way to generate buzz and excitement around the event. Promotional items can range from simple giveaways like foam fingers and rally towels to more substantial items like backpacks or portable chargers.
The key to successful promotional item merchandising is to offer items that are both useful and memorable. Fans appreciate items that they can use long after the event is over, like water bottles or phone cases.
At the same time, businesses should aim to create items that are unique and eye-catching, like customized sunglasses or mini footballs.
Promotional items can also be a great way to generate social media buzz and engagement. By offering items that are highly shareable, like branded hashtags or photo backdrops, businesses can encourage fans to post about their experiences at the Super Bowl and spread the word to their friends and followers.
Another benefit of promotional items is that they are relatively low-cost and can be produced in large quantities. This makes them a great option for businesses with a tight budget who still want to create a strong merchandising presence at the Super Bowl.
By offering a variety of promotional items at different price points, businesses can ensure that they have something for everyone.
4. Sports Gear & Equipment
Sports gear and equipment are another popular Super Bowl merchandising idea. This can include everything from branded jerseys and hats to footballs and other sports equipment.
One of the benefits of offering sports gear and equipment as Super Bowl merchandise is that it appeals to a wide range of fans.
Sports fans are often passionate about their favorite teams and players, and they want to show their support by wearing team merchandise or using branded sports equipment.
To be successful with sports gear and equipment merchandising, businesses should focus on offering high-quality and authentic items. Fans are often willing to pay a premium for gear that is the same as what their favorite players use on the field. This means working with reputable suppliers and ensuring that all items are properly licensed and branded.
Another key to successful sports gear and equipment merchandising is to offer a wide range of items at different price points. Fans come from all walks of life and may have different budgets, so businesses should aim to offer something for everyone. This could include lower-priced items like hats and t-shirts, as well as higher-end items like jerseys and game-used equipment.
Businesses can also get really creative and personal with their Super Bowl merchandising ideas.
For example, they could offer customized water bottles or workout gear that feature team logos or colors. They could also offer sports accessories like branded football gloves or mouthguards.
5. Food & Beverage Products
Food and beverage products are an often overlooked but highly effective Super Bowl merchandising idea. Fans are always looking for tasty treats and refreshing drinks to enjoy during the game, and businesses can capitalize on this by offering branded food and beverage items.
One popular option for food merchandise is to offer branded snacks like popcorn or potato chips. These items can be customized with team logos or colors and can be sold in special Super Bowl packaging. Other food options could include team-themed cupcakes or cookies.
Beverage items are also a popular choice for Super Bowl merchandising.
This could include branded water bottles, soda cans, or beer glasses. Drinkware items can be customized with team logos or colors and can be sold as standalone items or as part of a larger merchandising package.
One advantage of food and beverage products as Super Bowl merchandise is that they are consumable. This means that fans will need to purchase them multiple times throughout the game, creating a steady stream of revenue for businesses. Food and beverage items are also relatively low-cost to produce, making them a great option for businesses with tight budgets.
In addition to offering traditional food and beverage items, businesses can also get creative with their merchandising ideas. For example, they could offer branded barbeque sauce or hot sauce that fans can use to spice up their game-day snacks. They could also offer customized water bottles with built-in misters to help fans stay cool during hot weather.
