TREVOSE, PA — Consumers rate promotional products more favorably than television and digital advertising, while branded merchandise delivers lasting brand exposure at a fraction of the cost of traditional marketing channels, according to a new global study released by the Advertising Specialty Institute.
The 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study, based on surveys of nearly 5,000 consumers across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Europe, found that promotional products generate an average of 3,300 brand impressions over their usable lifespan and achieve an average cost-per-impression of $0.006.
The research also found that 85% of consumers remember the advertiser associated with a promotional item, while 75% of U.S. consumers reported having a positive opinion of branded merchandise — a higher share than for television or digital advertising channels, according to ASI.
Promotional products include items such as apparel, drinkware, tote bags and technology accessories distributed by companies and nonprofits to build brand awareness and customer engagement.
The study found that a typical $6 tote bag generates roughly 5,000 impressions over time at an estimated cost-per-impression of $0.001. Premium promotional items such as fleece apparel averaged $0.004 per impression or less.
Consumer retention rates also remained high. According to the study, 78% of respondents keep promotional products because they consider them useful, while 76% indicated they are more likely to do business with brands that provide branded merchandise.
Ashish Mittal indicated the findings reflect growing scrutiny on marketing spending and return on investment across advertising channels.
The Advertising Specialty Institute represents suppliers and distributors operating within the promotional products sector, which the organization estimates generates $27.7 billion annually.
The full 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study is available at ASI Research Report Download
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