Start the Year Organised: A Smarter Way to Plan Branded Merchandise in 2026

January is when teams reset budgets, priorities and expectations for the year ahead. It’s also the best time to take a step back and plan branded merchandise properly - before deadlines and last-minute requests start piling up.

A considered approach to merchandise planning doesn’t just save money. It saves time, reduces stress and delivers better outcomes for your brand.

Why early planning matters

Branded merchandise often looks simple on the surface, but lead times, decoration methods and freight schedules all play a role in the final result. Leaving decisions until the last minute can limit product choice, increase costs and compromise quality.

Early planning allows you to:

• Lock in better pricing through bulk runs
• Choose the most suitable branding method
• Align merchandise with key campaigns and events
• Avoid rushed decisions and air-freight costs

Think in campaigns, not products

Instead of ordering items reactively, it helps to think in terms of campaigns:

• Staff onboarding
• Client gifting
• Events and activations
• Seasonal promotions

Mapping these out early makes it easier to select merchandise that feels intentional rather than ad-hoc.

Build a simple annual merchandise plan

You don’t need a complex document. A simple outline of:

• Key dates
• Approximate quantities
• Intended audience
• Budget ranges

…is often enough to guide better decisions and smoother production.

Planning now pays off later

The most successful merchandise programs are rarely rushed. They’re planned early, executed calmly and delivered with confidence.

Starting the year organised sets the tone for everything that follows.

Brand excellence, made easy.