We need to know what time it is more than ever as our lives gain more responsibilities, appointments, and deadlines. Digital readouts are everywhere and the notion of a watch or clock may be quaint. But in recent years, the Fitbit and other smartwatches have brought back the watch in a cutting-edge way.
Clocks too are still a fixture in homes and offices – there are many people who just don’t like a digital look. And when the electricity goes out or the cable – then what?
Dena Hirschberg, president of HHP, asserts, “Clocks continue to be a mainstay of the promotional products industry, even in the age of smartphones and watches.” As an example, she notes that work-related promotional items are trending for 2019 and into 2020, especially for new employee welcome kits, where branded clocks can easily fill a unique and substantial role.
Wearable fitness accessories continue to be a hot trend for watches, particularly activity trackers, Hirshberg noted. Many companies today understand that encouraging and promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle for their employees will create a desirable corporate culture and healthier, happier, more productive employees. This corporate mindset inspires loyalty and is an attractive recruitment tool. Wearable fitness watches can be sold in a promotional campaign as part of a fitness kit that may include a water bottle, for example.
“Much of this focus on health and balance is a result of millennials dominating the workplace,” she comments. More than one-in-three of the American labor force (35%) are millennials, according to a study conducted by Pew Research Center. They want to work for and patronize companies that care about health and the environment.
Overall, she adds, ‘While a clock may seem like a very traditional giveaway or gift, if it's well-designed and unique, it is a great item that won’t be seen as frivolous. The same goes for watches, especially if they are in bold, bright colors or made with a unique material or with a matte finish.”
Bryan Hernandez, director of marketing for Logomark Inc., has noticed a significant increase in desire for a minimalist look, black-on-black watches, a black dial with black indices, black hands and a black logo, which conveys luxury in a sleek manner. This category has been revitalized recently, and Hernandez relates that Logomark just added 200 designs this year. However, he notes, ‘Watches with LED backgrounds have gotten attention but require a larger MOQ.”
Timepieces are not a difficult sell – watches are fashion statements and clocks are personal statements, especially in an office. When presenting the concept, be creative, Hernandez encourages, and show several options. “Sometimes creative designs capture the clients immediately but then they will choose a more basic watch design. Basic designs are perfect for high perceived gifts and are great in programs,” he points out.
Look around in any business you go to and make a point of scanning people’s wrists to see what they’re wearing – you will be surprised at the high number of watches and clocks you will see but the sheer panoramic breadth of styles. It’s always a good time to sell timepieces!
CASE STUDIES
Dena Hirschberg, president of HHP: “Socially responsible promotional items continue to be hot, and clocks are no exception. Our durable, quality clocks are made by people who are legally blind and support sustainable livelihoods for them. Flowserve, a recognized world leader in supplying pumps, valves, seals, automation, and services to the power, oil, gas, chemical, and other industries, was looking for a socially responsible retail item that supported their brand and mission of excellence and helped serve those with needs or disabilities. They chose an imprinted wall clock made from 30% post-consumer recycled content from HHP in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse. Proceeds provide education, clinical, vocational, and rehabilitation services for youth and adults who are blind and visually impaired.
“The True Value Company is an American retailer-owned hardware cooperative with over 5,000 independent retail locations worldwide. They wanted clock options that had low minimum order quantities, so they chose a clock with True Value’s logo from HHP in partnership with The Chicago Lighthouse. Proceeds provide jobs to blind and visually impaired as well as income, quality education, as well as clinical, vocational and rehabilitation services for youth and adults.”
Lindsey Farm, marketing coordinator, BEST USA/Beacon Promotions: “A top awards conference for women in leadership wanted a high-end item to recognize the women who have shown exceptional efforts that help advance women in leadership. They wanted the item to covey the valuable efforts that have been made by the recipients. They selected the Bulova Ladies Turnstyle Watch (#96L257) watch was a perfect fit as it could be worn every day by the receiver as a reminder of how important and impactful their efforts are.”