As the popular saying goes, “Presentation is everything,” and this expression couldn’t hold more weight than in the packaging/stationery sector of the promotional products market. The pandemic has resulted in the growing popularity of kitting—and full-color, unique packaging along with stationery options help companies recognize hard-working employees when they can’t do so in person. Plus, these challenging times lend themselves well to journaling and looking toward a more positive future.
At SnugZ USA, Madeleine Wallis, reveals that the company is seeing an increase in kitting that incorporates custom packaging from the shipping box, to the products themselves. “For example, we customize our Thermos® Food Jars which you can incorporate in gift boxes to transport treats, hot or cold, so they are ready for enjoyment upon arrival,” she elaborates. “With the holidays right around the corner, and the increase in event cancellations, creating an experience with your gifts is becoming increasingly popular.
“When an influencer, who receives a plethora of merchandise, unboxes your product, you want to create a memorable experience for both the gift recipient, and the thousands of eyes watching through their tiny screens,” she continues. Our Boxcar Custom Packaging allows you to do just that by creating personalized messages and a design that will help your brand become more memorable through unique packaging.”
Packaging is trending toward smaller, full-color boxes that can hold small gifts, a gift card, favors, or other small items that can be easily mailed without expensive postage costs, Warwick Publishing’s Phil Martin reports. “Reduced in-person visits and limited personal contact has created a need to recognize and stay in touch with remote workers as well as valued clients, now more than ever,” he comments. “This becomes more magnified as the holiday gift giving season approaches.”
Grethe Adams at Southern Plus agrees that presentation is vital to gift giving. “While we don’t package our products in any special way (except, perhaps, for gift wrapping them as holiday gifts), many of our products are used *as* the packaging for other things,” she explains. “We have many upscale, retail looking bags that are perfect for gift bags in size, design, and material!” She also adds her thoughts on the popularity of kitting. “Our customers find that kitting items in a nice bag not only makes a great first impression on the recipient, but also makes ongoing impressions on others as they are used for other purposes!” she enthuses.
It is clear to suppliers that demand for packaging is increasing. Inexpensive, full-color packaging is on the rise at Warwick Publishing, such as the company’s Tuck and Pillow Boxes. Plus, Brandon Brown at SnugZ notes the company is seeing a need for gifting-type items for onboarding new employees or welcoming current employees back to the office. “As we approach the typical gift giving season, we are seeing more of a demand to provide a unique opening experience for both low- and high-priced items,” he comments. “Drop shipping and fulfillment are also on the rise, utilizing our new Piggyback Fulfillment using all SnugZ items or a mix from other suppliers.”
Stationery and journaling have also become increasingly popular, Wallis at SnugZ USA maintains. “Our custom leather journals provide a sentimental feel that fills the nostalgia many people are yearning for,” she says. “A lot has happened in the past two years and a lot will continue to happen. Journaling is gaining momentum as people are processing their past, setting goals for the future, and recording memories of the present.”
Sweda LLC has brought the latest in technology to its stationery offerings. According to Kellie Claudio, power-padfolios are the company’s top selling item in this market segment. “Having an office in your hand or sitting on your desk with a powerful power bank charging your iPad or Phone sitting in the built-in phone stand, tech organizer, and journal for note taking is the perfect answer for the mobile account executive,” she affirms.
Heavy demand of these mobile office items (a series of six styles of these exclusive to Sweda Power-padfolios) has sustained since the pandemic began, Claudio adds. As a result, the company plans to launch another new design that is the second UL listed power-padfolio.
Suppliers continue to rise to the occasion by offering a plethora of new and best-selling packaging/stationery items. Martin at Warwick Publishing acknowledges that attractive, full-color art can be a challenge for many businesses small and large; therefore, the company is introducing a complete line full color designs for holiday, thank you, congratulations, celebration, and welcome. “So far, our standard sizes and custom graphics have ben the big sellers, but initial reception indicates that our new stock design art is being well received,” Martin comments.
SnugZ’s Wallis shares that the company it excited about its Boxcar Custom Packaging gift boxes. The Sequoia felt recycled journal and Blackburn large recycled, dye-sublimated felt journal are also performing well.
When promoting packaging and stationery wares, Wallis at SnugZ says that since the nation is in such a state of influx, it is vital to prepare now for the holidays. “Some events are moving forward, and some are being cancelled,” she states. “Additionally, the overall supply chain is still recovering from the events of 2020. Preparing now by ordering ahead of time better ensures that your gifts will be ready when you want them so you can enjoy the season and all good things to come.”
Martin at Warwick Publishing also weighs in. “Small- to medium-size companies appear to be the best prospects as they are looking for creative and attention getting ways to stay in touch with their customers,” he elaborates. “Create a low-cost gift package for them to send to clients, maybe a notepad and a pen, perhaps a fast-food gift card with a note saying you’d like to take them to lunch.”
He adds that there are many other great applications for Tuck and Pillow Box packaging, such as retail customers for point-of-purchase samples or put together a tradeshow hand out box of goodies which could be samples or snacks. “Think outside the box and think of what you can put *in* the box.”
Case Study
Phil Martin, Warwick Publishing
A distributor recently sold an order of 5,000 pieces of the small Pillowbox to a department store to promote a new perfume scent. The graphics were done on both sides of the box to duplicate the perfume bottle. A sample of the perfume, descriptive literature and a discount coupon were inside the box that was handed out at the store over a holiday weekend. Reception was excellent and the discount coupons are still being redeemed.