2025 February Newsletter

Let's be real- February is kind of an awkward month. It's too late to say "Happy New Year," but also too early to lean into "Spring Vibes Only." And here on the SOLV team, we're somewhere between "Let me get my life together" and "I'm just counting down the days until warmer weather."

But if there's one thing that never goes out of season? Really good merch. The kind that people actually want to use, wear, and show off. You that perfect hoodie you grab every time? That pen that somehow writes better than all the others? That tote bag you didn't even know you need but now take everywhere?

That's the kind of stuff that makes an awkward month like February just a little less awkward. Ya know what we mean?

1?? "People Don't Want Branded Merch Anymore."

Wrong! They just don't want the bad kind.

Think about it, how many times do you see a concert t-shirt or a water bottle full of stickers. That's branded merch... from a company... they just figured out how to take it from boring to fun.

You spend so much time crafting your website and social content, but maybe it's time to put that same energy behind your swag & branded merch purchasing to make that one-item a branded experience.

2?? "Promo Items Don't 'Fit' with My Business or Industry"

Wrong! Every industry can harness the power of promo.

It goes without saying that some promotional products are better suited to particular industries- it's just a matter of knowing your target audience.

That said, 'out-of-the-box' thinking when choosing the right promo item can really transform your next marketing campaign. If all your competitors are handing out the same items, why not consider something unique! Try it... we support you!

3?? "Swag Doesn't Seem to Work"

Wrong! It's actually working in the long game.

Thank about the ROI on every swag item you've ever had. How long have you held onto that branded tumbler? Maybe a year or two? Now do the math.

That company spent maybe, let's say $15 on it, and you've seen that tumbler once a week, every week for the past year, 15 ÷ 52 = 29￠.

That company spent 29￠ every week, or 4￠ per day, for one year to make an impression on you. That's some pretty impressive mileage!

Not all merch is created equal, and this month's picks? Certified keepers. These are the items that our team can't stop using, wearing, and low-key fighting over.

Have you ever wondered which apparel decoration method makes the biggest impact?

Or how am I going to get company shirts done without breaking the bank?

Last Month, Matt McLaughlin , Marketing & Creative Director, and Lexi Farrow , Customer Service Apparel Guru, broke it all down on our blog.

Give it a read and let us know what you think!

?? Read the full Blog ??

At SOLV, we believe in having fun while making a difference—and this month, Tressa McLaughlin (President & CEO), and Dave McLaughlin (Accounting & Inventory Control) did just that! They hit the (snowy) greens at the Terrace Lakes SNOLF Tournament, all in support of the Special Olympics Idaho Winter Games.?

Each year, this incredible event raises funds to help athletes compete in the Winter Games, and Tressa and Dave joined in the action—playing a round of snow golf, helping sell $920 raffle tickets—enough to buy gloves for every participating athlete!?

And because no SOLV event is complete without a little friendly competition, their team went all-in for the Winnie the Pooh-themed parade—securing 2nd place for their sled AND taking home the tournament win!