It’s no secret that fashionable, patterned socks are one of the biggest trends this year. You can’t even go one day without seeing a vibrant pair peeking out from underneath slacks or jeans. Athletes even don snazzy socks during press conferences, and I guarantee your kids also wear the colorful, hip footwear to school.
These accessories have hit the floor running. Why? Because they promote individualism and show off to the world your personal tastes. Have a favorite NFL team? I bet you’d wear a pair of socks with the mascot embroidered on them. What about a favorite show? Chances are, those Seinfeld socks are pretty easy to find, considering the market is saturated with every design and style under the sun.
Image courtesy of Stance
Socks on the Clock
Graphic socks have also made a breakthrough in the corporate world. Employees wear them with neutral suits and gift them to coworkers for the holidays. However, statement socks have made more of an impact since companies also use them for promotional purposes.
Sew, what?
Well, according to a recent report, the global socks market was valued at around $11.7 billion in 2018 and is expected to reach around $24.16 billion by 2025. With this fashionable trend growing exponentially, it makes sense that corporations are promoting their brand with an accessory that is dramatically growing in popularity.
Two ways you can kick up your promo game is handing them out to employees if your company has an organized sports team (what better way to increase team spirit?) or wrapping them up and gifting them to clients.
Image courtesy of Happy Socks
Plus, when the client pulls on a pair of your company-logoed socks, they will always have a positive association with your brand. Also, who doesn’t smile when they see vibrant, fun socks?
Case Studies: Sharks and Cereal
Countless companies have jumped on the bandwagon that is promotional socks. Go to any sporting event, concert, or even Comicon, and chances are, you’ll see socks galore everywhere!
Popular television shows are even knocking customer’s socks off with this clever, branded merch.
The Discovery Channel took a bite out of this popular trend and partnered with Atlanta-based Sock Fancy, a subscription sock service, to create six custom Shark Week socks for the 30th anniversary.
Image courtesy of Sock Fancy
These socks not only were made with jaw-dropping quality, but the show was promoted every time someone would slip on these socks – can you say walking billboard?
Swimming away from shark-patterned socks, another company promoted more cheerful characters on the footwear in 2018. Kellogg’s developed a customer loyalty program where free socks, designed with Kellogg’s lovable mascots, were rewarded to anyone who bought three of the Michigan food manufacturer’s products. From Toucan Sam from Froot Loops to Tony the Tiger from Frosted Flakes, these statement socks were not only a fun way to say thank you to customers, but a G-R-R-EAT promotional campaign loved by all.
Image courtesy of Kellogg’s
Inspired? If you are looking for a clever, unique promo idea to give to clients, well socks are the answer! The SAGE products database has thousands of socks you can choose from. Whether you’re looking for knit socks with a crazy pattern or more reserved, solid socks, you’ll be able to find it. Check out the footwear selection in SAGE Online – just in time for the holiday season!
