From Headwear to Power Banks: Insights from Facilisgroup's Trending Categories

With the first half of 2024 in the books, we wanted to take a look at the popular product categories that made an impact not only in the promo space but also among Facilisgroup’s Distributor Partners. What product categories were popular for distributors and suppliers, what was the most requested product for end-buyers, and more? We’ll be talking with Facilisgroup’s Vice President of Supplier Relations, Michele Dando, to get a closer look at what’s trending and what to expect during the second half of the year. 

Let’s get right to it: Which product categories were popular during Q2? Any surprises or constants you noticed in these categories?

In the US we saw strong growth YOY across many of our categories. These categories include headwear, towels, eyewear, power banks, and desk accessories. Headwear and towels historically have a strong second quarter as we move into the summer season. Eyewear saw a 200%+ increase YOY, which I’m attributing to suppliers offering a broader range of sunglass styles. We are seeing the impact of retail sunglass trends drive the need for more options in promotional products. Power banks and desktop accessories were my surprise categories. These categories see strong second-half performance and to see double-digit growth in the first half indicates that we will continue to see growth in the second half.

In Canada, we saw strong growth among most of our categories as well. The standouts were a bit different than in the US including drinkware, bags, backpacks, power banks, and desk accessories that all saw double-digit YOY growth. Seeing drinkware, bags, and backpacks have a strong second quarter and growth over last year gives me insight that we are seeing drinkware and bags/backpacks complement each other and become a go-to kit. As in the US, power banks and desktop accessories were my surprise categories; power banks saw a 400%+ growth YOY.  This is a category to watch, with lots of options available across all price points giving the power bank a boost (pun intended).

Do the trending categories we see from Facilisgroup's Distributor Partners reflective of the promo industry as a whole?

The promo industry trends span across all groups and while we are seeing similar trends, our ability to deep dive and drill down gives us an edge. The ability to blend industry data and our data to ensure we are fulfilling the needs of our Facilisgroup Distributor Partners.

Any categories we should keep an eye out for in Q3?

Sweatshirts & Fleece have seen growth in 2023 and that continues in 2024. This category continues to be on trend in retail and we are seeing the same in promo. Suppliers are bringing in a wider assortment in these categories to match what we are seeing in retail and to cover all price points. Within sweatshirts, the heavy-weight styles are my pick for emerging top styles for the second half of 2024.