The Top 10 Buyers of Promotional Products

You see promotional products everywhere. That pen you use to sign your credit card receipt. The drink coaster at your local pub. The notepad in your hotel room. The coffee mugs at your favorite diner. Those are all promotional items. This was a $20B dollar industry last year. So who's buying them? Below you'll find the top 10 buyers. If your business falls within one of the top 10 industries below and you're NOT using promotional items to promote your business, you're likely getting out-marketed by your competitors. You see promotional products everywhere because they are useful, effective, and essential to strengthening company brands. Every time you use a company branded item, their logo is "branded" into your brain. That company is brought to the forefront of your brain. While you may not need the products or services of that company at that moment, when you eventually do need them, you'll most likely think of them before you think about their competitors who didn't give you a useful promotional item.

So Who's Buying Promotional items?

It seems like everyone is buying them. The most successful businesses certainly are. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 industries who have embraced the effectiveness of promotional products.

1. Education

This includes schools, universities, seminars, and training programs. The education sector understands that promotional items can not only enhance the learning experience but also they can help improve the perspective of higher education with potential students who may not have originally given their school much thought. A few uses include back-to-school campaigns, recruiting, school spirit items, promotion of school programs, and new student welcome gifts.

Notes for Education category: Montessori & pre-schools, primary & secondary schools, student exchange programs, parent-teacher associations, youth sports & physical education , technical & trade schools, test prep & tutoring services, continued ed programs, assessment services, foreign language schools, automobile driving schools, professional development training, cosmetology schools, flight training, private universities, community & junior colleges, medical institutes, engineering colleges, intercollegiate athletics, study abroad programs, alumni associations, etc. Does not include childcare services (personal services), school bus services (transportation), intramural sports programs (team sports, fine arts schools (recreation), yoga instruction (fitness), first-aid instruction (healthcare), real estate license schools (real estate), bartending schools (food & beverage), culinary arts schools (food & beverage), police academies (government).

2. Business Services (B2B)

Companies in the business services sector are major buyers of promotional products to enhance their brand presence and client relationships. Management and consulting firms often use branded notebooks, pens, or executive gifts to leave a polished impression with clients. HR and recruiting services distribute promotional items at career fairs and onboarding events to attract talent and welcome new hires. Advertising and PR agencies leverage creative promotional items to showcase their branding capabilities to clients. Market research firms use giveaways like tote bags, mugs, or tech accessories at industry events to build awareness. Digital marketing and social media services also utilize promotional products to strengthen their brand identity, whether it’s through apparel, drinkware, or tech gadgets for employee appreciation or client thank-you gifts. Together, these business services rely on promotional products as practical tools to increase visibility, build trust, and keep their brands top of mind with clients and prospects.

Notes for Business Services category: Includes management & consulting services, HR & recruiting services, advertising & PR services, market research services, digital marketing & social media services, etc. It does not include engineering services (construction), architecture & design services (construction), assessment services (learning & development), accounting services (financial), advisory services (financial), it services (technology).

3. Construction

Building contractors, engineering firms, specialty trade contractors, electrical contractors, plumbers, roadway construction companies, utility contractors, and all others in the trade of construction fit within this sector. Promotional items are used by these companies to promote their services to new clients. Within this industry, there are big ticket jobs on the line, so the timely use of a branded product can tip the scale in their favor to landing a huge contract.

Notes for Construction category: Includes general construction & demolition management, engineering services, architecture & design services, remodeling & renovating services, building repair & maintenance services, etc. Does not include staging & interior design services (real estate).

4. Healthcare

This industry has exploded over the last few decades. With the epidemic of unhealthy Americans, incidents of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and many chronic conditions have significantly increased. This has created extreme demand for more healthcare professionals and subsequently caused stiff competition among those within this industry. This category includes hospitals, clinics, laboratories, nursing homes, home health agencies, emergency medical services (EMS), medical equipment and supply companies, and imaging and diagnostic facilities. With so many new health care facilities popping up to meet patient demands, they all want to grasp a bigger piece of the local market share. By using promotional items, they help their patients and potential patients remember their facilities.

Notes for Healthcare category: Includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, laboratories, veterinary clinics, hospitals, independent practitioners (dentistry, optometry, chiropractic, physical therapy), family planning centers, etc.

5. Non-Profit Organizations

There are over 1.5 million registered non-profit organizations in the U.S. Your city or town likely has hundreds of them. So how do they compete with each other to get donors? Giving promotional items to thank their donors is one way to develop stronger relationships by showing appreciation. Promotional items can also be very effective for awareness campaigns for non-profits. Wearables such as t-shirts, hats, bracelets, buttons, and temporary tattoos are among some of the most popular items for non-profits.

Notes for Nonprofit category: Includes public charities, private foundations, social welfare organizations, business leagues (trade associations), fraternal societies, religious organizations, etc.

6. Financial

Banks, credit unions, mortgage companies, loan companies, brokerage and investment firms, and insurance agencies all fit into this category. Since they have all the money, the only surprise of them being number two on the list is why they aren't number one. The competition in this industry is extremely cut-throat. It's essential for these companies to connect with their potential clients on an emotional level and establish trust. There's no better way than through the use of promotional items.

Notes for Financial category: : Includes commercial & investment banks, credit unions, savings & loans associations, advisory services, wealth management services, venture capital providers, tax prep services, currency exchange & wire transfer services, debt resolution services, payment providers, accounting services, credit & collection services, etc

7. Government

The U.S. Government includes public offices for cities and counties, state government agencies, federal programs, political candidates, and awareness campaigns. They heavily rely on promotional items to get their message out to the citizens. Political candidates have really embraced the power of promotional products to promote their campaign. Some of the top products purchased by government agencies include bags, water bottles, insect repellent, and t-shirts.

Notes for Government category: Includes government agencies, national security, county governments, correctional facilities, state patrols, city police, county sheriffs, political party & candidates, etc.

8. Manufacturing

Manufacturing companies are significant buyers of promotional products, using them strategically across various segments of their operations. Production material manufacturers, such as those specializing in plastic, glass, and metal, often provide branded safety gear, water bottles, or work gloves to employees on the factory floor to reinforce brand loyalty and promote safety. Durable goods manufacturers, including furniture and jewelry makers, use high-end promotional gifts like branded tools, tote bags, or custom apparel for trade shows, dealer appreciation, and customer incentives. Nondurable goods manufacturers, such as those producing food, beverages, and apparel, frequently leverage promotional items like branded coolers, lunch totes, or kitchen accessories to strengthen relationships with distributors and retailers while boosting consumer brand recognition. Overall, manufacturers use promotional products to connect with employees, supply chain partners, and end consumers, enhancing brand awareness at every level of production and distribution.

Notes for Manufacturing category: Includes production material manufacturers (plastic, glass, metal), durable (furniture, jewelry) & nondurable (food, beverage, apparel) goods manufacturers, etc.

9. Food & Beverage

The food and beverage industry consistently ranks among the top buyers of promotional products to enhance customer loyalty and brand recognition. Full-service restaurants, including upscale and fine dining establishments, often use branded wine glasses, coasters, or premium giveaways for VIP guests and special events. Quick-service restaurants, such as fast food and fast casual chains, rely on promotional items like branded cups, reusable straws, or tote bags to drive repeat business and reinforce brand identity. Bars frequently distribute branded pint glasses, bottle openers, or koozies to promote their logo beyond the bar. Food trucks use items like stickers, magnets, or reusable utensils to keep their brand visible long after service. Meal kit services and catering companies often include branded kitchen tools, measuring spoons, or tote bags in orders to build loyalty and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. Across all segments, food and beverage businesses use promotional products to create memorable customer experiences that keep their brands top of mind.

Notes for Food & Beverage category: Includes full-service restaurants (upscale & fine dining), quick-service restaurants (fast food, fast casual), bars, food trucks, meal kit services, catering services, etc.

10. Retail

Retail businesses are major purchasers of promotional products to enhance their customer engagement and brand visibility. Grocery stores often use branded reusable bags, insulated totes, or produce bags to encourage repeat visits and build loyalty. General and used merchandise stores distribute promotional items like keychains, pens, or tote bags as customer appreciation gifts or purchase incentives. Liquor stores frequently offer branded bottle openers, wine bags, or glassware to strengthen their brand image. Pharmacies and drug stores use promotional items such as pill organizers, lip balm, or health-related giveaways to reinforce their commitment to customer well-being. Direct-selling providers rely on branded products for recruitment events and customer thank-you gifts to build strong connections. Souvenir stores use promotional items like magnets, mugs, or hats to expand their branded merchandise lines. Wholesalers and vending or kiosk operators also incorporate promotional products to maintain brand recognition among their buyers and end customers. Across the retail sector, promotional products play a vital role in driving sales, increasing brand exposure, and creating memorable customer experiences.

Notes for Retail category: Includes grocery stores, general & used merchandise stores, liquor stores, pharmacies & drug stores, direct-selling providers, souvenir stores, wholesalers, vending & kiosk operators, etc.

If your business or occupation fall into any of these top 10 categories listed above, it's even more critical you step up your game to outdo your competition. You can shop over 100,000 promotional items online here. If you need suggestions, our experienced agents are here to help you find the right products to make you stand out.