Season 2 of Better Merch…Better Marketing is rolling along, and this week Kirby and Jade are back LIVE in the Hasseman Marketing office for a lively conversation about tech, retail, events, and of course, branded merch. From futuristic glasses to giant grocery bags, they covered a wide range of topics you won’t want to miss.
Meta AI Glasses: Cool Tool or Creepy Gadget?
The episode kicked off with a look at the Meta AI glasses—a product that has sparked plenty of buzz and more than a few questions.
Jade pointed out some creative ways these could be used at a trade show or live event, like identifying brands in real time or helping attendees navigate a show floor. Imagine walking into a booth and instantly pulling up a brand’s story or product catalog, all without pulling out your phone.
Kirby, meanwhile, focused on the content creation angle. For marketers, the ability to record, stream, and create hands-free opens up some incredible opportunities. But he also acknowledged the elephant in the room: privacy concerns. How will people feel about wearing or being recorded by glasses that are always on?
Both agreed it’s a fascinating piece of tech—but they want to hear from you. Would you wear Meta AI glasses? Would you use them in your business?
Aldi’s Giant Bag Campaign
From futuristic tech to the grocery aisle, Jade and Kirby then tackled the latest campaign from Aldi. The discount chain made waves with their oversized shopping bags designed to perfectly fit their carts. To add to the buzz, they gave away 1,000 of them.
The verdict? Jade and Kirby loved the concept. The bag fits seamlessly into Aldi’s shopper experience, it’s fun, and it’s a walking billboard for the brand. But the limitation—only 1,000 bags—left them scratching their heads. Why not make this a bigger program that more shoppers could access?
The lesson: if you create branded merch that perfectly fits your brand and resonates with your audience, don’t stop at just a taste. Scale it up and let the campaign run.
Lessons from the Customer Show
With Hasseman Marketing’s Branding Basecamp Customer Show just wrapped up, Kirby and Jade shared their takeaways.
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The T-shirt station was a hit. Giving attendees a chance to print and customize their own shirt was not only fun but also created an interactive brand experience.
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You can never over-communicate. From emails to reminders, making sure people know what’s happening and where to go is critical for success.
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People remember the highlights. The conversations, the experiences, and the special touches are what stick—not the little things you might stress about behind the scenes.
It was a great event, and Jade and Kirby were thrilled with the feedback and energy.
Product of the Week: The 10 x 10 Tent
This week’s Product of the Week is something many attendees saw firsthand at the show: the 10 x 10 Deluxe Steel Frame Tent. Check it out here.
Tents like these are perfect for:
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Outdoor events and festivals
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Trade shows and community gatherings
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Company picnics or recruiting fairs
Not only do they provide function and shelter, but they also create a big, bold canvas for your brand. Learn more and get yours here.
Shout-Out: Baltic State Bank
Finally, Jade and Kirby gave a shout-out to Baltic State Bank, which is opening a new branch in West Lafayette. It’s always encouraging to see investment and growth in the local community, and this expansion is a win for the area.
Wrapping Up
This episode had a little bit of everything: tech trends, retail campaigns, event lessons, and a standout product for outdoor marketing. If there’s a thread tying it all together, it’s this: when you combine creativity with strategy, branded merch and marketing campaigns can create real impact.
From AI glasses to giant shopping bags, the landscape of marketing continues to evolve—and Better Merch…Better Marketing is here to help you make sense of it all.
If you need help with branded merch, merch strategy, or creative ideas to grow your brand or your team, let’s talk. We’d love to help you. Get your TARGET Hiring Playbook here for free!
