Better Merch…Better Marketing: Gen Z v Gen X Buying Habits

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Reading Time: 3 minutes

23 May, 2025
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Kirby Hasseman
Better Merch...Better Marketing: Gen Z v Gen X Buying Habits

On this week’s episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing, Jade and Kirby dive into everything from AI-fueled PR disasters to generational purchasing preferences—with a few laughs, a sharp product of the week, and a well-deserved shoutout to a local summer destination.

This episode covers:

  • The Duolingo AI controversy and how brands can embrace tech without losing trust
  • The power of branded merch for events—and why it gets us excited
  • The buying behaviors of Gen Z vs. Gen X (and where we all fall on the merch spectrum)
  • The Product of the Week: A slick and useful pair of branded scissors from Alexander
  • A shoutout to The Boathouse Tavern & Canoe Livery—your next summer adventure stop

Watch or listen to the full episode here:

The Duolingo AI Controversy: When Tech Outpaces Trust

If you haven’t seen it, Duolingo recently came under fire for reportedly replacing human voice actors with AI-generated voices—without telling anyone. The response? Not great.

Jade’s take: This was a clear miss in audience understanding. Duolingo’s brand is fun, human, and quirky. So replacing real voices with AI—especially without warning—felt like a betrayal to many longtime users.

Kirby’s perspective: The real issue wasn’t the tech—it was the rollout. If Duolingo had been more transparent, tested the change, or even positioned it as a beta feature, the backlash could’ve been avoided. As Kirby put it, “Use AI in advance—and then announce it!”

At the end of the day, both agreed: we love AI, but brands have to be thoughtful about how and when they implement it—especially when it changes something core to the user experience.

Branded Merch for Events: Why It Matters

As Hasseman Marketing gears up for their big customer event in September (you can register here), Kirby and Jade talked about how branded merch sets the tone for events.

It’s not just swag—it’s expectation-setting. It creates a vibe, builds anticipation, and adds value to the attendee experience before they even walk through the door.

From high-quality apparel to drinkware, totes, and even desk items, well-executed branded merch becomes:

  • A conversation starter

  • A memory anchor

  • And a thank you your guests will actually use

If you’re hosting an event and wondering if merch matters, the answer is: absolutely.  And again, if you have not yet registered for our show, please do so here!

Gen Z v Gen X Buying Habits

This part of the episode was both fun and insightful. Jade posed the question to Kirby: how does Gen X (his generation) compare to Gen Z (hers) when it comes to buying?

Some key takeaways:

  • Gen Z tends to value aesthetic, uniqueness, and social responsibility. They want things that look great and stand for something.

  • Gen X leans into function, durability, and value. Kirby admitted he’s likely to find something he likes—and buy multiples.

There’s no “right” way to shop, but understanding these patterns helps marketers and merch pros design campaigns and products that resonate across age groups.

Product of the Week: LeftRight Scissors from Alexander

This week’s featured product was unexpectedly awesome: the Left/Right Scissors from Alexander.

Why we love them:

  • Designed for left- or right-handed users

  • Sturdy, sleek, and surprisingly fun to give away

  • An underrated office essential—because everyone needs scissors and no one ever buys them for themselves

  • The magnetic case makes sure these awesome scissors never get lost

It’s one of those “why didn’t I think of this?” branded items that gets daily use and makes your logo stick around longer than a flyer ever could.  Click here to learn more and buy now!

Shoutout of the Week: The Boathouse Tavern & Canoe Livery

This week’s shoutout goes to the Boathouse Tavern and Canoe Livery, a hidden gem for anyone looking to soak up summer in Coshocton County.

Whether you’re looking for kayaking, tubing, or a good meal and drinks on the river, this place delivers on all fronts.

Learn more about them here

Supporting local businesses like the Boathouse doesn’t just make for a great day—it keeps the local economy and culture thriving. We’re proud to give them some well-earned love.

Final Thoughts

This episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing was packed with takeaways for marketers, brand builders, and event planners alike.

Here’s your quick recap:

  • AI is powerful—but rollout and communication matter more than the tech itself

  • Branded merch sets the tone and delivers lasting impact at events

  • Understanding generational buying patterns helps you create more relevant marketing

  • Scissors are cool—when they’re branded and built for everyone

  • And summer in Coshocton just got better with the Boathouse on your weekend list

Thanks for tuning in! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing—and if your team needs help finding the right merch to stay visible and valuable, we’d love to help.   Head here to get the book “Hit The TARGET” for FREE!  This will help you dial in your marketing for better results.

Written by: Kirby Hasseman

Kirby Hasseman is the CEO of Hasseman Marketing & Communications. Kirby hosts a weekly Web show called Delivering Marketing Joy where he interviews business leaders from around the country. Kirby has published four books. His most recent is “Fan of Happy.” His book, called "Delivering Marketing Joy" is about doing “promo right” and is perfect for people in the industry and customers. He also wrote “Think Big For Small Business” and “Give Your Way to Success. All are available on Amazon.