Welcome back to another episode of Better Merch…Better Marketing with Kirby Hasseman and Jade Crider! This week’s conversation covers everything from celebrity controversy and year-end gift planning to nostalgic sequels and sunflower fields. As always, it’s a mix of marketing strategy, pop culture, and a little bit of fun along the way.
Sydney Sweeney and the American Eagle Ad Debate
We kicked off the show by diving into the controversy surrounding Sydney Sweeney and her recent ad campaign with American Eagle. For those who haven’t seen it, the campaign has sparked online backlash—some claiming it’s off-brand for the clothing company, others calling it tone-deaf.
Jade’s take? She felt the campaign missed the mark. “It feels like her personal brand is all over the place,” she said. From HBO star to country music features to now being the face of a youthful denim brand, the messaging isn’t cohesive. Jade noted that good marketing should align the brand’s identity with the influencer’s vibe—and this one might have been a mismatch.
Kirby had a slightly different view, suggesting that the outrage may be more about today’s internet culture than the campaign itself. “It seems like people are just looking for something to be mad about,” he said. That said, both agreed that when you’re crafting campaigns involving celebrity influencers, brand alignment is key—otherwise, the message gets lost in the noise.
Year-End Gifting…In August?
If you’ve been around the branded merch world long enough, you know this truth: it’s never too early to plan your year-end gifts.
Jade and Kirby discussed how starting now gives you better options, better pricing, and most importantly—less stress. Waiting until November means you’re fighting stock issues, shipping delays, and a rush of last-minute panic. But if you start in August or September, the world of creative gift-giving is wide open.
Whether you’re showing appreciation to clients, rewarding employees, or sending thank-you kits to partners, branded gifts are a chance to make a lasting impression. Done right, they’re not just “stuff”—they’re a relationship-building tool.
Pro tip: Don’t overthink the size of the gift. A thoughtful, quality item delivered with care can go a long way.
Happy Gilmore 2 – The Cameo Marketing Machine
Next up, we hit on the release of Happy Gilmore 2. Jade saw the movie and gave it a solid “meh” for entertainment value, but the marketing strategy behind it was definitely a conversation starter.
Kirby was intrigued by the power of cameos in promoting the film. “It felt like everyone was talking about it—not because of the storyline, but because of who showed up in it,” he said. Celebrities from all corners made appearances, and those cameos created a ripple effect of free publicity across social media.
The lesson? Create buzz through surprise and involvement. Whether it’s in your content, your product, or your events, when unexpected faces or moments appear, people pay attention. It’s word-of-mouth 2.0.
Product of the Week: Olive Wood Cutting Board with Handle
This week’s product spotlight is a showstopper—especially if you’re thinking about higher-end gifts for clients or team members. The Rock & Branch Olive Wood Cutting and Serving Board is beautiful, functional, and classy.
Learn more and order yours here!
This isn’t your average kitchen item. It’s the kind of piece that gets used, complimented, and remembered. With its natural olive wood grain and serving handle, it bridges the gap between utility and luxury—and offers a unique branding opportunity.
Pair it with a custom recipe card, a local treat, or a thank-you note for an elevated gift experience. This one’s definitely going on the “holiday favorites” list.
Shout Out: The Coshocton Sunflower Festival 🌻
To wrap up the episode, we gave a shout-out to one of the most beautiful events in Coshocton County: the Coshocton Sunflower Festival!
Taking place over two weekends in August, this festival draws people from all over to wander through fields of vibrant blooms, take stunning photos, and enjoy food, music, and family-friendly fun. It’s a shining example of how local events create community pride and tourism impact.
Learn more about the festival and plan your visit here:
CoshoctonSunflowerFestival.com
Final Thoughts
This episode was a fun blend of hot takes, smart planning, and seasonal strategy.
From celebrity-brand alignment and buzz-worthy marketing moments to early gifting advice and sunflower celebrations, Jade and Kirby always bring insights you can use—and a few laughs along the way.
Thanks for tuning in to Better Merch…Better Marketing—Season 2 is off to a strong start. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single episode. And if you’re ready to start planning your year-end merch strategy, reach out to our team—we’d love to help.
Until next time—keep spreading the Marketing Joy!
And as always, 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!
