Recently acquired young adults meeting with a financial planner at a credit union, as they bond over trendy tech gadgets that the credit union uses as part of their onboarding marketing strategy.

January 16, 2023

Investing in the Younger Generation

Whether you’re a bank, credit union, payroll or loan company, keeping clients engaged is important for retention, and acquiring new, younger members is vital for growth. Say goodbye to conservative merch and entice a new generation of members with creative products and unique designs they’ll truly value.

As the majority of financial institutions move away from brick-and-mortar locations, and technology skyrockets the use of online and telephone banking, younger generations have a lot of options to choose from in this very competitive industry. With this in mind, it’s important to consider the question: how are you enticing them to start their financial journey with you? And, how are you convincing them to stay with you long term? Branded merch is a great tool that can be used as an incentive for those opening a new account, buying their first home, or investing with you. You can even use merch to simply thank them for their business. It’s more important now than ever for financial companies to create a more personalized experience and prioritize their clients’ loyalty.

So, how does merch that matters change the game for new members? Let’s face it... what’s important to each generation has evolved significantly, with Gen Zs caring more about eco-conscious and sustainably made products that are less likely to end up in the landfill. To keep up with the changing landscape, many financial institutions are doing more with less by turning to higher quality or eco-friendly merch that speaks to their younger members.

Choosing items to mark major milestones or show your loyalty to members can be overwhelming, especially when their needs and wants have changed so drastically. Choosing well-known retail brand names is a great place to start. Not only do they have a higher perceived value, but they demonstrate that your institution is growing and adapting as times change.

Here are some of our favourite high-quality items that just make cents!

Stationery products like a kraft notebook and pen made of eco-friendly materials will surely attract the younger, eco-conscious generation for Meridian Credit Union as they provide trendy yet sustainable promotional products to engage their new customers.

Washable Kraft Stone Bound JournalBook

This product makes a staple item a little boulder with pages made out of stone and a water-resistant kraft paper cover. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales from this product are donated to environmental nonprofits, making this journal an eco-conscious, simple and cost-effective way to stand out!

Retail-inspired, trendy, high-quality crossbody belt fanny pack with high perceived value is the perfect corporate swag item used to attract and engage new youthful members and new employees to a bank, credit union, payroll or loan company.

LL Crossbody Belt Fanny Pack

This retail-inspired crossbody bag is a gem! Bound to catch the eye of any passerby, this trending piece features a gold zipper and is available in 15 standard colours and 140 stock colours. With an adjustable strap, this crossbody is suitable for anyone without needing to worry about ordering the correct size. Keep your cash and cards close at all times with this multipurpose bag.

Jacquard Knit Saver Socks

These are bound to knock your socks off! Made with a high-quality woven imprint, your branding can be vividly matched. Add a belly band or other custom packaging to complete it with a personalized message or important information about your services.

This RFID card holder is an RBC branded promotional product best fit for any bank, credit union, payroll or loan company to engage new or returning customers as it is a high-quality tech product with high value and will be used in everyday life.

RFID Card Holders

Pair your members’ new banking cards with a RFID wallet to keep their personal information protected. Deboss your logo for a subtle and timeless tone-on-tone look to showcase your brand every time they use it.

A multi-purpose company-branded soy candle that turns into a plant afterwards is a unique and engaging corporate merchandise idea as it is a punny way to showcase to customers that you will 'grow' with them.

Modern Sprout Rooted Candle

This beautiful soy candle includes an organic seed packet to grow a plant once the candle has been burned down - talk about multipurpose! Branded with your logo, it's the perfect way to remind your members that you're excited to have them grow with you.

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker

This premium brand Bluetooth speaker is an awesome incentive item or thank you. Versatile and built to last, your branding will be seen in any space this speaker travels to and your member is likely to mention how awesome it is to their friends and family.

No need to worry about members losing interest.

Quality branded merch is the perfect way to show members that you care. Not only does it help attract new members, but existing ones will appreciate the gesture too! Looking for something more custom? We can help with that too.