It’s holiday prep season, and for many founders and nonprofit leaders, merch or swag often gets treated as an afterthought. But in 2025, supply chain shocks, from tariffs and port delays to factory closures, make it clear that merch planning needs to be intentional.
The best merch strategy starts early. It blends brand purpose, sustainability, and timing in a way that strengthens connection and builds community, not clutter.
2025 Supply Chain Reality Check
This year has been volatile. The U.S. has imposed substantial tariffs on key imports, which has driven price increases across consumer and B2B goods. Meanwhile, shipping times are lengthening in the U.S. and similar markets. In Canada, for example, logistics groups report port backups stretching delivery windows to more than a week, compared to just a few days in past years.
And, of course, there are other considerations impacting imports. Businesses must factor in Chinese New Year and other seasonal shutdowns into their ordering calendars; this is more important than ever given the fragile state of global freight in 2025.
Why the Old Merch Model No Longer Fits
The days of budget pens and bulk t-shirts as marketing strategy are mostly over. Customers, donors, and employees increasingly expect merch to reflect real value and alignment with identity. Research from Deloitte found that brand trust is now more closely tied to authenticity than to traditional awareness tactics.
Actionable Strategy Moves for Holiday 2025
Plan early: Ideally, start at least 6 months ahead of key holidays. Factory shutdowns and tariff reviews can easily delay production.
Prioritize purpose: Choose items people want to use and keep, not just display your logo. Reusable or higher-quality pieces reinforce your story.
Think community, not clutter: Limited editions, tie-ins to milestones, or holiday campaigns can transform merch into connection points rather than quick giveaways.
Vet partners carefully: Shipping expertise and reliable contingency planning are now as important as design quality. Your merch partner is a supply chain ally as much as a creative one. (If you’re looking for a merch partner, get in touch: it’s part of the Cedar Collaborative toolbox.)
A Quick Holiday Merch Timeline
| Lead Time | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 6–9 Months Out | Confirm vendors; plan around tariffs and Chinese New Year |
| 4–6 Months Out | Finalize designs and quantities |
| 2–3 Months Out | Launch limited campaigns or tie to milestones |
| Delivery Window | Track shipments closely and adjust allocations if delays emerge |
Why This Matters
Merch reflects more than brand visibility. It signals whether your organization pays attention to detail, whether you invest in sustainability, and whether you adapt to external realities. In a year defined by turbulence, thoughtful swag is proof that you can be resilient in small things, which builds trust for the big ones.