1851

Among the 14 definitions given by Merriam-Webster for the word &ldquo;swag&rdquo;, definition 3-C likely resonates the most with younger consumers today: promotional goods or item.

In fact, once considered a promotional strategy relegated to cheap giveaway pens at conferences or the free beer koozies given out in stadium tailgates, swag is now a cottage industry and is finally being seen as a legitimate brand marketing tool. For some context, according to a <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/kristie-notto/get-your-swag-on-turn-you_b_9824366.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchises-that-are-upping-their-marketing-game-with-swag-2704996" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">piece in the Huffington Post</a>, as many as 85% of consumers will do business with a brand after receiving a promotional product from them.

So which franchise brands are ahead of the game when it comes to decking out their fans in swag?

KFC

Kentucky Fried Chicken has been all over the <a href="https://1851franchise.com/details/2704654/Adweek-KFC-Quietly-Followed-11-Herbs-and-Spices-on-Twitter-Then-Waited-to-See-If-Anyone-Would-Notice">viral internet in recent months</a>, and that extends to their swag game. KFC has created an entire online experience to go along with their branded products, all housed within a <a href="https://www.kfclimited.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchises-that-are-upping-their-marketing-game-with-swag-2704996" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">swanky online store</a>. And while $5,000 for an &ldquo;Internet Escape Pod&rdquo; may be a little high for some, a line of Colonel inspired clothing is tapping into a Millennial customer base with a love of eclectic (some might say tacky) and humorous fashion choices.

And honestly, who wouldn&rsquo;t want to snuggle up at night with their own <a href="https://www.kfclimited.com/ProductDetail.aspx?did=28027&amp%3Bpid=220501&amp%3Blogoid=0&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchises-that-are-upping-their-marketing-game-with-swag-2704996" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dream Colonel Pillow</a>?

McDonald&rsquo;s

But what is one to do if Colonel Sanders&rsquo; face on a tee shirt is not quite enough of a statement? Maybe a full body Big Mac onesie is more your cup of McCafe coffee.

That&rsquo;s right, the burger behemoth earlier this year rolled out a menu-inspired line of clothing that was available for free through UberEATS as part of their McDelivery Collection.

Said McDonald&rsquo;s spokesperson Lauren Altmin in an <a href="http://www.adweek.com/creativity/mcdonalds-apparel-is-here-so-make-room-in-your-closet-next-to-your-kfc-and-pizza-hut-swag/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchises-that-are-upping-their-marketing-game-with-swag-2704996" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">interview with AdFreak</a>. &ldquo;At McDonald&rsquo;s, we continue to raise the bar for our customers&mdash;with new recipes, a fresher look, and now new levels of convenience through McDelivery with UberEATS. To celebrate, we created the McDelivery Collection, a fun line of items designed to help people savor the delivery experience, whether they&rsquo;re craving a Big Mac snuggled up on their couch or sharing some fries with friends in the park.&rdquo;

Taco Bell

Not to be outdone, Taco Bell also operates a full online swag store, the <a href="https://tacobelltacoshop.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchises-that-are-upping-their-marketing-game-with-swag-2704996" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Taco Shop</a>. But while KFC and McDonald&rsquo;s offerings trend a bit on the goofy side, Taco Bell has gone for a more wearable look with a line of subtlety branded apparel (although, the fashion sense of anyone with a taco on their sweatshirt is certainly up for debate).

Add to that a full line of iPhone cases (many of which are currently sold out, for anyone who doubted whether fans are actually buying branded swag) and even a <a href="https://tacobelltacoshop.com/products/sauce-packet-bouquet?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchises-that-are-upping-their-marketing-game-with-swag-2704996" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">sauce packet bouquet</a> for the bride with a sense of humor and little shame.

True, most of items above are little more than well-executed jokes; a play toward the current generation&rsquo;s love of the wacky and different. But the fact remains that people are buying the products, becoming walking billboards and ambassadors for the brands. Most importantly, creative swag has become an opportunity for large corporations to show off a fun and unique side, something that is clearly resonating with today&rsquo;s consumer.

So, after you are done hanging your <a href="https://www.eater.com/2016/6/1/11833146/whopper-air-freshener-burger-king?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchises-that-are-upping-their-marketing-game-with-swag-2704996" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Burger King Car Air Freshener</a> and before you lay your head down next to the Colonel&rsquo;s stoic visage, it might be time to consider adding your own line of swag to keep your brand&rsquo;s image fresh and your name on customer&rsquo;s lips (and full body onesies).

Franchises that Are Upping Their Marketing Game with Swag

1851 Franchise

KFC, Taco Bell, and McDonald’s are winning with their fans by taking promotional products to the next level

franchises-that-are-upping-their-marketing-game-with-swag

Paris Baguette

NJBIZ: Paris Baguette Ramps Up Expansion With New Franchises, Facility and 2030 Growth Target

njbiz-paris-baguette-ramps-up-expansion-with-new-franchises-facility-and-2030-growth-target

Busy Bee Jumpers

Top 10 Reasons To Buy a Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise in 2025

top-10-reasons-to-buy-a-busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-in-2025

Home Halo

home-halo-former-athletes-frachisees-image

Why Former College Athletes Can Make Winning Home Halo Franchise Owners

former-college-athletes-home-halo-franchise

TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Featured in USA Today as Key Player in Helping Seniors Age Safely at Home

trublue-featured-in-usa-today-as-key-player-in-helping-seniors-age-safely-at-home

Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

right-at-home-franchise-growth-2025

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

"Come in, We're OPEN" sign against abstract background

Small Business Optimism Dips, Raising Concerns for Franchise Owners

small-business-optimism-dips-raising-concerns-for-franchise-owners

Photo of Roof Scientist truck and trailer

Roof Scientist Expands Into Northern Indianapolis as Entrepreneur Dale Speckman Launches New Business in Fishers

roof-scientist-expands-into-northern-indianapolis

Image of Donald Trump pointing with red stripes in the background

August 1 Tariff Deadline Is Said to Have ‘No Extensions’: What This Could Mean for Franchises

august-1-tariff-deadline-franchise-impact

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores - Agg - 1851 Franchise

Hooters Leans Into Franchising With Closure of 30 Company-Owned Stores

hooters-franchise-model-company-owned-closures

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery 

From Prescriptions to Pastries: Kari Khandelwal Creates a Comforting Community Bakery in Overland Park, Kansas

paris-baguette-franchise-overland-park-khandelwal

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Hely and Hiral Patel Bring Their Longtime Dream to Life With The Brass Tap

brass-tap-franchise-pasadena-maryland-hely-hiral-patel

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Franchises that Are Upping Their Marketing Game with Swag

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS