Promotional Products Toronto & Ottawa | Akran Marketing â€“ Custom Branded Merchandise

Case Study: A StuPENdous Promotion

4 days ago

Description: Dart Pen Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A data storage company wanted an item they could put on their company store website in which branches or divisions could purc...

Case Study: Keeping it All Together

Aug 3

Objective: An insurance company wanted to send new customers home with a special gift and a way to keep their new insurance policy documentation organized. Product: Insurance Document Pouch Ful...

Case Study: Raise Your Glass!

Jun 28

Objective A local brewery wanted an eye-catching promotional item to place on tables that would boost their alcohol sales and highlight their weekly specials while encouraging enrollment for their...

Case Study: Paw-se and Appreciate the Little Things

Jun 13

Description: Big Paw Bear Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A senior living community was looking for holiday gifts for their residents. How it was distributed: W...

Case Study: Where Has Your Pen Been?

Jun 6

Products Javalina Splash® Pen Industry Technology Application Contest An internet company created a branded website for a promotion called "Where has your pen been?" and selected ...

Case Study: Welcome New Hires!

May 7

Objective A small business owner wanted an easy way to present important paperwork to new employees to help them stay organized in their first few months with the company. They wanted to instill p...

A Lunch That Packs a Punch

Apr 7

Description: 3 Section Lunch Container Industry: Healthcare What it was purchased for: A hospital was looking for a unique lunch packet for nurses, doctors, and anyone else employed at any of the...

Industry Mini Dive: Bars & Restaurants

Mar 23

The bar and restaurant industry is a thriving and competitive field that caters to a wide range of customers looking for delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere to enjoy a mea...

Case Study: Zip It Up

Jan 1

Description: Hit Sports Pack with Front Zipper Industry: Broadcast Media/Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A cellular provider needed giveaways for an event at a major university. How ...

Case Study: Recycle, Reuse, Read a Book!

Dec 3, 2025

Product: Non-Woven Shopper Tote Bag Industry: Bookstore What it was purchased for: A large college bookstore wanted to feature a reusable shopping bag for students. The goal was to get the studen...

Case Study: Time for a Rebrand

Sep 12, 2025

Objective: A university had just completed a major rebrand complete with a new logo and wanted to make sure they had all the necessary branded items for functions throughout the year. They had prev...

Case Study: A Cheese-y Promotion

Jun 23, 2025

Objective: A restaurant was looking for a unique way to deliver custom printed coupons to their guests to attract more repeat business. Product: Coupon Gatefold Photo Folder Personalization: R...

Case Study: Hay, Where'd You Get That Tote?

Jun 16, 2025

Description: Large Boat Tote Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: Horse show giveaways How it was distributed: A local horse show needed gifts for their major contributors. A ...

Case Study: Take a Map!

May 4, 2025

Objective: A university wanted a practical handout to give to prospective students, alumni, and other campus visitors. The handout was intended for first-time visitors and those who hadn't been o...

Case Study: Jamming Out

Apr 27, 2025

A shopping mall was holding a summer promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex were given a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for st...

Case Study: Getting Bent out of Shape for More Business

Apr 13, 2025

Product: Gel Stress Toy Client: Health Food Store What it was purchased for: As a gift to reward customers for spending over a certain amount. Why it worked: The gel stress toy which, unlike the...

Case Study: Roll Up in Style

Apr 6, 2025

Description: Roll-Up Blanket Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: A reward to employees for good service. How it was distributed: These blankets were mailed to locations ...

Case Study: These Calendars Aren't Week

Mar 30, 2025

Objective: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high-perceived value. Product: Beach Trifold Calendar Personalization: The bank ...

A Case Study in Promo: A Medieval Dinner Theater Chain

Mar 22, 2025

Romanticizing medieval European life, particularly medieval fantasy life, has a distinctly modern allure. Americans especially have a deep affinity for medieval culture, evident not only in our med...

Case Study: Let the Games Begin!

Mar 8, 2025

Product: Custom Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Automotive/Banking What it was purchased for: A car company wanted to find a product that would promote their brand at a local college BCS Bowl Games. ...

Case Study: This Promotional Product is in the Bag

Feb 8, 2025

Description: Laundry Bag Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A credit union wanted to target college students and offer them an incentive to open a new account. They chose a stock desi...

Promotional Power: Engaging Visitors at Zoos and Aquariums

Feb 1, 2025

When it comes to spreading awareness and engaging visitors, zoos and aquariums have a wild advantage: their loveable animal ambassadors and awe-inspiring exhibits. But there's another secret weapon...

Case Study: A Shoe-In

Jan 10, 2025

Golf Mesh Shoe Bag for Association Tournaments A national golf association wanted a giveaway item for golfers in weekend tournaments and high school students considering golf at the collegiate lev...

Case Study: Wheelie Important Paperwork

Dec 27, 2024

Market: Automotive Objective: A motorcycle dealership wanted professional, branded document pouches to hold important paperwork for new customers to take home after their motorcycle purchase. Th...

Industry Deep Dive: Salons & Spas

Dec 13, 2024

Salons and spas are part of a booming industry that continues to grow yearly as the demand for beauty and wellness services is at an all-time high. From haircuts and manicures to massages and facia...

Case Study: Put That on Your Calendar!

Sep 3, 2024

Objective: A local insurance agent wanted a way to connect with her customers and capture new leads with a useful promotional item that would also boost her personal branding and promote her serv...

Case Study: Attract New Customers

Aug 27, 2024

As part of their new corporate wellness program, the company wanted to stress the importance of healthy nutrition to its employees. Along with literature, discount memberships at a local health clu...

Case Study: The Write Way

Jul 22, 2024

Item: WideBody® Message Pen Purpose: Inform people about range of services Audience: Clients and general public A chiropractic office wanted to inform clients and others about their range of ...

Case Study: Staying Safe for Back-to-School

Jun 30, 2024

A private school held an online meeting to outline plans for returning to school safely during the Coronavirus pandemic. As a follow-up, the school sent information packets to students' parents. Ea...

Case Study: Let Them Eat Cake!

Jun 15, 2024

Objective A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry. But they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Pro...

Case Study: College Fair Giveaway

Jun 1, 2024

Description: 4" Mini Plush Buddies Frog with Shirt Industry: Education What it was purchased for: A community college was looking for a giveaway item to have at their booth for the upcoming colle...

Case Study: A

Apr 26, 2024

Organization Tanning Salon Product Featured Polyester Lanyard Goal of Promotion To create new clients for salon Description of Case History A tanning salon wanted a creative way to give ou...

Case Study: Improve Sales and Traffic

Feb 27, 2024

A hotel wanted to promote its amenities to guests in a personable, yet non-intrusive manner. The goal was to encourage guests to utilize hotel amenities instead of going off-site to fulfill their n...

Case Study: The Techno Pup!

Feb 5, 2024

A software company creates attention at tradeshow events with custom plush animal mascot giveaways. This plush Leonberger Dog Mascot for the company as giveaways at trade shows and other marketing ...

Case Study: Safety First

Jan 14, 2024

Product: Auto Safety Kit Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: As a gift to anyone who opened a new bank account for over $1,000.00. How it was distributed: The bank was looking for a bra...

Case Study: Sharper Students

Dec 15, 2023

Description: Pencil Sharpener Industry: Construction What it was purchased for: A shipyard in a major city harbor has advocates who go out to local schools to promote shipbuilding. These advocate...

Case Study: Back in Business

Dec 8, 2023

A behavioral health practice was preparing to reopen when shelter-in-place orders were lifted. However, they needed a way to communicate the enhanced safety protocols they put in place to patients ...

Case Study: This Event Needs More Cowbell

Nov 23, 2023

Description: Cow Bell Industry: Trade Show / Convention / Events What it was purchased for: A charity marathon coordinator wanted a giveaway that spectators could use to cheer on their runner...

Case Study: Wine for the Win

Nov 8, 2023

A local winery at their annual fall festival was looking for a way to boost their sales on take-home bottles of wine. So, they gave away the imprinted Winged Corkscrew to anyone who purchased three...

Case Study: Sometimes You Just Need to Vent

Oct 2, 2023

Description: Auto Air Vent Magnetic Phone Mount Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A technology business was looking for a giveaway item that was unique but also fit within their b...

Case Study: Write to Paradise!

Sep 2, 2023

A 5 Star Resort wanted to ensure its guests received the best experience. To encourage feedback on services provided, guests were offered a coupon for use at their next visit in return for com...

Case Study: Fewer Tricks and More Treats: Halloween Safety Lanyard

Jul 5, 2023

Fewer Tricks and More Treats: Halloween Safety Lanyard Organization Insurance Company Product Featured Reflective Lanyard Goal of Promotion Promoting safety on Halloween Description of Cas...

Case Study: Piece of Cake

Jun 21, 2023

Objective: A bakery owner had built solid connections with other service providers within their local event industry, but they were looking to grow their business within the wedding market. Produc...

Case Study: What Does Your Phone Stand For?

Jun 6, 2023

Product: Phone Stand Industry: Financial What it was purchased for: A local financial institution needed a giveaway item for current and potential clients. It had to be useful to keep their name ...

Case Study: A Prom Ticket Keepsake

May 30, 2023

A Prom Ticket Keepsake Organization High School Product Featured Neoprene Bracelet Goal of Promotion Issuing prom tickets ...

Case Study: Fun in the Sun

May 15, 2023

Product: Two-Tone Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Sports What it was purchased for: A major sports team was having difficulty keeping attendance up at weeknight games. They came up with the idea of d...

Case Study: A Not-So-Silly Idea

Apr 16, 2023

An insurance company signed up to be the "hydration" sponsor for a fun and colorful 5K run/walk for charity. The race was popular in the community because it was known as a vibrant, fun-filled even...

Case Study: Promo'd to a Tee

Apr 9, 2023

As part of a newly developed corporate social responsibility initiative, an insurance company instituted an annual "give back" day where employee groups volunteered in their communities. The compan...

Case Study: Shop 'til You Drop

Apr 1, 2023

A shopping mall was holding a late-winter promotion to increase traffic during typically slower months. Visitors to the complex received a "passport" to take to different stores within the mall for...

Case Study: Info in a Flash

Mar 18, 2023

Item: 8GB Custom USB 2.0 Flash Drive Purpose: Provide information about the school and programs Audience: Students and prospective students A community college was looking for a unique way to...

Case Study: Bringing Back the Fanny Pack

Jan 20, 2023

Market: Entertainment Product Use: Gift With Purchase Promotion: A major theme park chose the Safeguard Security Waist Belt as a gift with purchase for customers who bought season passes. The w...

Wooing Discerning Celebs with the CARSON Double Wall Bolero Tumbler

Jan 5, 2023

What do you get the celebrity-chef-turned-travel-show-host who has everything? How about the VP of Paid Media at a premier hotel chain you'd love to snag an advertising deal with? Brands like Tra...

Case Study: Spec-Tacular Promotions

Dec 28, 2022

Description: CUSTOM Malibu Sunglasses Industry: Food Beverage What it was purchased for: The end user wanted to give something away at this year's Spring Break in Jamaica for an MTV event th...

Case Study: I've Got You Covered

Dec 20, 2022

Description: Chenille Blanket Industry: Health Care / Pharmaceutical What it was purchased for: A local hospital needed blankets to hand out to children who were currently patients that they coul...

Case Study: Go Green or Go Home

Dec 13, 2022

Item: goingreen™ Stapled Appointment Calendar Purpose: Promote awareness of recycling programs and provide recycling information to the community Audience: Residents of the company's service ar...

Case Study: Rock out on the Run

Nov 28, 2022

Description: Earbuds With a Wristband Industry: Marathon What it was purchased for: A sponsor was looking for an item or items that runners/walkers could be given at the race that they could use ...

Case Study: Make a Spectacle

Oct 14, 2022

Description: Rubberized Sunglasses Industry: Broadcast Media / Telecommunication What it was purchased for: A vampire-based television show hosted blood drives at outdoor events. These were given...

Case Study: Snap a Pic!

Sep 29, 2022

Objective: A large photography studio wanted a better welcome kit for their wedding clients than just a few loose flyers. Product: Mini Horizontal Pocket Folder Personalization: The photography s...

Case Study: Snack Pack It!

Aug 31, 2022

Vertical Market: Hospitality Product Use: Gift with Enrollment Promotion: An ocean excursion company chose the Igloo® Marine Backpack Cooler as a gift with enrollment for customers participating ...

Case Study: YUKON 17 oz. Double Wall Party Cup for the Sustainability Win

Aug 23, 2022

Surf-inspired activewear brands like ROXY® are stoked with our YUKON design-fondly known as The Party Cup™. It's double-wall insulated, so it keeps refreshments cool on the beach while the talent...

Case Study: Custom Caps with a Budget Cap

Aug 16, 2022

Description: Custom Cap Industry: Trade Show/Convention/Events What it was purchased for: A major national racing event was looking for giveaways to hand out to folks in suites and VIP sponsors. ...

Case Study: Roaming Free with the YUMA Clear Freedom Bottle

Aug 9, 2022

What do outdoor gear brands like Marmot® and Teva® have in common? Their target customers, high-value brand partners, and pretty much all of their employees are thirsty for adventure in the mount...

Case Study: Brighten Their Day

Aug 1, 2022

A realtor wanted to give a thank-you gift to those who purchased a new home with them. They chose the LED Carbon Fiber Aluminum Flashlight. They printed their logo along with the tagline, "We will ...

Case Study: Good Deeds for Kids in Need

Jun 10, 2022

Item: Landscape Mesh Tote Purpose: Fundraising Gala gift bag Audience: Kids in Need Foundation supporters The Kids in Need Foundation Gala is one of the organization's largest fundraising eve...

Case Study: Yes, We Can!

May 12, 2022

Description: Kan-Tastic Industry: Food Beverage What it was purchased for: Fast-food chain giveaway for college football night. How it was distributed: The vendor handed the Kan-Tastic out at...

Case Study: Celebrate Milestones

Mar 28, 2022

A bank wanted to promote 110 years of serving individuals and businesses in Pennsylvania through an "Open House" celebration at their branches. Among the many products selected to commemorate this ...

Case Study: Look, Ma, No Hands!

Mar 21, 2022

Description: Auto Air Vent Magnetic Phone Mount Industry: Technology What it was purchased for: A technology business was looking for a giveaway item that was unique but also fit within their bud...

Case Study: Lunchtime Loot

Mar 6, 2022

A restaurant supply company was planning its annual company picnic for employees and their families. Every year, the company gives employees a nice gift in the $10 range. This year, the company cho...

Case Study: Practice Putting

Feb 26, 2022

2 Ball Pillow Pack - Titleist® TruFeel for Non-Profit Event When a non-profit had to cancel their annual fundraising dinner due to Coronavirus, a golf course donated their clubhouse patio and prac...

Case Study: Do a Double Take

Jan 29, 2022

Objective: A general contracting company was looking for a fun way to provide "before and after" photos to their clients after a remodeling project was complete. Product: Double-Sided Portrait F...

Case Study: Bear With Us

Jan 14, 2022

Description: Plush Big Paw Bear with Shirt Industry: Financial Services / Banking What it was purchased for: A bank chain needed a product for tellers to hand out to new account members. How it ...

Case Study: Charity Fundraiser

Dec 16, 2021

The organizer of a charity fundraiser wanted to add an element of fun and excitement to their door prize giveaways. As each guest arrived, they were given a Mardi Gras Jubilee pen and instructions ...

Case Study: Wave Hello to Recognition

Nov 10, 2021

Item: JAFFA® Wave Award Purpose: Welcome gift for incentive winners Audience: Software company sales representatives A software company held a sales incentive contest for reps to win a trip t...

Case Study: Fresh Mesh Promotions

Oct 19, 2021

Market: Real Estate Product Use: Incentive Gift Promotion: A high-end resort selected the Atlantis Mesh Beach Tote as an incentive gift for the visitors who attended their timeshare presentatio...

Case Study: Real Modern Recognition

Sep 28, 2021

Market: Finance Product Use: Employee Recognition Promotion: A wealth management firm selected the Samsonite Executive Computer Backpack as an employee recognition gift. At the company's year-e...

Case Study: Computer Repair At Your Fuzzy Fingertips

Sep 21, 2021

A computer repair store attended a local home show and wanted something useful but unique to attract attendees to their booth. They also wanted something that would keep their name top of mind when...

Case Study: Financial Industry

Aug 30, 2021

Products Javalina® Classic Pen Industry Financial Application Direct Mail A local bank wanted to increase awareness of its low mortgage rates and decided to do a direct mailing to...

Case Study: Do the Wave

Aug 23, 2021

Market: School Objective: A school's athletic program was struggling to pay for recurring expenses. Game attendance had dropped over the previous year, and alumni attendance was weak. The schoo...

Case Study: Save the Date, Save the Day

Aug 15, 2021

Description: Trifold Calendars Industry: Banking What it was purchased for: A local bank wanted a way to thank their new customers with a promotional gift item that would have a high perceived va...

Case Study: Inking Impressions

Jul 17, 2021

Portability and permanence are among the desirable traits sought in an effective promotional product. A company was looking for a unique self-promotion that incorporated these elements and decided ...

Case Study: Create Your Own Reality

Jul 10, 2021

Description: Custom Cardboard Virtual Reality v2 Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: A leave behind for Field Marketing Account Managers to help convert business from the...

Case Study: 3D is the Key

Jun 11, 2021

A company was looking for unique items to commemorate the celebration of its 45th year in business. They wanted to incorporate a new logo that communicated the anniversary as well as the range of p...

Case Study: A Wedded Keepsake

May 27, 2021

Item: JAFFA® Scalloped Edge Vase Purpose: Gift vase for use during wedding ceremonies Audience: Engaged couples A church wanted an elegant and useful gift for couples who chose their venue for t...

Case Study: A Race to Remember

May 12, 2021

Item: Sport Bottle with Metallic Ring - 28 oz. Purpose: Race day giveaway Audience: Breast cancer survivors and race participants A regional race supporting breast cancer research added an initi...

Case Study: You've Got the Power

Apr 20, 2021

A gym wanted to promote their additional personal training services. The client gave the Compact Aluminum Power Bank 4000 mAh away to new clients who booked an initial consultation with a trainer. ...

Case Study: Keep it Cooler

Mar 23, 2021

Description: Dual Compartment Cooler Bag Industry: Corporate / Fortune 500 What it was purchased for: An annual company picnic for employees and their families. Each year they give thei...

Case Study: Insuring Happy Employees

Mar 16, 2021

Item: JAFFA® Round Zinc Coaster Purpose: End of year gifts for employees Audience: Insurance firm employees An insurance firm had a particularly prosperous year and wanted to give employees end ...

Case Study: Bake in Business

Feb 22, 2021

Description: Set of 4 Measuring Cups Industry: Hospitality / Tourism What it was purchased for: A casino in the Milwaukee area wanted to spice up a "normal giveaway" with a theme. They had come t...

Case Study: Plastics Make it Possible

Feb 15, 2021

Description: Oasis Recycled Bottle Pen Industry: Chemicals What it was purchased for: Trade Show Giveaways How it was distributed: A chemical company needed something to give away at a tradeshow...

Case Study: A Flavorful Promotion

Dec 27, 2020

A Flavorful Promotion Boosts This Credit Union's Popularity Organization: Credit Union Product Featured: Lip Balm Goal of Promotion: Generate New Loans Description of Case History: This c...

Case Study: Happy to Hang Around

Dec 20, 2020

Description: Standard Door Hangers Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: A collision center wanted to increase the number of customer satisfaction survey responses and boost online appo...

Case Study: Don't Run from this Promo!

Dec 13, 2020

Description: Running Belt Fanny Pack Industry: Sports / Fitness What it was purchased for: A nationwide gym chain was looking for an item to give away with the purchase of yearly memberships....

Case Study: A Spoon-taneous Promotion

Dec 5, 2020

Description: Spoon Mug Industry: Advertising What it was purchased for: A major coupon distributor was looking for a thank you to give out to advertisers. How it was distributed: The spoon mug...

Case Study: The Write Stuff

Nov 28, 2020

Description: Rumba Pen Industry: Automotive What it was purchased for: An automotive supplier wanted to make their name visible in automotive stores around the country. How it was distributed: P...

Case Study: Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic

Nov 13, 2020

The "Golden Lanyard" to Boosting Trade Show Booth Traffic Organization: Health Care Organization Product Featured: Cotton Water Bottle Strap Goal of Promotion: Driving Traffic to Trade ...

Case Study: It Takes a Village

Oct 30, 2020

Objective: A village needed an easy way to let residents know when there were issues with their water meters. They wanted a faster method of communication than mailing letters, and something more...

Case Study: Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time

Oct 15, 2020

Keeping Colds at Bay, One Spritz at a Time Organization High School Product Featured Spray Hand Sanitizer Goal of Promotion To promote good health for the winter season Description of Cas...

Case Study: It's Raining Cats and Dogs

Sep 9, 2020

Item: Puppies Kittens Mini Appointment Calendar Client: Pet Food Manufacturer Purpose: Increase pet food sales through goodwill campaign A pet food manufacturer partnered with a nationwide p...

Case Study: Success on Campus

Sep 2, 2020

A large university needed a useful tool to promote its school app to students and faculty because it wanted to use the app to communicate important college news and upcoming events. Since most stud...