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ASI Research: Promotional Products Deliver Impressions at a Fraction of a Cent, Outrank All Other Ad Channels

TREVOSE, PA – April 21, 2026

2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study finds branded merchandise
ranks highest in consumer preference, outperforming other popular advertising
and delivers average cost-per-impression of $0.006 (six-tenths of a cent)

Promotional products outrank television, internet, mobile and social media as consumers’ most preferred advertising channel and deliver an average cost-per-impression of $0.006 (six-tenths of a cent), reinforcing key 2026 promotional products advertising statistics and measurable promo vs. digital advertising ROI. That is the headline finding of the 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study, the promotional products industry’s most comprehensive benchmarking of how branded merchandise performs against competing ad channels, released today by ASI (Advertising Specialty Institute®).

The 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study, based on surveys of nearly 5,000 consumers across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe, provides the data behind these findings, including 2026 promotional products advertising statistics and real-world promo vs. digital advertising ROI comparisons. In the $27.7 billion promotional products industry, this level of evidence is what buyers expect – and distributors can now bring it to every pitch. Findings are being released in three parts. The U.S. report is available now, with Canada and international data to follow.

ASI research studies show a typical promotional product generates 3,300 brand views over its lifetime – proving advertisers can achieve significant reach at a remarkably low cost. Findings also reinforce promo’s lasting impact: 85% of consumers remember the advertiser who gave them a promo product.

2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study: Key Findings

Promo provides measurable value

  • A $6 tote bag generates about 5,000 impressions over its lifetime with cost-per-impression (CPI) of approximately $0.001 (one-tenth of a cent)
  • CPI for premium products like fleece averages $0.004 (four-tenths of a cent) or less, earning about 9,000 impressions (2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study, based on surveys of ~5,000 consumers across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe)

Consumers keep and use promo

  • 78% keep items because they find them useful
  • Usefulness is the primary driver of retention, directly extending brand exposure duration

Promo outperforms competing channels and drives purchase behavior

  • Promotional products rank above TV, internet, mobile and social media advertising on positive consumer preference
  • 76% of consumers are more likely to do business with brands that provide them with promotional products
  • Nearly 80% of consumers view a brand more favorably after receiving a promotional item

“Marketing budgets are under more pressure than ever and every channel needs to prove its value,” said ASI CEO Ashish Mittal. “What this study shows is that branded merchandise isn’t a feel-good spend, it’s one of the most cost-efficient, measurable types of advertising available. When someone keeps a branded item for years, that brand stays in their life in a way no digital impression can match.”

Opportunity areas for distributors

  • T-shirts lead in both sales and demand
  • Outerwear, food gifts and blankets are underserved relative to consumer demand
  • Interest in Made-in-USA and sustainable products is rising, driven in part by America250 and shifting buyer priorities

Why promo outperforms in 2026

Marketing budgets are tighter and more scrutinized. Every recommendation needs to be backed by data. This study gives distributors a simple way to show that promo is measurable, efficient and effective – not just creative.

“Clients are asking harder questions about performance,” said Nate Kucsma, ASI senior executive director of research. “Our data gives distributors straightforward answers. You can show exactly what promo produces – impressions, recall and real impact.”

Kucsma added: “The products that get used are the ones that work. If it stays in someone’s life, it keeps delivering value.”

What’s new in the 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study

This year’s study is the most expansive to date, covering 19 unique product categories.

  • Global data across North America and Europe
  • Deeper insight into sustainability, sourcing and product value
  • Updated cost-per-impression benchmarks across categories

How distributors can use ASI data

  • Show clients their brand can earn thousands of views over multiple years
  • Support sales pitches with credible, data-backed insights
  • Demonstrate the value of promotional products as a part of overall branding and advertising strategies

About the study

Launched in 2008, the ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study was created to measure the effectiveness of promotional products compared to other advertising channels. Produced by ASI’s award-winning research team, it remains the industry’s most trusted source for cost-per-impression, consumer sentiment and ROI data.

The 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study is available for free download at asicentral.com/research.

For more information on ASI research, please contact Nate Kucsma at [email protected]. Find ASI’s breaking news, in-depth reporting, research reports, podcasts and videos at asicentral.com/news and asicentral.com/research.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost-per-impression for a promotional product?

Approximately $0.006 (six-tenths of a cent), per the 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study, based on surveys of ~5,000 consumers across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe.

How many impressions does a typical promotional product generate?

About 3,300 impressions over its lifetime, with some items generating even more depending on use.

How do promotional products compare to other advertising channels?

Consumers rank promotional products as the most preferred advertising channel, outperforming TV, internet, mobile and social media.

Do consumers remember brands from promotional products?

Yes. 85% of consumers recall the advertiser that gave them a promotional item.

Do promotional products influence purchasing decisions?

Yes. 76% of consumers say they are more likely to do business with a brand after receiving a promotional product.

How do promotional products impact brand perception?

78% of consumers report a more favorable view of a brand after receiving a promotional item

Why do consumers keep promotional products?

78% keep them because they are useful, which extends brand exposure over time.

What types of promotional products generate strong results?

Everyday useful items like tote bags, T-shirts and outerwear tend to generate the most impressions and longest retention.

How was the 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study conducted?

It is based on surveys of nearly 5,000 consumers across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Europe.

Where can I access the full study?

The 2026 ASI Global Advertising Impressions Study is available as a free download at asicentral.com/research.

About ASI

The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI®, asicentral.com) is the premier technology, marketing and information provider in the $27.7 billion promotional products industry. The ASI flagship platform ESP+ connects tens of thousands of distributors and suppliers through a powerful, all-in-one system for product discovery, sourcing, presentations and online stores. Family-owned since 1962, ASI also delivers trusted industry news, research, shows, events and education that helps companies grow.