The Backpack: Issue 46

Move over Succession, there’s a new [merch] show 

Pierpoint Investments is celebrating its 150th anniversary which makes "the custom merch possibilities practically endless.” The only catch? Pierpoint is a fictional company in the HBO show (and surprise hit) “Industry.” From Town & Country magazine: “What really matters in [Pierpoints] world (and in many others) is having the right merch.” So far, the costuming team at HBO created branded gold cuff links, fleeces, quarter-zips, “people are our capital” hoodies, mugs, and, of course, "gilets" (um, Patagonia-style vests). “The thinking behind it is that people will look at each other and say, ‘How did you get that?' And that question becomes an instant jumping-off point for envy.” The Pierpoint merch strategy is crafted to evoke jealousy, prestige, and status. Not something we endorse but something we watch with fascination! 😳

Big brands + designer collabs, the next big thing?

Some of the world’s biggest brands are co-creating collections with the most talented designers in the world. We’ve highlighted this before, back when Gavin Mathieu of Supervsn partnered with Microsoft. The Harris-Walz campaign worked with a dozen of the best designers to create merch, people like Aurora James, Thom Browne, Prabal Gurung, Tory Burch, and Willy Chavarria. Check it here. BTW: Willie Chavarria unveiled his SS25 collection at NYFW, and what did he walk the runway in? Merch: An ACLU shirt. Many used NYFW to rep their fave as merch was spotted on everyone from Jenna Lyons to Eva Chen.

skucon is back! Grab tickets before they're gone!

For over a decade, skucon has been the gathering place for the industry’s most radical minds! Each year, speakers are handpicked based on high-impact topics and current trends. Join us to learn "how to be brilliant at a moment's notice" with creative coach Todd Henry, and come hear one of the fastest-rising economic experts, Kyla Scanlon, talk about In This Economy. And our closing keynote is a "can't miss," Ben Higgins, from "The Bachelor" fame, who will share how to build a generous business. Register today before tickets are gone!

12 Magic Moments from skucamp Nashville

Attendees rave about skucamp and share three things that make it special: high-level thinking by strategic outside experts, brass tacks know-how demonstrated by practitioners in the field, and the community gathering together to share insights and lessons learned. This year’s skucamp was no exception, here’s just a sampling of twelve magic moments from skucamp Nashville!

Want your team to be creative and courageous?

Todd Henry is one of the most sought-after creativity coaches in the world, he teaches leaders and organizations how to establish brave practices that lead to everyday brilliance. His books have been translated into more than a dozen languages and his podcast has over 18 million downloads. The best news? He’s our opening keynote speaker at skucon! If you want a glimpse at his genius at work, check out our latest episode of the skucast and share it with your team!

Want to control the (order management) chaos?

This factory makes hats for Trump, Obama, & Harris

Unionwear is one of the last full union merch makers in the country which grew from six employees in 1992 to over 165 employees and 70,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space. Currently cranking out thousands of camo caps, Mitch Cahn, President of Unionwear, said “I’ve never seen a surge like this.” What’s more, the humble factory in Jersey is a predictor of the next President. From the New York Times: “While the machines hummed, Mr. Cahn reflected ... [that] since 2008, the number of hats ordered by a presidential campaign has foretold the winner of that year’s election.” Merch for Pres?

New merch competition emerges from vintage retail?

Unified Goods is a retail concept based out of London who recently created a limited edition 10-pc. merch collection for synthpop band Hot Chip. You have to ask: Why do influencers and retailers keep getting tasked for merch projects by bands and brands? Curated taste. Merch lesson for promo? First, share your success stories that you create for clients. Today, those who show their work get noticed (and rewarded with more work). Second, develop a curatorial style. Merch bridges culture and fashion, you and your team should be deeply engaged in both!

👀 “Companies come and go, but swag is forever.” The Hustle breaks it down.

😍 Author Sally Rooney with yet another cool merch drop partnering with the website Chess to create merch bundles for her (brilliant) new book Intermezzo. 

👊 Heads-up: Dockworkers strike hits an ominous tone for promo, here’s how the strike could ripple through the economy (NYT)

👾 Beats and minecraft, hit or miss?

💃 Gotta admit, a clever strategy, don’t fight it, own it: Dancing Trump t-shirt. On the other side of the aisle, Hedley + Bennett collab on a Harris-Walz camo apron.

🍩 Dunkin’ drops coffee-scented merch for National Coffee Day with boutique candle maker homesick, the candle and car freshener smells just like Dunkin’.

👩‍🍳 Gotta give it to 7-Eleven for the Ja’Marr Chase “Always Open” tasty merch, it’s so good we can forgive them for this.