While button badges appear to be the first 'promotional product' (used when George Washington became the first President of the USA in 1789), it is a humble promotional burlap bag that is said to have started the promotional products industry sector as we know it today.
According to many reports, a printer called Jasper Meek from Ohio USA is credited with introducing a printed logo bag as a way of keeping his printing presses working in slower times.
Jasper Meek, a printer in Coshocton Ohio, is considered by many to be one of the contributors of the industry. It is said he convinced a local shoe store to supply a burlap book bag imprinted with the store name to every child that purchased a pair of school shoes.
He went on to launch another successful promotional prodcuct business; imprinted horse covers and then other speciality items. A true innovator !
Henry Beach, another Cochocton printer and a competitor of Meek, picked up on the idea and soon the two men were selling and printing marble bags, buggy whips, card cases, fans, calendars, cloth caps, aprons and even hats for horses.
Sources: Wikipedia | Promotional Products Work
From those beginnings, an industry was born in 1904, with 12 manufacturers. Today it has grown globally in recognition of the role promotional products play in brand marketing.
The burlap bag is still a popular branded product option, especially as eco friendly ideas have increased in popularity. Find some of our options here - link: Click to find Eco Bags
Keen to chat further about a promotional bag or other promotional merchandise .. need help or inspiration? - contact
Thrive Promotional Products and Corporate Gifts is an Australian based company, supporting businesses from the big smoke cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth ... to the regional towns, across the land.