Music Festival Merchandising in 2025.

Merchandising associated with music festivals continues to form a key profit centre for organisers but what’s on offer may need to change. Driven by factors like sustainability, environmental and ethical concerns what do organisers need to take into account regarding their merchandise selection and sourcing whilst maintaining a profit.

The demand from festival-goers for festival related merchandise continues to be strong but buyers are probably becoming more discerning. In the current economic climate prices will be an important factor but also an awareness of environmental issues and ethical manufacture will play a key part in any purchase decision. In addition, festival-goers want merchandise that is good quality, functional and innovative making it a challenge for merchandise sourcing teams. What is trending for future events that satisfies these multiple requirements whist enhancing the brand and customer satisfaction. 

Sustainable and Ethical. 
Offering merchandise that fits with a festival's sustainability credentials and is ethically sourced are probably the most important factors currently. Whether it’s apparel or products it is essential that materials used in the manufacture are from sustainable sources like organic cotton and recycled polyester for example. Evidence of ethical manufacture is also key so considerations for fair labour practices is essential. In addition, the impact of merchandise on the environment is a factor so items like reusable water bottles that are branded help to reduce waste and are useful for festival-goes too. 

Digital Innovation. 
Advances in technology have created a new avenue for branded merchandising and organisers can now consider offering virtual branded wallpaper, skins and avatars to festival-goers. Although still evolving digital merchandise may include festival related content like artwork and music whilst NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) may still offer alternative content collectable offerings. 

Exclusive and Personalised. 
Limited edition merchandise has always been an attractive option for festival-goers evidenced by the elevated prices often asked for in the second-hand marketplace post event. As well as being offered for sale limited exclusive merchandise can also be used to leverage fan engagement as part of a prize draw for example. The ability to personalise merchandise is increasing in popularity and can be applied to just about any product as the ability to digitally print onto anything becomes possible. 

Wearables and Apparel. 
Merchandise that is wearable is popular and gaining traction because it’s functional and stylish and includes products like sunglasses, hats and bags with integrated solar chargers. Apparel will still remain the cornerstone of the bulk of merchandise sold at music festivals. T-shirts, hoodies and all-weather ponchos always sell well because they are functional and stylish making them practical mementos of the event. 

Other Trending Merchandise. 
Any tech related merchandise is gaining popularity in the increasingly connected world so products related to mobile devices are becoming an essential part of the merchandise offering. This can include anything from phone cases, power banks, wireless portable solar chargers and noise cancelling earphones for example. Ethical branded bathroom accessories, cosmetics and utensils are also popular being both useful and sustainable. 

For festival organisers planning their next events using a software management platform like Festival Pro gives them all the functionality they need manage every aspect of their event logistics. The guys who are responsible for this software have been in the front line of event management for many years and the features are built from that experience and are performance artists themselves. The Festival Pro platform is easy to use and has comprehensive features with specific modules for managing artists, contractors, venues/stages, vendors, volunteers, sponsors, guestlists, ticketing, cashless payments and contactless ordering. 

Image by alleksana via Pexels

<< Back to articles