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History of Advertising Specialties
Advertising specialties have a long history in the United States. Long before today's custom drinkware, bags, apparel and technology products, businesses and organizations were discovering that useful or memorable items could carry a message and keep a name in front of the public.
Early Promotional Products in America
Some of the earliest known promotional items in the United States date back to 1789, when commemorative buttons were produced in connection with George Washington. During the 1800s, advertising calendars, rulers and other useful items also began appearing.
The Beginning of an Industry
The promotional products industry began taking shape during the late 19th century. Jasper Meek, a printer in Coshocton, Ohio, is widely recognized as one of the industry's early pioneers.
Meek developed the idea of printing an advertising message for a local shoe store on book bags that could be distributed to schoolchildren. The bags provided something useful while carrying the merchant's name throughout the community.
The idea expanded beyond book bags as advertising messages began appearing on a variety of everyday items. What started as a simple way to combine a useful product with a business message helped establish the foundation for the modern promotional products industry.
From Advertising Specialties to Promotional Products
Over time, the range of available merchandise grew dramatically. Calendars, pens, bags and other traditional advertising specialties were joined by apparel, drinkware, awards, electronics, outdoor products and thousands of other customizable items.
The terminology has changed as well. While the term advertising specialties is still recognized, these products are now commonly called promotional products, promotional merchandise, branded merchandise or promotional gifts.
The Idea Remains the Same
Although products and decorating methods have changed considerably, the basic idea behind an advertising specialty remains familiar: place a company name, logo or message on an item that people can use, keep or remember.
Today, businesses and organizations use promotional products for trade shows, customer appreciation, employee recognition, corporate events, schools, fundraising, awareness campaigns and many other purposes.
Garrett Specialties
Garrett Specialties has been part of the promotional products industry for more than 30 years. While the products available today are very different from the early advertising specialties of the 1800s, the purpose remains much the same: helping businesses and organizations put their names and messages on products people can use.
