How Emerging Technologies Are Changing the Merchandise Industry

Emerging technologies are leaving their fingerprints on almost every aspect of our personal and professional lives, and in the merchandise industry, they’re revolutionising the way branded merchandise is created, produced, and distributed. Whether it’s the world of AI-driven inspiration and customisation or using 3D printing tools, exciting new opportunities emerge day after day when technology and branded merchandise intersect. 

In fact, at Brandconnect, we’ve got one clear example of how emerging technologies are allowing our customers to make better informed merchandising decisions. Our AI Merch Inspiration tool is available 24/7 to help with new ideas for your merchandising needs. Simply typing in the kind of business you’re looking for products for will return a list of fresh AI-driven ideas, potentially saving you hours of looking through catalogues for that perfect product!

Of course, this is just one area where emerging technologies are changing the game for the merchandise industry. Here’s what we’re paying attention to when it comes to our industry’s future. 

AI-powered personalisation and data-driven decision-making

If you’ve spent any time with ChatGPT, you’ll have a taste for yourself of how much is possible when it’s fuelled by AI. AI-driven personalisation continues to have a lasting and positive impact on the merchandise industry, with brands able to use AI to tailor their merchandise more strategically to specific audiences, events, and customer interests.

AI tools can also provide insightful research that results in data-driven decisions. Analysing purchasing trends, building customer personas, or building informed market forecasts - these tasks can be completed in a matter of minutes with the right AI tools, leaving you better equipped and informed to make merchandise decisions that truly resonate.

Technology-fuelled sustainability

In 2025, we know sustainability is no longer a buzzword. Sustainable business practices are crucial for businesses looking to authentically connect with an engaged, caring audience. This is another area where emerging technologies are driving powerful change within the merchandise industry, with eco-friendly materials more affordable and accessible than ever before. Brand Connect’s sustainable collection is a great example of eco-friendly merchandise that uses continuing technological advances to build products more sustainably. 

Emerging eco-friendly merchandise technologies include:

• Advances in recycled and biodegradable materials 

• Solar-powered technology and solar-powered merchandise options

• Zero-waste packaging innovations that reduce individual product footprints

• Improved 3D printing technologies that enable mass-level customisation and reduced production costs

• Interactive digital merchandise experiences, with technologies including Augmented Reality and blockchain creating hybrid connections between physical and digital branding touchpoints

Cost-savings opportunities through logistics technology

Wherever there’s money to be saved in logistics, the merchandise industry has an opportunity to pass those savings on to their customers. Advances in logistics automation technology continue to have positive impacts on both retail and merchandise industries alike, with new technologies fuelling efficiencies and logistical cost-savings. 

With devices such as smart shelves able to keep track of inventory levels of new advancements in the Internet of Things enabling smoother data exchanges, we forecast ongoing cost savings as manual workloads are automated, logistics are refined, and the cost of handling merchandising reduces.

Emerging technologies will continue to evolve - it’s in their nature. We anticipate constant change to become the norm when it comes to their impact on the merchandise industry. Whether it’s AI-powered personalisation and data-driven decision-making, more sustainable and eco-friendly merchandise options, digital merchandise experiences, or cost savings through improved production technologies, brands will continue to be equipped with the chance to create smarter, more efficient, and more impactful merchandising decisions as a result of these changes. 

At Brandconnect, we’re doing the work for you when it comes to making the most of these emerging technologies. Find the latest and most innovative merchandise products and solutions across our comprehensive range of products. We’re here to help you future-proof your merchandise strategies!