Designing Merch That Festival Attendees Want To Buy
Festivals are more than just food, music, and art — they're sensory experiences. Attendees who purchase festival merchandise do so for the memories made and the vibes shared. With so many choices, how might we design merch that attendees want to remember the experience by?
1. Know Your Crowd
Each festival is unique and draws a particular crowd.
Example: VeganFest was highly attended by those who care about sustainability, have an alternative eating lifestyle, and care about making healthier choices.
Merchandise should reflect those who are attending. Think about their preferences, lifestyle, and values. If the festival is centered on sustainability, opt for merchandise that includes recyclable material totes, water bottles, plant kits, or reusable food containers.
2. Create Limited-Edition Pieces
Create "festival-only" collection items that are exclusively sold on the day(s) of the festival. People react to urgency. Knowing that they cannot purchase the item at another time will push them to purchase immediately. Also, a limited edition collection fosters community between those who attended. The merchandise would then have a "You had to be there" vibe.
Example: The Fitted Caps at the 10 Year Anniversary Forest Hill Drives Madison Square Garden Concert
3. Design For Longevity
Attendees prefer merch that they can use after the festival is over. This also promotes sustainability and strays from designing single-use items. Cheaply made merch ends up in the trash. Thus, create merch that is good quality and functional. Merchandise examples include fanny packs, hats, and blankets.
4. Multiple Price Points
Many festival goers may be on a budget after paying for the festival, hotel, transportation, and food. It's good to have a mix of premium items with lower price point items, so all attendees can participate in purchasing merchandise.
Example: Offer hoodies, jackets, and hats along with stickers, mini prints, and photo cards.
5. Make The Experience Interactive
The buying experience should be a part of your merchandise selling strategy. Create spaces where attendees can have Instagram moments, experience a related service, or even customize their own merch.
Example: Shea Moisture & Lush have interactive experience displays at Essence and AfroPunk festivals where attendees can receive facials, get their hair done, and purchase products.
Festival merch is more than a transaction—it's about capturing the experience and creating a connection. When designed intentionally, it becomes something attendees are proud to show off long after the festival ends.
At SINNI Art Lab, we specialize in designing and managing merchandise that resonates with your audience and boosts your festival’s brand. Ready to level up your festival merch game? Let’s make it unforgettable.
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