In this episode of B2B No Bull, hosts Liz Brohan and Mark Brohan explore the evolution of promotional merchandise with guest Sarah Johnston, founder of PromoSpark. Once viewed as cheap “swag,” branded merchandise has become a strategic marketing tool focused on quality, sustainability, and brand impact. Sarah explains how the industry has shifted from mass giveaways to thoughtful, high-value items that build lasting impressions and emotional connections.The conversation highlights how COVID-19 accelerated innovation, driving the rise of e-commerce, print-on-demand, and direct-to-home fulfillment. From curated employee kits to online merch stores and rewards platforms, today’s approach is more personalized and scalable than ever.They also discuss the expanding definition of sustainability and the importance of ethical sourcing and product longevity. Sarah shares insights on team-based selling models and her entrepreneurial journey, reinforcing one key takeaway: when done right, promotional merchandise delivers measurable business value.