Why Online Company Stores Are the Secret to Stronger Employee Engagement and Morale

Why Online Company Stores Are the Secret to Stronger Employee Engagement and Morale

In today’s fast-paced workplace, keeping employees engaged and connected to your brand can be a challenge. One increasingly popular solution is an online company store — an easy-to-manage platform where employees can access branded merchandise, rewards, and company essentials.

An online company store isn’t just about handing out customized gear — it’s about creating a branded experience that makes employees feel valued, recognized, and part of something bigger. Here’s how this simple tool can have a big impact on your team.

1. Builds Company Pride

 When employees wear or use branded gear, it reinforces their sense of belonging. Whether it’s a cozy hoodie, a travel mug, or a sleek notebook, company-branded items help employees feel part of the team, no matter where they’re working. A store filled with high-quality, on-brand merchandise turns everyday items into symbols of company pride.

2. Makes Recognition Effortless

Celebrating achievements and milestones is key to keeping morale high, but coordinating gifts or rewards can be time-consuming. An online company store streamlines the process, allowing managers or HR teams to instantly send gift credits or select items for birthdays, anniversaries, or performance awards. Employees enjoy the freedom to choose what they really want, making recognition more personal and impactful.

Did You Know?
Employees who feel well-recognized are 45% less likely to quit over the next two years*. A well-run online company store can help support your recognition and retention efforts. *Source: Gallup.com

Custom swag for employee stores

3. Simplifies Swag Distribution

Planning a company event or onboarding new hires? Instead of stockpiling t-shirts and tumblers in a supply closet, use your company store to easily manage inventory and fulfillment. Everything is ordered, shipped, and tracked in one place — saving time and reducing stress. Plus, employees can order their sizes and preferences directly, minimizing waste and ensuring a perfect fit (literally).

4. Strengthens Culture and Connection

A branded store helps maintain a sense of connection, especially for hybrid or remote teams. It’s a space where employees can explore and engage with your brand on their own terms. From seasonal items to limited-edition gear tied to company milestones, the store becomes a fun, ongoing reminder of your shared mission and values.

Promo swag for employee stores

Ready to Create Your Own Company Store?

With Amsterdam’s Online Company Store platform, it’s easier than ever to design a customized store that fits your brand and budget. From setup to fulfillment, everything is managed for you, so you can focus on what matters most: Keeping your employees engaged, appreciated, and proud to represent your company.

5 Reasons Why Branded Apparel Is the Secret to a Truly Memorable Event

Discover 5 ways high-quality custom apparel can turn your event swag into lasting marketing magic that people actually wear and love.

Let’s face it: Most event swag is destined for the junk drawer.

You’ve seen it — cheap pens, awkward shirts, stress balls that no one’s actually stressed enough to use.

But every now and then, there’s that one piece of promotional apparel that hits different. It fits right. Feels great. Looks cool.

And boom, you’ve just earned a spot in their weekly rotation. That’s not just merch. That’s marketing magic.

Here are 5 ways high-quality custom apparel turns your event into something memorable.

1. It’s a Physical Reminder of a Great Time

People remember how an event felt. And when you give them something tangible like a soft, stylish tee or a cozy custom hoodie, it becomes a keepsake. Not clutter.

Every time they put it on, they’re transported back to the people, the energy, the vibe. That’s a powerful souvenir.

If they wear it, they remember it.

2. It Instantly Builds a Tribe

Matching shirts. Branded caps. Custom jackets.

Give people gear they want to wear, and they won’t just attend your event—they’ll own it. You’ll see instant community vibes. Strangers high-fiving. Selfies happening. Your brand all over social.

You didn’t just host an event. You created a movement.

3. It Turns Your People into Promo Machines

A killer design + a quality fit = free marketing for months.

When attendees rock your branded apparel out in the wild, they’re not just representing your event, they’re representing your brand to everyone they pass.

No ad spend. No CTA. Just cool people wearing your message like it’s their own.

walking advertisements

4. It Makes Your Brand Feel Something

Anyone can give out a lanyard. But giving someone a well-designed hoodie or shirt that actually feels good? That says: “We see you. We value you. You matter to us.” That emotional touch turns a freebie into a feel-good moment and that’s what creates brand loyalty that sticks.

5. It Lives Way Beyond the Event

The lights go down. The venue clears out. But that promotional hoodie? It’s still going strong. People wear what they love, and post what they love even more.

If your custom apparel makes it into their real life, it’ll end up on their socials, in their stories, and in their everyday lives.

Your event might be over. But your brand? Still showing up.

The Promotional Apparel Playbook

To go from “meh” to “must-have,” here’s the formula:

  • Prioritize Quality — No one wears scratchy, boxy shirts. Invest in soft, durable materials that fit well and feel better. Bonus points for sustainable or ethically made options.
  • Stay On-Brand — Your custom apparel should reflect your brand’s personality. A wellness retreat? Go with soft tones and clean lines. A startup conference? Think bold colors and energetic designs.
  • Add a Personal Touch — Onsite personalization like embroidery, name printing, or custom patches makes your swag feel special. When it’s unique, it’s cherished.
  • Be Seasonal & Practical — A hoodie at a summer beach event won’t cut it. Tailor your items to the season and your audience’s lifestyle. If it’s wearable, it’s shareable.

Promo apparel

Don’t Just Give Swag — Give a Story

When people wear your brand, they carry your story. Not just what you do, but how you made them feel. And that’s the kind of marketing that doesn’t just get remembered, it gets worn, shared, and loved.

Great promotional apparel isn’t just cool. It’s strategic. It’s storytelling you can wear.

Your School’s Merch, Fundraising, and Rewards — All in One Easy Online Store

Your School’s Merch, Fundraising, and Rewards — All in One Easy Online Store

From elementary schools to universities, educational institutions are always looking for ways to build stronger connections within their communities. Spirit wear and branded merchandise do more than put logos on T-shirts — they bring people together, create a sense of pride, and even generate much-needed funding for programs.

That’s where an online company store comes in. By creating a personalized store for your school, you make it simple for students, parents, alumni, and staff to shop for branded items anytime, anywhere — without the hassle of managing in-person sales or tracking down paper order forms.

Here’s how schools can use online company stores to their advantage:

  • Spirit Wear Sales Made Simple
    School pride doesn’t stop after homecoming week. With a year-round online store, families can stock up on school-branded T-shirts, hoodies, sweatpants, hats, and accessories whenever they like. New students can order gear as soon as they enroll, and alumni can keep supporting their alma mater long after graduation. Best of all, schools don’t need to hold extra inventory or coordinate bulk sales — everything is handled online.

Spirit Wear Sales

  • Fundraising That Works for Everyone
    Booster clubs, PTOs, and student groups are constantly looking for fresh ways to raise money. An online store can become a reliable source of funding by sharing proceeds from every sale. Imagine families knowing that every hoodie or tote bag purchased goes right back into programs for music, art, sports, or classroom technology. It’s an easy, no-pressure way to support the school community while giving people something tangible in return.

Fundraising

  • Event Merchandise Without the Stress
    From dances and plays to graduations and reunions, schools host countless events where custom gear makes the experience even more memorable. An online store lets you offer pre-orders for limited-edition shirts, sweatshirts, or keepsakes, so you know exactly how many to produce. That means no leftover boxes of unsold merch — and no disappointed students who missed out.
  • Recognition and Rewards for Teachers and Staff
    Administrators are always looking for meaningful ways to recognize the hard work of teachers and staff. With an online store, you can give store credit instead of a single, one-size-fits-all gift. This allows staff members to choose something they’ll use and enjoy, whether it’s a cozy jacket, a backpack, or a coffee tumbler with the school logo. It’s a great way to make appreciation feel personal.

Recognition and Rewards

Why Online Stores Are a Smart Solution for Schools

Beyond the convenience and fundraising potential, online stores save schools valuable time. There’s no need to track orders manually, chase down payments, or manage distribution. Everything — from ordering to payment to delivery — is streamlined. And because the store is available year-round, it becomes a central hub for community engagement, spirit wear, and special initiatives.

Launch Your Own Online Company Store

Whether your school is looking to boost pride, simplify event planning, or strengthen fundraising efforts, an online company store is a tool that makes it all possible.

Ready to bring these benefits to your school community? See how easy it is to set up your own online personalized store today.

Launch Your Own Online Company Store

Quick Ideas for Schools

Looking for even more ways to use an online store? Here are some fast, creative ideas schools can put into action:

  • Holiday Gift Shops: Offer parents and students a safe, easy way to buy branded items as gifts for teachers, classmates, or family members
  • Sports Seasons: Launch limited-time collections for each team’s season — football in the fall, basketball in the winter, baseball or softball in the spring
  • Alumni Gear: Create a section just for alumni who want to rep their school pride long after graduation
  • New Student Welcome Packs: Let incoming students or parents purchase bundles with essentials like T-shirts, lanyards, and water bottles
  • Clubs & Activities: Give student organizations and after-school clubs their own custom designs available right in the store

Deck the Halls and Brighten Smiles with Holiday Dental Giveaways

The holidays aren’t just about twinkling lights and festive décor, they’re the perfect time to share warmth, gratitude, and yes, bright, healthy smiles. This season, transform your dental practice into a cheerful hub of community, creativity, and cavity-free fun.

With a bit of holiday spirit (and smart planning), you can deliver giveaways that delight your patients while reinforcing that good oral health doesn’t take a holiday.

From themed dental kits to family-friendly contests and meaningful community partnerships, here’s how to sleigh your dental giveaways this holiday season.

1. Holiday Dental Kits That Feel Like Gifts

Let’s face it, everyone loves freebies, especially when they’re practical and festive. These themed dental kits will make your patients smile (and brush, and floss… you get the idea).

Festive Goodie Bags

Build colorful gift bags with a holiday twist! Fill them with:

  • Soft-bristled toothbrushes in red, green, or sparkly white
  • Holiday-flavored toothpaste (peppermint? yes please!)
  • High-quality floss

Toss in a mini custom water bottle to keep them hydrated and show off your branding in style. Bonus points if it matches your holiday color scheme!

Eco-Friendly Smile Kits

Appeal to your eco-conscious crowd with kits that are good for their teeth and the planet:

  • Bamboo toothbrushes
  • Compostable floss picks
  • Reusable tote bags instead of plastic

Top it off with a seasonal, custom lip balm to help them combat dry winter lips.

2. Turn Your Office into a Winter Wonderland of Giveaways

Who says the dentist’s office can’t be the most festive stop of the season?

 “Guess the Candy Canes” Contest

Fill a jar with mini candy canes or holiday-themed trinkets and have patients guess how many are inside. The winner scores:

  • A free whitening session
  • An electric toothbrush
  • A deluxe gift basket

This is a low-cost, high-engagement idea that’s fun for kids and adults.

12 Days of Dental Giveaways

Run a “12 Days of Giveaways” campaign either in-office or on your social media. Each day, give away something different like:

It’s an easy way to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.

Dental apparel

Referral Raffles with Holiday Flair

For every new patient referred during the holiday season, existing patients get an entry into a holiday raffle. The grand prize? Something major, like a high-end dental health basket or even a gift certificate to a local spa.

3. Family-Friendly Freebies

The holidays are all about family — your giveaways should be too!

Kids’ Goodie Bags That Make Brushing Fun

Make kids look forward to their appointments with festive bags filled with:

  • Dental-themed coloring books
  • Tooth-shaped stress balls
  • Brushing timers
  • Stickers and flossers in holiday shapes

It’s a great way to promote lifelong oral health habits and happy little patients.

Family Check-Up Specials

Encourage families to schedule appointments together by offering a free giveaway or raffle entry for any family that books multiple appointments over the holidays. This keeps your calendar full and your patient base engaged.

4. Give Back with Community-Centered Campaigns

Want to make your practice really stand out? Use your platform to do good.

Partner with Local Businesses for Holiday Packages

Team up with local cafes, boutiques, or fitness studios to create co-branded giveaways. Think:

  • Dental gift certificate + coffee shop gift card
  • Whitening kit + mini massage voucher
  • Holiday survival kits in a branded bag or tote

This cross-promotion supports your local community and brings new faces through your doors.

Host a Holiday Donation Drive

Whether you’re collecting toys, food, or winter essentials, a charity drive connects your practice with the community in a meaningful way.

As a thank-you for donations, hand out small branded items like:

It’s goodwill and brand exposure wrapped into one.

5. Add Thoughtful. Personalized Touches

Go beyond the basics with dental gifts that feel extra special.

Luxe Dental Gift Baskets

Curate a premium basket featuring:

  • An electric toothbrush or Waterpik
  • Travel-sized toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash
  • A handwritten thank-you card
  • Branded items like mugs, socks, or candles

Make it feel personal not just promotional.

Waiting Room Comfort Items

Want to improve the patient experience during their holiday visit? Consider offering:

  • Gourmet teas or hot cocoa
  • Magnet calendars for the new year
  • Portable phone chargers
  • Fuzzy socks or blankets with your logo

It’s these little touches that turn routine visits into festive experiences.

Bonus: Don’t Forget the Décor!

Not technically a giveaway but decking your office with lights, wreaths, and holiday cheer creates an atmosphere patients will remember. Pair the decor with your giveaways to make every visit feel like a celebration.

Give More Than a Smile This Season

Holiday-themed dental giveaways aren’t just about spreading joy, they’re powerful tools for building loyalty, encouraging healthy habits, and showing your patients that you care.

Whether it’s a festive toothbrush, a heartwarming contest, or a community-driven campaign, your practice has the opportunity to be a bright spot in your patients’ holiday season.

Want help choosing the perfect giveaways? Browse our curated collection of dental promotional products and make this season your most cheerful (and brandable) yet!

Tips on Choosing a Compelling Mix of Products for Your Online Company Store

Tips for Choosing Promo Products for your Company Store

Building an online company store is one of the smartest ways to boost engagement, celebrate employees, and extend your brand’s reach. But here’s the catch: Your store will only be as strong as the products you stock. If you’re wondering how to select items for a company store, it starts with knowing your audience and finding that perfect mix of practical staples and fun, unexpected finds.

Here are some tips for building a successful company store and making sure your product lineup truly hits the mark:

1. Know Your Audience and Your Brand

Before adding products to your store, ask “who will be shopping here?” Employees, clients, volunteers, students? Understanding their preferences is the key to picking items they’ll actually use. Just as important — make sure each product reflects your company’s culture and values. For example, if sustainability is central to your brand, eco-friendly options like reusable drinkware or recycled tote bags are a natural fit.

Also consider how the product pairs with your logo. Does it fit your brand colors and style? Decide whether a traditional imprint or a more creative decoration works best — and whether the branding should stand out or remain subtle.

2. Balance the Staples With the Standouts

Every store needs a mix of must-haves and conversation-starters. Think of the staples first — custom pens, water bottles, polos, and notebooks — products everyone can use on the job or at home. Then layer in standout pieces like tech gadgets, wellness kits, or seasonal gear that add variety and excitement. This combination keeps your store fresh and encourages repeat visits.

3. Pay Attention to Quality and Longevity

Cheap giveaways may save money upfront, but they can weaken your brand’s reputation. Choose products that last, prioritizing items people will reach for again and again. High-quality branded apparel, durable bags, and tech accessories are all great examples of products that continue to promote your brand long after checkout.

4. Keep an Eye on Trends

Product trends evolve quickly. Maybe it’s insulated tumblers one season, pickleball gear the next. Staying up to date ensures your store feels modern and relevant. You don’t have to overhaul your entire catalog each season — just add a few on-trend items to keep things interesting.

5. Partner With the Right Supplier

Your company store should run smoothly from design to delivery. That’s why it’s important to work with a supplier that can handle customization, inventory, and fulfillment without headaches. A reliable partner helps you focus on building your brand while they manage the details behind the scenes. Here are six reasons your business needs an online company store if you’d like to dive deeper.

Keep Your Company Store Fresh and Effective

A successful store isn’t about offering everything — It’s about offering the right things. By knowing your audience, balancing practical staples with fresh finds, and prioritizing quality, you’ll create a shop that keeps employees, customers, or students excited to wear, use, and share your brand.

Ready to start? Explore the online company store options here and see how easy it is to bring your brand to life.

Quick Checklist for Choosing Company Store Products

Checklist for Choosing Company Store Products

  • Audience First– Who’s shopping? Tailor your picks to the needs and interests of employees, clients, or students
  • Brand Alignment– Make sure every item reflects your culture and values, from sustainable options to professional staples
  • Decoration & Design – Choose imprint methods and product colors that complement your logo and brand aesthetic
  • Practicality Wins– Go for useful, long-lasting products people will reach for often
  • Trend Watch– Sprinkle in on-trend items to keep the store feeling current
  • Competitive Edge– Look at what others offer, then find ways to stand out
  • Unique Value– Select products that add something fresh, distinctive, or better in quality

6 Ways to Use Dental Promotional Products to Grow Your Practice

6 Ways to Use Dental Promotional Products to Grow Your Practice

Walking into a dental office can be nerve-wracking — even for adults. But when patients are welcomed with a warm smile and thoughtful, branded touches, the whole experience shifts. That’s where dental promotional products come in. Far from just free swag, these items tell your patients: “We see you. We care.”

Whether you’re welcoming someone for their first appointment, reminding them to rebook, or showing up at community events, promotional products are a powerful (and budget-friendly) tool to boost your visibility, build loyalty, and grow your dental practice.

Here’s how to make them work for you:

1.  Give New Patients Something to Smile About on Day One

First visits are everything. They set the tone for your patient’s entire experience. Send them off with a small branded welcome gift that’s both practical and memorable.

Great first-visit giveaways:

  • Toothbrushes with your logo
  • Custom floss or floss picks
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Branded lip balm or hand sanitizer

Pro Tip: Package these goodies in a branded tote or custom pouch for a polished, professional touch. It feels more like a gift — not just a giveaway.

Give New Patients Something to Smile About

2. Cut Down on No-Shows with Branded Reminders

Missed appointments don’t just impact your schedule — they impact your bottom line. Keep your practice top-of-mind with branded items that double as gentle nudges.

Smart reminder tools:

  • Fridge magnets with write-in appointment slots
  • Sticky note pads featuring your logo
  • Pens with your website and phone number

Add a QR code linking to your online booking system to make rescheduling easier than ever.

Quick Win: Hand these out at check-out or include them in your mailed reminder postcards.

3. Get Noticed at Community Events

Whether it’s a school fair, local festival, or health expo, showing up in the community boosts your visibility and builds trust with potential new patients — especially when you bring fun, branded swag.

Crowd-pleasers that leave a smile:

  • Tooth-shaped stress balls
  • Custom coloring books with dental tips for kids
  • Educational dental care kits
  • Branded tote bags

Pro Tip: Create a “Spin the Wheel” or trivia game for visitors to win prizes — it adds fun and encourages more interaction at your booth.

4. Turn Happy Patients into Loyal Referrers

Word-of-mouth is powerful. Make your patients feel genuinely appreciated when they refer someone new with a thoughtful thank-you gift.

Referral-worthy rewards:

  • Branded insulated tumblers
  • Bluetooth speakers
  • Mini wellness kits

Go big: Send a “Thank You for Referring” gift box complete with dental-friendly treats, a branded item, and a handwritten note from your team.

Turn Happy Patients into Loyal Referrals

5. Boost Team Spirit with Branded Apparel

Your team is the heart of your practice. Outfitting them in stylish, branded gear promotes professionalism while building team pride and unity.

Great branded gear for staff:

  • Scrubs with embroidered logos
  • Cozy fleece jackets or zip-ups
  • Insulated lunch bags or water bottles

Bonus Idea: Gift branded items during birthdays, holidays, or appreciation weeks like Dental Hygienist Week. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way.

6. Support Promotions & Campaigns with Seasonal Swag

Launching a new service? Running a back-to-school special? Align your marketing campaigns with themed promotional products to boost excitement and engagement.

Campaign-ready promo ideas:

  • Teeth whitening push? Hand out branded sunglasses with a “Brighten Your Smile” tag.
  • Back-to-school campaign? Offer kid-friendly dental kits with stickers and appointment cards.
  • Winter season? Gift lip balm or cozy beanies with your logo.

Marketing Hack: Share photos of your giveaways on social media (with patient permission!) and tag them with seasonal or campaign-specific hashtags.

Small Products, Big Impact

Promotional products aren’t just branded goodies — they’re strategic marketing tools that help you build trust, spark conversations, and stay top of mind with patients.

When used intentionally, these items can:

  • Increase patient loyalty
  • Drive referrals
  • Reduce no-shows
  • Boost brand visibility
  • Strengthen team morale

The right promotional products keep your practice present in your patients’ lives — long after they leave the chair.

Ready to grow your practice? Start small, stay consistent, and choose quality products that reflect your brand. Your patients — and your business — will thank you.

 

From Souvenirs to Staff Gear — Why Tourism Organizations Need an Online Company Store

From Souvenirs to Staff Gear — Why Tourism Organizations Need an Online Company Store

Picture this: A family just finished an incredible day exploring your museum. As they head to the gift shop, their 8-year-old spots the perfect dinosaur t-shirt — but it’s not in her size. Disappointed, they leave empty-handed. Three weeks later, back home, she’s still talking about those “awesome dinosaurs” but has nothing to show her friends.

What if that story had a different ending?

The $4.2 Billion Opportunity Tourism Businesses Are Missing

American tourists spend over $4.2 billion annually on souvenirs and keepsakes. Yet most attractions struggle with inventory headaches, inconsistent branding across locations, and lost sales when popular items sell out.

The solution isn’t bigger gift shops — it’s smarter ones. A branded online company store transforms how tourism organizations connect with guests, turning a single visit into ongoing engagement and revenue.

Beyond Souvenirs: 5 Game-Changing Ways Tourism Companies Use Online Stores

1. Extend the Shopping Experience Beyond Closing Time

Your visitors don’t stop wanting that perfect memento when they leave your gates. An online store captures those “I wish I had bought that” moments, letting guests order from home while the memories are still fresh. Plus, parents can surprise kids with that sold-out t-shirt as a special delivery.

Extend the Shopping Experience

2. Create a Professional, Cohesive Team Presence

Nothing says “amateur operation” like mismatched staff uniforms. Centralized ordering ensures every tour guide, from your flagship location to satellite sites, represents your brand consistently. Your team looks professional, visitors notice, and staff feel pride in their appearance.

3. Master Seasonal Events Without the Chaos

Festival season coming up? Instead of scrambling with last-minute vendors and inventory guesswork, pre-launch your event merchandise online. Accept pre-orders, gauge demand accurately, and have happy customers picking up their gear instead of discovering everything’s sold out.

4. Reward Your VIPs (And Make Them Feel Special)

Annual pass holders and membership program participants want recognition. Exclusive merchandise access makes them feel valued while encouraging renewals. “Members Only” items become conversation starters that naturally promote your organization.

Reward your VIPS

5. Support Local While Standing Out

Partner with regional artists and craftspeople for co-branded items that communicate “you can only get this here.” Visitors get truly unique souvenirs, local businesses gain exposure, and you differentiate from generic, forgettable merchandise.

The Real Win: Turning Tourists Into Brand Ambassadors

Here’s what happens when you get this right: That family from our opening story? The daughter gets her dinosaur shirt delivered two weeks later. She wears it to school, tells friends about her amazing museum adventure, and suddenly you’re reaching potential visitors you never could have advertised to.

Every purchase becomes marketing. Every satisfied customer becomes a conversation starter. Your brand travels the world, one happy visitor at a time.

Ready to Transform Your Tourism Business?

The question isn’t whether you need a branded company store — it’s how quickly you can launch one. While your competitors wrestle with inventory spreadsheets and disappointed customers, you could be building lasting connections that drive repeat visits and referrals.

Discover how a customized company store can boost your visitor engagement and revenue. Contact us today to explore solutions tailored specifically for tourism and attraction businesses.