Inspire Support and Build Mission Momentum for Your Nonprofit with an Online Store

Inspire Support and Build Mission Momentum for Your Nonprofit with an Online Store

Nonprofits are always looking for new ways to connect with their communities, rally supporters, and bring in sustainable revenue. Online company stores have quickly become one of the most effective tools for doing exactly that. With a dedicated store full of branded merchandise and mission-centered products, nonprofits can reach donors where they already spend time: online.

A company store makes it easy for supporters to shop with purpose. Whether someone is buying a tote bag that shares your message, a sweatshirt featuring your logo, or a small gift for a friend, each purchase turns everyday items into symbols of advocacy. It’s a simple, exciting way for people to show what they care about while helping fund the work behind the scenes.

Why Online Stores Work So Well for Nonprofits

A curated merchandise store offers so much more than another fundraising method. It becomes a versatile tool that supports your mission from several angles. Here’s why nonprofits are increasingly adding online stores to their toolkit:

  1. A steady revenue stream
    Traditional fundraising often peaks around events, holidays, or annual campaigns. An online store keeps support flowing throughout the year. Every purchase contributes to ongoing programs, community initiatives, or general operations. It’s a dependable way to balance out the natural highs and lows of nonprofit funding.
  2. A natural way to boost visibility
    Branded hats, tees, bags, drinkware, and other merch become visible reminders of your mission. Supporters wear them at work, school, community events, and social gatherings, which helps expand awareness organically. These everyday products spark conversations, encourage questions, and introduce your organization to new audiences you may not reach through traditional marketing.
  3. Stronger donor engagement
    A physical item creates a deeper emotional connection than an email receipt ever could. When someone buys and uses your merchandise, they’re reminded of why they support your cause. These tangible touchpoints strengthen donor loyalty, reinforce pride in being part of your community, and keep your mission front and center long after a campaign ends.
  4. Expanded reach across communities
    Local supporters are important, but online stores open the door to a broader network. Family members, alumni, remote volunteers, and supporters in different cities or states can all participate. For nonprofits with online programming or national initiatives, this reach is especially valuable. It also helps organizations grow beyond geographical limits without added overhead.
  5. Helpful insights from purchase trends
    Purchase patterns can reveal what resonates most with your audience. You might discover that certain colors, slogans, or product categories consistently outperform others. These insights help shape future campaigns, refine messaging, and guide new product ideas. Over time, this data becomes a surprisingly useful tool for understanding supporter preferences and planning smarter outreach.

    Top Sellers That Spark Support
  • Branded tees and hoodies
  • Reusable drinkware
  • Tote bags with mission messaging
  • Limited-edition campaign items

These items consistently perform well and help turn casual shoppers into long-term advocates.

Woman wearing nonprofit swag

Where Online Company Stores Really Shine

From volunteer appreciation gear to event swag to thoughtfully branded gifts for top donors, the possibilities are wide open. Many nonprofits use online stores for:

  • Fundraising campaigns
  • Awareness initiatives
  • Program-specific collections
  • Merchandise bundles for memberships
  • Donor and volunteer recognition
  • School or community group spirit wear

Online company stores make the experience simple for both the organization and the supporter. Everything is handled for you — ordering, printing, fulfillment, and customer service. That leaves your team free to focus on what matters most: the mission.

Leverage an Online Company Store Today

When nonprofits combine their purpose with high-quality branded merchandise, the result is a more energized, engaged, and connected community. It’s a smart way to raise funds, spread awareness, and turn supporters into everyday ambassadors.

Learn how to set up your own custom online store here.

Your Fundraising, Upgraded: 4 Reasons Online Stores Are the Smart Way to Sell

Your Fundraising, Upgraded: 4 Reasons Online Stores Are the Smart Way to Sell

Fundraising has come a long way from bake sales and car washes. Today, online stores offer a dynamic way for organizations, schools, clubs, and charities to reach supporters, sell products, and raise funds — all from a single platform. By creating a dedicated online store for a fundraiser, organizers can expand their audience, simplify transactions, and track results in real time.

From selling custom merchandise to offering exclusive products, online stores are transforming how fundraisers engage supporters and achieve their goals. They’re flexible, easy to manage, and accessible anywhere — making them a game-changer for modern fundraising.

Here’s how an online company store can help your next campaign succeed:

1. Reach More Supporters, Anywhere

Unlike in-person sales, an online store makes it easy to connect with supporters near and far. Share your link through email, social media, or newsletters, and your community can shop 24/7. Whether it’s alumni buying spirit wear from another state or family members supporting a cause across the country, online access removes limits on participation and opens your campaign to a much broader audience.

Tip: Make sharing simple. Include your store link in every digital touchpoint, from your email signature to event flyers with QR codes.

2. Simplify Every Step of the Process

Managing orders, payments, and distribution can be one of the biggest challenges of any fundraiser. With an online company store, everything runs through one convenient platform — no cash handling, no manual tracking, no order form confusion. Supporters browse your branded merchandise, pay securely online, and choose shipping or pickup options that fit their needs.
This streamlined setup means less administrative stress for organizers and a smoother shopping experience for donors — a win for both sides.

Tip: The easier you make it to buy, the more likely people are to support your cause. Automation keeps your focus where it belongs — on your mission.

3. Show Off Your Brand and Your Cause

An online store also acts as a digital hub for your mission. Custom merchandise featuring your logo, school mascot, or campaign message helps tell your story while generating funds. Every purchase is a tangible show of support — and each item becomes a conversation starter that spreads awareness long after the fundraiser ends.
Think of it as marketing and fundraising in one.

Tip: Choose products people frequently use — like T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags — so your message travels with them everywhere.

4. Track Your Success in Real Time

Instead of waiting for final tallies, you can monitor sales and participation as they happen. This instant feedback makes it easier to adjust your strategy, promote popular items, or offer special incentives to reach your goal faster.
You’ll also get valuable insight into what resonates with your audience, helping you fine-tune future campaigns for even greater results.

Tip: Use data to drive engagement. Identify bestsellers, spotlight them on social media, and motivate your community with live progress updates.

Ready to Get Started?

Whether you’re raising money for a local team, community project, or nonprofit initiative, an online company store can help you reach more people, simplify the process, and turn every sale into lasting support.
Learn how to set up your own custom fundraising store here.

4 Reasons Online Stores Are the Smart Way to Sell Infographic

Consistency Made Easy with Online Company Stores for Franchises and Branches

Consistency Made Easy with Online Company Stores for Franchises and Branches

Managing multiple franchise locations or branches can feel like a juggling act — uniforms here, signage there, and endless product orders in between. An online company store takes the chaos out of the process, keeping every location stocked, consistent, and perfectly on-brand.

A branded online store acts as a single, centralized hub where every franchise or branch can easily order the approved products they need — without the back-and-forth or confusion. Here’s how it helps simplify operations and keep your brand looking sharp across every location:

1. Keeps Branding Consistent

When each location handles its own orders, inconsistencies can creep in — different logos, colors, or product styles that dilute your brand identity. An online company store ensures every item, from staff apparel to marketing giveaways, meets brand standards. That means your logo always looks right, your colors match perfectly, and your customers get a consistent brand experience no matter where they go.

Keep Branding Consistent

2. Simplifies Ordering and Inventory

Forget spreadsheets, phone calls, and bulk shipping headaches. With an online company store, franchise owners and managers can log in anytime to order exactly what they need — whether it’s restocking uniforms or preparing for a local event. Everything is organized, pre-approved, and ready to go, helping you reduce waste, avoid delays, and stay within budget.

One centralized online store eliminates the need for multiple vendors, endless order forms, and last-minute rush shipments. It’s the simplest way to keep every branch stocked.

3. Saves Time for Everyone

By taking the guesswork out of ordering, online company stores free up time for your team to focus on what really matters — running the business. No more tracking down who ordered what, reconciling invoices, or managing multiple vendors. It’s one store, one process, and one less thing to worry about.

4. Empowers Local Teams

Each location can operate independently while still staying aligned with your brand. Managers can order what they need when they need it — without waiting for corporate approval or navigating complicated ordering systems. That flexibility helps franchisees feel supported and trusted, while corporate maintains full control and oversight behind the scenes.

Ready to Simplify Your Franchise Operations?

With Amsterdam’s Online Company Store platform, you can keep every branch stocked, branded, and on the same page. From setup to fulfillment, everything is managed for you, so you can spend less time managing orders and more time growing your business.

One Company Store, Four Big Wins

Get your franchise network aligned and efficient with these core advantages:

  • Personalized Gifting — Let each branch offer rewards or swag options that feel personal but stay on brand
  • Launch in Days, Not Weeks — Rapid setup means your branded store is live fast and ready for orders
  • Everything in One Place — Uniforms, promo items and signage, all managed from a single portal
  • Order Smart, Not in Bulk — No forced bulk minimums because branches only order what they need

2025 Holiday Trends in Promotional Products: What’s Hot This Gifting Season

2025 Holiday Trends in Promotional Products: What’s Hot This Gifting Season

The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you’re a marketer, business owner, or brand strategist, it’s time to start planning your promotional gifting strategy. But here’s the thing, your clients, employees, and partners don’t want just another water bottle or generic calendar. They want gifts that align with their values, reflect the times, and actually bring value to their everyday lives.

In 2025, the landscape of promotional products is evolving faster than ever, shaped by growing consumer awareness, technology, wellness, and a desire for deeper personalization.

If you’re looking to make your holiday promo gifts stand out (and stay out of the junk drawer), here are the biggest trends shaping the season. Spoiler alert: the bar is higher than ever and that’s a good thing.

1. Sustainability Isn’t Just Trendy … It’s Expected

Once a “nice-to-have,” eco-conscious gifting is now a non-negotiable.

  • 78% of companies say they’re upping their spend on sustainable promo items this year. [1].
  • And 90% of consumers say sustainability directly influenceswhether they keep a promotional product. [2].

So, what’s making waves in eco-friendly gifting? Think:

  • Tote bags made from rPET (a fancy way of saying recycled plastic bottles)
  • Bamboo-fiber apparel that’s soft, stylish, and Earth-approved
  • Compostable packaging that says, “We care about the planet”
  • Soy-based inks for prints that pop without pollution

When your holiday gifts align with your brand values and consumer expectations, you’re not just gifting, you’re building trust.

*Pro tip: Add a note about your product’s eco-story. People love to know they’re using something that’s making a difference.

2. Tech-Integrated Swag = Daily Use (and Daily Brand Visibility)

We’re living in a digital world, and people want gear that keeps up.

  • 45% of buyers now say they prefer promo items with a digital or tech component. [2].
  • And the top gifts? They’re smart, stylish, and surprisingly affordable.

Top trending tech gifts this season:

  • Wireless chargers (because outlets are so last season)
  • Smart notebooks that digitize your handwritten notes
  • Bluetooth trackers for the always-losing-their-keys crowd
  • High-performance gaming headsets built for serious play and all-day comfort

Trending tech gifts

Interactive swag is also stepping up. QR codes and AR-enabled packaging turn ordinary gifts into branded experiences — think games, how-to videos, or holiday messages. It’s an instant wow factor that goes beyond the gift itself.

3. Wellness Is the New Luxury (and It’s What Everyone Wants)

More than ever, people are prioritizing their health — mental, physical, emotional. And brands that recognize that? They win.

  • 82% of consumers now say wellness is a key part of their daily routine. [2]
  • Gifting products that support that lifestyle doesn’t just feel good, it makes you look good.

Top wellness promotional product trends this holiday:

  • Stress-relief kits with cozy socks, calming teas, or mini journals
  • Yoga mats, sleep masks, and hydration bottles
  • Aromatherapy rollers (bonus if they’re locally made!)
  • Even pickleball sets and golf gear for the sporty crowd

Wellness holiday gifts

Gifts that promote self-care are no longer “nice-to-have” extras, they’re essentials that show your brand understands what really matters.

4. Personalization + Local = Thoughtful, Memorable, and Totally On-Brand

Let’s talk personalization.

A hoodie with your logo? Nice.
A hoodie with your recipient’s initials, favorite color, and a soft-touch finish?  Exceptional.

People are craving experiences that feel tailored not templated. Custom-branded swag that reflects individual preferences (or team identities) goes further, sticks around longer, and generates way more goodwill.

But here’s the real magic touch: local sourcing. Locally made gift like small-batch candles, gourmet snacks, hand-poured soaps, bring authenticity, tell a story, and support small businesses. Bonus: they often come with lower shipping footprints, which ties back to the sustainability trend.

Wrap It Up: This Year’s Best Gifts Make People Feel Something

Let’s recap: In 2025, the best promo gifts are:

  • Sustainable
  • Smart (literally)
  • Focused on wellness
  • Personal
  • Locally inspired

That means it’s time to move beyond the basic merch and start gifting with purpose.

Whether it’s a Bluetooth tracker that saves someone’s day, a bamboo hoodie that becomes a go-to favorite, or a personalized yoga mat that helps someone unwind, your holiday promotional items should reflect your values and your audience’s lifestyle.

Don’t just give. Connect.
Don’t just promote. Wow
Don’t just check a box. Build loyalty.

In 2025, the best branded holiday gifts don’t just say who you are — they show it.

References

[1] Promotional Products Statistics Statistics: Market Data Report 2025

[2] 2025 Promotional Products Trend Report | Perfect Imprints

 

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