July 29, 2024

The #1 Reason We Keep Cool Old Merch

The #1 Reason We Keep Old Merch

Recently, I was cleaning out garage bins and amongst the dust and other sentimental merch I came upon my favorite concert t-shirt and an old jean skirt from high school. Neither fit anymore, and the shirt has holes in it from whatever critter decided to eat it. I also found a 15-year-old mug from a wedding, and a keychain from a charity event.

Looking back, there had to be a moment when the t-shirt and jean skirt went into a drawer because they didn’t fit. I kept them around probably hoping for my old girlish figure to return. But then, 30 years later both still don’t fit and have somehow repeatedly avoided the donation pile over and over again.

Why do we keep old merchandise?

Nostalgia:

This old merch is a tangible connection to the past, which often create pleasant memories and feelings of nostalgia. The item may represent an actual event, the experience we had there and/or the people we were with. Many of us fear that by getting rid of it, we may lose the memory or the time.

Given we are IN the merchandise business at Swizzle, I asked my fellow Swizzlers what items they have kept over the years and all of us chose a favorite t-shirt. So, I thought it would be fun to share in this month’s Swizzle blog.

Monica:

This shirt is from the 2014 Monkey Pants ‘Pantiversary’. Monkey Pants Bar & Grill is located in Tempe, AZ and made onto Thrillist’s 2015 list of Best Bad Decision Bars in America. I worked there for about 6 years, from 2010 to 2016, doing all things from bartender to karaoke host. I love this shirt for so many reasons. Working in the bar industry is ‘interesting’ to say the least-if you know, you know! This shirt represents that time in my life where I learned more about life, love and loss, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Those were 6 of the most wild, wacky and fun times of my life that I will always treasure and will never forget. Cheers!

Lisa:

I got this shirt in 1991 in San Francisco when I saw Nirvana for the Nevermind tour at the Warfield in San Fransisco. I love it because 1. Its Nirvana 2. The seahorse artwork on the front and the way the seahorse reproductive text is laid out on the back 3. The way you can barely see that it says “yeah, this was a nirvana shirt….” on the back 4. It glows in the dark and 5. Most importantly the crazy good time memories this merch brings back.

Hannah:

This shirt is just a regular old shirt, but I wear it any chance I get because I love it! It is soft like butter, comfortable and breathable to wear for lounging, working out or just out running errands. Most importantly it is stain-resistant (at least so far!) which is crucial for a Mom of a busy toddler and baby!

Monique:

This T-shirt is from Van Halen 1991 For Unlawful Carnal Knowledge tour. I lived in Phoenix at the time. Just out of high school I had moved to the “big city.” I LOVED Van Halen and went to this concert with friends. This t-shirt represents a simpler time of newfound independence, and newly diverse life experiences. Times have changed, but my big hair is still the same.

Please keep Swizzle in mind when you’re looking for promotional items and merch for your special event. We’d love to think that someday, we had a hand in helping your customer remember a very special event.

The Best Promotional Products In Reno #1 – Swizzle (swizzlestory.com)