Merchandise Industry Statistics

Merchandise and promotional products industry employs 1.2 million people in the U.S. [1]

There are approximately 7,300 promotional products companies in the U.S. [1]

U.S. promotional products industry is forecast to support 1.3 million jobs by 2024. [1]

U.S. promotional products industry includes about 220,000 distributors. [1]

Print providers in the promotional products supply chain: 27,000 companies. [1]

Manufacturing accounts for 62% of promotional products industry revenue. [1]

Distributors account for 38% of promotional products industry revenue. [1]

Average promotional product distributor revenue per employee was about $182k in 2023. [1]

Apparel/merchandising manufacturing sector is subject to overtime and piece-rate structures; average weekly hours in apparel manufacturing were 34.7 in 2023. [2]

Employment in apparel manufacturing in the U.S. was 1.2 million in 2023. [2]

Average hourly earnings for apparel manufacturing were $16.90 in 2023. [2]

Employment in textile product mills in the U.S. was 241,000 in 2023. [3]

Average hourly earnings for textile product mills were $18.30 in 2023. [3]

Employment in clothing stores in the U.S. was 1.24 million in 2023. [4]

Employment in sporting goods stores was 170,000 in 2023. [4]

Average weekly hours in retail trade were 24.6 in 2023. [4]

Retail trade employment in the U.S. was 16.9 million in 2023. [4]

Global merchandise market size was valued at $1,291.67 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $2,083.50 billion by 2030 (YoY CAGR 6.2% from 2023 to 2030). [5]

The global merchandise market is projected to grow from $1,291.67 billion (2022) to $2,083.50 billion (2030). [5]

Global merchandise market CAGR is 6.2% (2023–2030). [5]

Global sports merchandise market size was $7.4 billion in 2023. [6]

Sports merchandise market is projected to grow to $11.6 billion by 2033. [6]

Sports merchandise market CAGR is 4.9% (2024–2033). [6]

Global branded merchandise market size was $1.5 billion in 2022. [7]

Branded merchandise market projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2027. [7]

Branded merchandise market CAGR was 8.1% (2023–2027). [7]

Global concert merchandise market size was $2.7 billion in 2023. [8]

Concert merchandise market is expected to reach $4.4 billion by 2032. [8]

Concert merchandise market CAGR is 5.6% (2024–2032). [8]

Global promotional merchandise market size was $32.0 billion in 2023. [9]

Promotional products market is projected to reach $50.5 billion by 2028. [9]

Promotional products market forecast CAGR is 9.7% (2023–2028). [9]

Global merchandising (consumer products linked to entertainment) market size was $23.4 billion in 2022. [10]

Merchandising market size is expected to grow to $42.6 billion by 2030. [10]

Merchandising market CAGR is 7.3% (2023–2030). [10]

U.S. promotional products industry revenue was $29.6 billion in 2022. [1]

U.S. promotional products industry revenue increased to $30.0 billion in 2023. [1]

U.S. promotional products industry expected revenue was $32.2 billion in 2024. [1]

Global branded merchandise market size reached $6.8 billion in 2021. [11]

Branded merchandise market is expected to reach $12.0 billion by 2030. [11]

Branded merchandise market CAGR is 6.5% (2022–2030). [11]

Sports merchandise market size was $7.7 billion in 2022. [12]

Sports merchandise market is projected to reach $15.1 billion by 2032. [12]

Sports merchandise market CAGR is 6.9% (2023–2032). [12]

Global toy and game merchandise market size was $143.2 billion in 2023. [13]

Toys and games market expected to grow to $186.6 billion by 2027. [13]

Toys and games market CAGR is 6.8% (2024–2027). [13]

Global watches and jewelry market size was $395 billion in 2023. [14]

Watches and jewelry market is expected to reach $580 billion by 2030. [14]

Watches and jewelry market CAGR is 6.0% (2024–2030). [14]

Global collectibles market size was $40 billion in 2022. [15]

Collectibles market is expected to reach $72 billion by 2030. [15]

Collectibles market CAGR is 7.3% (2023–2030). [15]

Global gaming merchandise market size was $4.1 billion in 2023. [16]

Gaming merchandise market expected to reach $7.2 billion by 2032. [16]

Gaming merchandise market CAGR is 6.2% (2024–2032). [16]

Global fashion merchandise market size was $1.8 trillion in 2022. [17]

Fashion merchandise market projected to reach $3.2 trillion by 2030. [17]

Fashion merchandise market CAGR is 7.3% (2023–2030). [17]

U.S. promotional products industry generated $30.0 billion in sales in 2023. [1]

U.S. promotional products industry gross revenue in 2022 was $29.6 billion. [1]

U.S. retail sales in total were $8.07 trillion in 2023. [18]

U.S. retail sales in 2023 increased by 3.2% over 2022 (total retail and food services). [18]

U.S. retail sales per capita were $24,529 in 2023. [18]

U.S. online retail sales reached $1.1 trillion in 2024 Q1. [18]

Share of U.S. retail sales from e-commerce was 16.7% in 2024 Q1. [18]

Share of U.S. retail sales from e-commerce was 15.4% in 2023. [18]

UK retail sales in 2023 were £481.5bn. [19]

UK retail sales volume increased by 1.3% in 2023. [19]

UK retail sales value grew by 3.6% in 2023. [19]

Germany retail sales value declined by -2.2% in 2023. [20]

Germany retail sales (excluding motor vehicles) increased by 0.3% in 2023. [20]

France retail sales increased by 1.0% in 2023. [21]

France online retail sales increased by 6.5% in 2023. [22]

China retail sales increased by 7.2% in 2023. [23]

China online retail sales increased by 11.0% in 2023. [23]

India retail inflation was 4.8% in 2023 (CPI for combined goods). [24]

Japan retail sales increased by 1.6% in 2023. [25]

Japan e-commerce sales growth was 6.3% in 2023. [26]

Global merchandise e-commerce sales grew 9.6% in 2023. [27]

Share of consumers who purchased merchandise in-person was 63% in 2023. [28]

Share of consumers who purchased merchandise online was 37% in 2023. [28]

US consumers spent $122.1 billion on clothing in 2023. [29]

US consumers spent $74.7 billion on sporting goods in 2023. [30]

US consumers spent $48.4 billion on jewelry in 2023. [31]

US consumers spent $39.2 billion on toys, hobby, and games in 2023. [32]

US consumers spent $28.3 billion on musical instruments and accessories in 2023. [33]

US consumers spent $18.6 billion on art galleries and collectibles in 2023. [34]

Average UK household spent £1,018 on clothing and footwear in 2023. [35]

Average UK household spent £259 on leisure products in 2023. [35]

Average UK household spent £1,140 on recreation in 2023. [35]

Global apparel retail sales were $1.6 trillion in 2023. [36]

Global footwear sales were $320 billion in 2023. [36]

Apparel & accessories e-commerce accounted for 15.6% of U.S. e-commerce sales in 2023. [37]

Specialty stores (clothing, etc.) e-commerce accounted for 29% of specialty store sales in 2023. [37]

Consumers ranked “price” as the top factor for merchandise purchases (mean score 4.5/5). [38]

Consumers ranked “brand” as second most important factor (mean score 4.2/5). [38]

73% of consumers said they would switch brands to get a better price for merchandise. [38]

67% of consumers said product reviews affect their merchandise purchase decisions. [39]

58% of consumers said they purchase merchandise based on social media. [40]

63% of shoppers said they have returned an online purchase of merchandise. [41]

Online return rates for apparel are about 30%. [42]

Global retail shrinkage was estimated at 1.6% of sales (2022). [43]

U.S. retail shrinkage was estimated at $112.1 billion in 2022. [43]

U.S. retail shrinkage was estimated at $94.5 billion in 2021. [44]

77% of retailers said organized retail crime affected their business in the past year. [43]

63% of retailers said organized retail crime increased in the past year. [43]

81% of consumers keep promotional products for at least some time. [45]

67% of consumers keep promotional products for 2 years or more. [45]

31% of consumers keep promotional items for 3 years or more. [45]

49% of promotional product recipients reported remembering the company logo. [46]

32% of promotional product recipients reported a purchase intention. [46]

58% of event attendees purchase some merchandise. [47]

42% of event attendees spend more than $50 on merchandise per event. [47]

61% of sports fans buy licensed team merchandise. [48]

27% of sports fans buy jerseys/kit as their top merchandise purchase category. [48]

32% of returns are due to sizing issues. [49]

20% of returns are due to product not as expected. [49]

12% of returns are due to defects/damage. [49]

35% of consumers check return policy before purchase. [50]

18% of consumers do not buy if they dislike return policy. [50]

9% of shoppers cite privacy concerns as reason to avoid online purchases. [51]

24% of consumers say they would pay more for environmentally friendly merchandise. [52]

66% of consumers are willing to switch to a brand that offers better sustainability. [52]

60% of consumers expect companies to act on sustainability. [52]

53% of consumers consider sustainable materials when buying merchandise. [52]

48% of consumers are willing to pay extra for sustainable packaging. [52]

The U.S. merchandise trade deficit in 2023 was -$1,012.4 billion. [53]

U.S. total merchandise exports in 2023 were $3,001.4 billion. [53]

U.S. total merchandise imports in 2023 were $4,013.8 billion. [53]

EU-27 extra trade in goods exports in 2023 were €2,412 billion. [54]

EU-27 extra trade in goods imports in 2023 were €2,823 billion. [54]

China merchandise exports in 2023 were $3.57 trillion. [55]

China merchandise imports in 2023 were $2.95 trillion. [55]

Shipping container freight rate index increased to 1,800 points in mid-2021. [56]

Global container shipping costs were about 3–5x higher during 2021 than pre-pandemic levels. [56]

Global trade volume growth was 3.0% in 2023 (merchandise trade). [57]

Global merchandise trade value decreased by 5% in 2023 (year-over-year). [57]

WTO forecast: global merchandise trade volume to grow 2.6% in 2024. [57]

WTO forecast: global merchandise trade volume to grow 3.0% in 2025. [57]

Average import transit time to the U.S. from Asia is about 30 days. [58]

Average time to clear customs in the U.S. is about 2 days. [59]

The U.S. International Trade Commission reports that U.S. customs clearance is typically completed within 1–2 days. [60]

Port container dwell time at major hubs averaged 3–5 days in 2023. [61]

Global e-commerce delivery last-mile accounts for 53% of total logistics costs. [62]

Average cost of returns logistics (reverse logistics) can be 30–50% of product price. [63]

In the U.S., retail returns are projected to cost $218 billion in 2023. [41]

Online returns are expected to be $102 billion in 2020 (U.S.). [64]

Reverse logistics costs for apparel retailers are about 10–30% of sales. [65]

The International Chamber of Commerce estimates global merchandise theft losses of $400 billion annually. [66]

40% of shipments are subject to delays during peak seasons. [67]

Port congestion reduced shipping capacity by about 10–15% in 2021. [56]

Ocean freight index rose sharply to about 300% of baseline in 2021. [56]

Average time for air cargo was affected; air freight prices increased by 2–3x in 2021. [56]

Global supply chain pressure index reached 5.8 (peak) in 2021. [68]

The number of cargo ships waiting offshore increased to over 100 vessels at Los Angeles/Long Beach in 2021. [69]

2021 global container port throughput was reduced by 2–4% due to congestion. [61]

2022 global container ship schedule reliability averaged 60–70%. [61]

U.S. apparel and textile waste generation was 17 million tons in 2018. [70]

Only 15% of textiles were recycled/maintained in use in 2018. [70]

EPA estimated textiles represent 5.8 million tons of municipal solid waste in 2018. [70]

EU Waste Framework Directive introduced extended producer responsibility obligations for textiles under 2024 updates (timeline). [71]

EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) requires reporting on sustainability matters; coverage expanded to ~50,000 companies. [72]

EU packaging waste recycling targets include 55% by 2030. [71]

California SB 343 (2020) aims for 75% reduction in single-use plastic by 2030; statewide plastics reduction goals. [73]

California AB 220 (plastic packaging reduction) set requirements for producers of plastic packaging beginning 2027. [74]

UK Modern Slavery Act requires certain businesses to publish slavery and human trafficking statements. [75]

California Transparency in Supply Chains Act requires disclosure for companies with $100M+ revenue. [76]

U.S. Forced Labor 2022 guidance for the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) focused on imports from Xinjiang and surrounding regions. [77]

U.S. California SB 62 (2021) requires due diligence policies for large fashion brands starting 2022. [78]

EU EcoDesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) entered into force in 2024 for ecodesign requirements. [71]

EU Digital Product Passport Regulation requires specific product data sharing; textiles included (scope). [71]

OECD due diligence guidance requires businesses to implement risk-based due diligence steps. [79]

Global ESG compliance cost averages 1–3% of revenue for mid-sized firms. [80]

EU Green Deal aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, including economy-wide decarbonization affecting merchandise sectors. [81]

Fast fashion contributes to significant textile waste; textile recycling rate is low globally at ~1% (global estimate). [82]

EU textiles and the environment report shows reuse/recycling rate below 20%. [82]

EEA estimates 2.6 million tonnes of textiles are consumed per year in EU and 5% are collected for reuse. [82]

2019 global textile consumption was 62 million tonnes. [83]

Textile waste generation in EU in 2022 was about 12.6 million tonnes. [84]

Microfiber shedding from textiles is a known source of aquatic microplastics; estimated impact is tens of thousands of tonnes annually. [84]

40% of consumers are willing to repair apparel rather than replace it (survey). [85]

52% of consumers believe sustainable choices are important but expensive (survey). [85]

68% of EU citizens support extended producer responsibility for textiles (survey). [85]

35% of brands report pressure from regulators to reduce environmental impacts. [86]

54% of retailers cite compliance requirements for sustainability as a key operational constraint. [87]

47% of consumers say eco-friendly claims affect their merchandise choice. [88]

RFID adoption in retail for inventory accuracy is used by about 15% of retailers. [89]

Barcode scanning adoption for retail inventory is near-universal (over 95% of retailers). [90]

Dynamic pricing adoption in e-commerce is used by 30% of merchants. [91]

About 60% of retailers use some form of pricing optimization software. [92]

Price elasticity differs by category; apparel has an average elasticity of about -1.4. [93]

Discounts increased cart conversion rate by 10% on average (A/B tests). [94]

Free shipping increased conversion by 27% on average. [95]

55% of online shoppers abandon carts due to unexpected shipping costs. [96]

38% abandon due to delivery time. [96]

73% of consumers expect fast delivery (within 2 days) for merchandise. [97]

48% of shoppers are willing to pay extra for same-day delivery. [98]

Global digital ad spend reached $601.8 billion in 2023. [99]

Retailers using personalization reported 6–10% revenue lift. [100]

71% of consumers expect personalized recommendations. [101]

76% of consumers get frustrated when content is not personalized. [101]

Chargebacks for online retail averaged 0.45% of transactions in 2023 (merchant-reported). [102]

Fraud losses in e-commerce were estimated at $41.1 billion globally in 2020. [103]

Global card-not-present fraud losses were $17.7 billion in 2020. [103]

Identity theft affected 53% of consumers globally (2021). [104]

Data breaches were most often due to credential theft in 2023 (DBIR). [104]

Retail data breach incidents decreased by 4% from 2022 to 2023 (DBIR). [104]

Cybercrime cost global businesses $8.44 trillion annually in 2023. [105]

Small businesses account for 46% of cyberattacks (as target). [106]

43% of cyberattacks target small businesses. [106]

61% of consumers say they are more likely to buy from brands with transparent returns policies. [107]