Why Smart Gifts Win When Shoppers Visit Less
In today’s uncertain retail environment, shoppers aren’t returning as often—but when they do, brands have one golden chance to make it count. That’s where smart gift-with-purchase (GWP) strategies and high-impact promotional merchandise come in.
Across Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam, consumers are watching their wallets and reducing non-essential visits to stores:
Malaysia: According to Worldpanel by Numerator, shopper frequency is declining, driven by rising living costs. Brands must now deliver stronger value at each visit to capture attention and loyalty.
Singapore: Retail sales fell 6.7% YoY in February 2025 (Reference: power Commerce) 
Vietnam: Consumer confidence is cooling, with 63% prioritizing affordability. Tet 2025 saw restrained FMCG spending, and traditional retail continues to decline (Cimigo, VIR, Vietnam Briefing).
But here’s the upside: when done right, a well-designed promotional gift can:
- Increase basket size
- Drive brand recall
- Trigger social sharing
- Encourage future visits
Let’s explore how to make every shopper touchpoint matter—especially when they’re becoming fewer and farther between.
Strategy 1: Elevate the Perceived Value of Gift With Purchase
Insight: Shoppers are now seeking “value-for-money” more than ever. They want rewards that feel worth it.
What to do:
- Offer premium-looking, multi-use merchandise (e.g. foldable bags, limited-edition plushies, designer-inspired pouches)
- Bundle gifts with a minimum spend threshold to encourage bigger baskets
- Use seasonal or culturally relevant design cues (e.g. Raya motifs, nostalgic icons)
Why it works:
Shoppers love feeling smart about their spend. A gift that looks premium or feels meaningful (like nostalgic or seasonal designs) boosts perceived value—making them more likely to buy more, feel rewarded, and remember your brand.
Strategy 2: Use Scarcity and Collectability
Insight: With fewer shopping trips, give people a reason to come back. One gift won’t do it. But a series might.
What to do:
- Launch weekly gift drops to spark return visits
- Introduce a “secret item” or “rare find” to create viral UGC moments
- Promote “collect all 5” campaigns, tapping into completionist psychology
Why it works: This taps into the variable reward effect, making your gift strategy feel more like a treasure hunt.
Strategy 3: Make It Social-First
Insight: When footfall is low, you need digital amplification to stretch your campaign’s impact.
What to do:
- Package your gift for TikTok and Instagram unboxing appeal
- Seed early samples to micro-creators to spark shareable moments
- Encourage hashtag use and UGC competitions
Example: Ben & Jerry’s “socks in an ice cream tub” GWP created a prank trend on TikTok—turning a simple item into a viral story.
Strategy 4: Combine with Strategic Promotions
Insight: Shoppers are looking for the “best value” in a cluttered marketplace. GWP can tip the scale.
What to do:
- Combine your gift with a timed promotion (e.g. weekend-only, buy 2 get 1 + gift)
- Target higher-margin SKUs to offset gift cost
- Use smart in-store displays to ensure visibility
Stat-backed: FMCG in Malaysia is forecasted to grow only 2% in 2025, meaning competition will intensify. GWP offers can be the differentiator.
Key Takeaway
Smart gift-with-purchase promotions are no longer just about freebies—they’re about designing experiences that deliver impact in a low-frequency world. With strategic timing, high emotional value, and viral potential, promotional merchandise can be your best tool for engagement, retention, and brand love.
Need a Gift Strategy That Converts?
At DTC World, we specialize in high-impact GWP campaigns across Southeast Asia. Whether it’s blind boxes, licensed character merch, or viral packaging—we help brands turn every gift into a story worth sharing.
👉 Contact DTC World to craft your next shopper-winning campaign.
