Why Brands Use Mascots for Their Swag – It’s Not Just Monkey Business!

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Hey there, brand builders and marketing wizards! Are you ready to transform your promotional campaigns into memorable experiences? As you embark upon crafting distinctive promotional campaigns, we invite you to delve into the influential realm of brand mascots, and discover why they should be at the heart of your next marketing strategy. 

Nissin Qing Zai lifesized mascot
Meet the larger-than-life Nissin Noodles Qing Zai mascot, taking centre stage at a promotional roadshow! This endearing character captivates audiences, bringing the fun and flavour of Nissin Noodles directly to consumers. (Image source: Nissin Foods Singapore Facebook)
Nissin Qing Zai plushie
Embrace the charm with the Qing Zai plushie, meticulously crafted by DTC World for our esteemed client. This adorable mascot is not just a keepsake; it's a tangible piece of the brand that fans can cherish, enhancing brand love and loyalty.
Nissin cable organiser
Nissin notepad

Nissin Noodles Qing Zai mascot on more promotional merchandise. 

Read more: Nissin – Anniversary Promotional Merchandise.  

Brand mascots are characters created to represent and personify the brand, making it more relatable and memorable to consumers. 

Unforgettable Icons: Mascots Boost Brand Recall

Brand mascots do more than captivate—they immortalise your brand’s ethos. Through strategic design and consistent interaction, these characters can elevate brand recognition impressively, often seeing a surge in visibility upwards of 30%. Take the iconic vigour of Tony the Tiger for example; he captures not just the spirit of his brand but also wins a permanent place in the hearts and minds of consumers, creating memorable experiences that resonate long after the campaign ends.

Kelloggs notebook
Kelloggs bottle

Behold the power of mascot-driven merchandising! Here, Tony the Tiger transcends the cereal box, bringing his undeniable charm to an array of Kellogg’s promotional giveaways, which have become highly-sought after collectibles. It’s a testament to how the allure of a well-loved mascot like Tony can extend the brand experience beyond traditional advertising, creating tangible connections and cherished memories for fans everywhere. (image credit: Kellogg’s Malaysia facebook)

Build Emotional Connections: Mascots as the Heartbeat of Your Brand

M&M mascots
M&M chocolates

Meet the colorful M&M’s crew, where each delightful character plays a role in melting our hearts. These mascots are  the heartbeat of the brand, crafting emotional connections with every chuckle and smile. They remind us that at the core of every favorite brand lies a story we feel part of. (image source: (left) M&M’s website / (right) Shopee SG)

These lovable characters are a gateway to deeper customer relationships. Brands like M&M’s have mastered this, turning their mascots into beloved personalities that fans adore and engage with, boosting loyalty and affection, bringing consumers back time and again.

Creative Powerhouses: From Digital Spaces to Tangible Products

Coca-Cola Bear Tshirt
Coca-Cola Bear Mini Fridge

These beloved mascots transform ordinary items into must-have collectibles, showcasing the magnetic pull of well-designed characters on merchandise appeal. (image source: (left) Coca-Cola Store / (right) Ebay

These Imagine your mascot on everything from T-shirts to digital ads. Mascot like Coca-Cola’s Polar Bears have turned promotional items into coveted collectibles, proving that mascots can significantly enhance merchandise appeal.

Digital Prowess: Mascots in the Digital Age

Mr Peanuts mascot
Dapper and debonair, Mr. Peanut stands tall with his top hat and monocle. As the face of Planters, he brings a touch of class and timeless charm, proving that a mascot can be both a brand's emblem and a beloved character to millions. (image source: Official PLANTERS website)

In the digital age, mascots serve as dynamic catalysts for viral marketing, thriving across social platforms and creating narratives that traverse through the noise. The dramatic adventures of Planters’ Mr. Peanut show how mascots can spark widespread conversations across various media platforms.

Case Study: Empowering Communities with Sharity Elephant

Sharity elephant mascot
Sharity elephant mascot plushie

Sharity Elephant mascot and Sharity Elephant Plushie (image source: Official Sharity website) 

Sharity Elephant, a cherished mascot in Singapore, exemplifies how mascots can amplify brand objectives through merchandise. Originally aimed at teaching values to children, Sharity has evolved into a symbol of charity and community support. By launching an e-store featuring an array of merchandise like notebooks, pencils, and sticker books, Sharity not only keeps its message alive but also directly supports over 80 charitable organisations. This strategic move into e-commerce allows for sustained engagement and funding, showcasing a successful model of combining brand marketing with social responsibility. Brands can learn from Sharity’s approach to maintain relevance and support their missions through dedicated merchandise sales.

Sharity elephant merchandise - notepad
Sharity elephant merchandise - sticker book
Sharity elephant merchandise - note book

Sharity mascot themed merchandise that DTC World has produced for our client. View Showcase: Sharity Club E-Store Merchandise on our website to find out more! 

Visit the Sharity e-store to explore the range of products available and learn more about how they benefit charitable causes. This example illustrates how integrating e-commerce can enhance a mascot’s impact, helping to achieve brand objectives while contributing to a greater cause.

Ready to Bring Your Brand to Life with a Mascot?

Looking to create a unique mascot or use a licensed character for your brand? Our company specialises in designing bespoke mascots and collaborating with famous licensed characters to enhance your brand’s identity. 

Nippon Paint Sumo plushie
Nippon Paint Sumo cushion

Nippon Paint’s Sumo mascot plushie and customised cushion. Produced by DTC World for our client, Nippon Paint.

Meiji Hello Panda handkerchief
Meiji Hello Panda post it pads

Meiji Hello Panda mascot handkerchief and notepads. Produced by DTC World for our client, Meiji.

Zespri SpoonCustomised Stainless Steel Spoon
Zespri soft toys

Zespri Bros mascots customised spoons and soft toys. Produced by DTC World.  

Contact us today to discuss how we can help design your brand’s new best friend or explore collaboration opportunities with popular characters. Visit our website or reach out directly to turn your mascot into the centerpiece of your promotional strategy.

About DTC World

Sharity Elephant mascots