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Survey Shows Value of Schools Spiritwear Programs

Findings indicate that K-12 institutions with inconsistent merch offerings see weaker fundraising and community engagement.

Schools with a consistent spiritwear program often see high attendance numbers at their events and stronger community engagement.

Data from the new 2026 School Spirit Gap Survey, conducted by Counselor Top 40 distributor Custom Ink (asi/173232), shows that 33% of schools’ community event organizers with recurring branded product offerings reported higher-than-expected turnout at their most recent event. Among those with no program at all, that number dropped to 14%.

cheerleaders

Among those surveyed, more than 60% of schools with a regular merch program strongly agree that spiritwear is key to community engagement and school pride. Meanwhile, 43% of organizers say their programs are inconsistent year-to-year, even though nearly half (48%) say merchandise is a primary fundraiser that’s often more effective than candy sales and coupon books.

The survey was completed by 447 K-12 PTA coordinators, booster club leads, athletic directors, teachers and administrators across the U.S., and shows that schools without consistent swag programs are leaving money and community pride on the table. Organizers should consider building a recurring spiritwear program – same process, same timeline, every year – as a useful lever for improving community outcomes.

Dynamic Banners & Flags

Whether at small businesses or large-scale events, these vibrant banners and flags are ideal for making client branding stand out in a crowd.

Convention centers across the U.S. host thousands of trade shows and conferences throughout the year for every industry under the sun. The largest shows draw hundreds of thousands of attendees – meaning equally as many opportunities for exhibitor branding to make an impression. A vibrant branded banner or flag is an ideal option for showcasing logos, images or other artwork to draw in visitors.

branded adjustable fabric backdrop

Go big or go home with this branded adjustable fabric backdrop, available in 8’ x 8’ or 8’ x 10’ sizes. Includes adjustable telescoping poles, a 9-ounce wrinkle-free polyester fabric banner and a carry bag. Ideal for sponsorships at events or photo shoots.

31.5” wide retractor kit

This 31.5” wide retractor kit has a double-footed lightweight aluminum base and a snap rail banner attachment for easy swaps. Printed on no-curl opaque fabric. Includes carry case and one-year hardware warranty. Think trade shows and fundraiser signage.

tabletop mini-retractable banner

Enhance any promotional display with this tabletop mini-retractable banner. Crafted from vinyl fabric, it measures 11.5” x 16.5” and takes decoration on one side of the panel. Well-suited for hostess stands, banks or retail stores. Hardware included.

double-sided knit polyester promotional flag

Perfect for the college and sports markets, this 3’ x 5’ double-sided knit polyester promotional flag showcases full-color logos, photographs and more. Finished with a canvas heading, they’re appropriate for indoor or outdoor use.

full branded display setup

Help clients prepare for their first trade show with a full branded display setup, including a 10’ x 10’ vinyl backdrop, retractable banner and poly poplin table cover. A must for any company tabling at an event.

lightweight banner

This lightweight banner excels in high-traffic areas thanks to its durable vinyl fabric. With a single-sided anti-curl design, it offers custom sizing and various color options. Select from hem-only, grommet or pole pocket finishing options. Great for school gymnasiums or event advertising.

Durable Sport Bottles

Meet demand from athletic travel teams, outdoor centers or summer camps with these practical and sturdy drinkware options.

Two hundred and fifty million Americans aged 6 and older participate in at least one sport or fitness activity, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, with team sports recording a particularly strong participation growth for 2025. Keep athletes hydrated on the court, the sidelines or in schools with a variety of sturdy reusable sport bottles branded with team names, corporate sponsors or other inspirational logos.

24-ounce sport bottle

Made from BPA-free Tritan, this practical 24-ounce sport bottle offers an easy-to-carry handled lid and easy-to-sip straw. Ideal for sporting goods brands or travel teams.

20-ounce aluminum bottle

Promote your client’s brand on the go with this 20-ounce aluminum bottle, featuring a matching screw-top cap and a silicone carrying strap for easy transport. Attach it to a bag or carabiner hook for convenience. Great for travel agencies or airlines.

28-ounce Tritan water bottle

Stay hydrated and active with this 28-ounce Tritan water bottle. It features a flip-up drinking spout and a screw-on lid with a carrying handle. BPA-free and top-rack dishwasher-safe, it fits most vehicle cup holders. Ideal for hiking or outdoor centers.

20-ounce flexi-grip bottle

Make a bright statement with a 20-ounce flexi-grip bottle. With easy squeeze action, a rigid cap and an easy-flow push-pull lid, it comes in various vibrant colors, perfect for elementary schools or summer camps.

20-ounce sport bottles

Great for kids’ sports tournaments or other outdoor event giveaways, these 20-ounce sport bottles feature a leak-resistant screw-top cap with an easy snap closure. Made in the USA.

slim Garyline sports bottle

This slim Garyline sports bottle makes hydration on the go a breeze, with a secure flip straw lid and molded carrying loop. Optional “motivation measurement” upgrade available to track daily water intake, an ideal selection for wellness giveaways.

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Survey Shows Value of Schools Spiritwear Programs

Dynamic Banners & Flags

Durable Sport Bottles

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