Community | Buzzworthy Fan Favorites People want to celebrate their preferred brands with clever and stylish merch that declares their favorites in food, retail and other realms. In fact, a recent New York Times essay titled “Our Merch, Ourselves,” suggests that these items offer an easy way for people to identify other like-minded individuals and forge connections based on shared tastes. By Rachel Zoch 1. Snoop 'Gives Up Smoke' With Solo Stove Celebrity brand collabs abound, but perhaps one of the most clever of 2023 came from Snoop Dogg and Solo Stove (PPAI 762096, S1). In an Instagram post, the rapper and entrepreneur, whose fondness for cannabis is well-known, said, “After much consideration and conversation with my family, I’ve decided to give up smoke.” This, of course, lit up the internet with speculation – could Tha Doggfather really be putting away his smokes for good? Of course not. It was all a very effective media stunt to announce his new partnership with Texas-based home and outdoor lifestyle brand Solo Stove, creator of the smokeless fire pit. The sold-out limited edition Snoop Dogg x Solo Stove bundle included a branded fire pit and stand designed by Snoop, a Snoop bucket hat and a sticker pack. 2. Panera Pairs Branded Pieces For Easy Holiday Gifting Panera Bread continues to build on its quirky but successful apparel approach, which includes a soup-themed swimwear line. For the 2023 holiday season, the Panera online shop offered a holiday bundles collection that paired themed gifts – many from its “Carb Couture” collection – such as a bread hoodie and soup mug or matching mac & cheese sweats. Images courtesy of Solo Stove Images courtesy of Panera 76 • MARCH 2024 • PPAI
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