Promo Insiders: Essential Insights From ASI’s 2026 Canadian Ad Impressions Study
Counselor’s Sara Lavenduski and Hannah Rosenberger discuss the data for consumers of promotional products in the Great White North.
There’s ample opportunity to sell promo in Canada.
Across all marketing channels, including digital, consumers view branded merch most positively, according to the 2026 Canadian Ad Impressions Study from ASI Research.
In addition, nearly nine in 10 consumers both view advertisers more favourably after receiving a promotional product and are more likely to do business with them as a result.
“Those numbers are very, very high,” says Hannah Rosenberger, data analytics editor for Counselor. “The main takeaway from the study is that promo products do have an impact on the people that receive them, and it’s generally a positive impact. These items leave a good impression.”
In this episode of Promo Insiders, Rosenberger and Sara Lavenduski, executive director of client education & content and editor of Promogram Canada, discuss essential takeaways from the report and how promo pros can leverage the findings.
Find the full report here.
Key Takeaways
• ASI’s 2026 Canadian Ad Impressions Study found that 89% of Canadians view an advertiser more favourably after receiving a promo item, and 87% are more likely to do business with that brand as a result.
• Canadians are more likely to keep and value items that are useful, well-made and visually appealing, which extends brand exposure.
• Compared to digital or TV ads, promotional products create stronger, longer-lasting impressions.
• Ninety-one percent of consumers view brands more positively when promo items are made in Canada – the highest-rated attribute tested across all areas surveyed.
• Driven by trade tensions and national sentiment, the preference for domestically made is not temporary and continues influencing purchasing behavior.
• In addition to stalwart product categories like T-shirts and drinkware, high-interest items include:
• Food gifts (top across all provinces)
• Outerwear like fleece/jackets
• Practical tech like power banks