Throwback trends are all the rage in retail, from apparel to accessories to personal care products. It's hardly a surprise why: After a stressful, intense year, consumers are looking for comfort and familiarity in the form of nostalgic favorites that transport them back to the "good old days." Advise your clients to capitalize on this throwback appeal by presenting tried-and-true products from the past. Whether their promos feature retro-cool imprints and graphics or familiar scents and flavors, end-users are sure to remember the company that took them back to their childhood.

QR codes recently soared to the mainstream when bars and restaurants began using them so guests could pull up online menus instead of using physical ones. While you can bet the food and beverage and hospitality industries will continue using this convenient tactic, there are other ways your clients can use QR codes for their business. Remember: QR codes can pull up any online webpage, so try printing them on promos so end-users can easily access company "about us" pages, fundraisers donation pages, product fact sheets and so much more. The only limit is your imagination.

It would be an understatement to say that last year was difficult. While companies and consumers are excited to return to normal life, there's no denying that recent events have taken a toll on us all. To that end, your clients can stand out from the pack by giving end-users products that promote self-care, mental health and overall wellness. This branding choice conveys to consumers that your clients truly care about the people they serve and how they're doing. That personal connection will translate into a positive brand perception and continued brand loyalty long after last year is in the rearview.

Businesses don't want to just get consumers inside their stores – they want to keep them coming back, too! One of the best ways to do this is by giving shoppers a coupon code at checkout that they can use on a future purchase. Instead of simply saying the code out loud, suggest your clients print the code on cost-effective promos consumers can take home. Not only will this branding tactic incentivize shoppers to return, they'll also be delighted by receiving a complimentary gift – both positive feelings that promote future business.

Kitting – grouping together promos into one bundle to be delivered together – became a major lifeline for the promo industry in the past year and shows no sign of going away. Kitting is a smart choice for two reasons: It provides clients with a higher-value giveaway (and secures you higher profit margins to boot), and it allows your clients to communicate a more comprehensive message to their audience. For the best results, select a variety of items that speak to your client's core customer. What do they value? What products would they appreciate? If you can fulfill multiple needs in one kitted bundle, your clients will have brand-loyal customers for life.