Aldi Expands Its Branded Merchandise Universe with Back-to-School Products

It seems like Aldi really is committing to this seasonal merchandise drop thing. It would be reasonable that a grocery chain wouldn't keep up with its planned releases, but another seasonal line just came out.

This time Aldi is bridging the gap between the warm days of summer and the chillier fall evenings, transitioning into winter, with Vans-style slip-on sneakers, beanies, bags, hoodies, and more.

Credit: Aldi

It sounds far-fetched, but a branded Aldi drop is actually something a lot of people seem to be after, as the company released a tongue-in-cheek Adidas copycat line in the UK that people seemed to enjoy.

What Aldi does so well with this drop is that it keeps the overall branding consistent. The colors are all within the company's usual aesthetic, it uses the stripe motifs, and it all works together across multiple drops. Even though these are spaced out across months, they all feel cohesive, which makes it feel like one giant branding message spread out over time.

This one also touches on the back-to-school theme, with backpacks for the grocery-obsessed child in your life.

This is the new way for everyone from fast food restaurants to grocery stores to market themselves. Every drop seems like their own insular piece, but really they're just part of a giant picture. Each one complements each other. And rather than thinking of seasonal drops as independent, think of them as just the parts of a whole year-round promo.

And, for distributors whose customers include businesses like grocery stores or restaurants, don't be afraid to branch out from things like tote bags or food-centric items. Consider how the branding can fit onto items like apparel, footwear, or other accessories for a more memorable and usable promotion in everyday life.