The Essex-based business is marking another milestone with its prestigious anniversary.
Total Merchandise is celebrating its 18th year in the promotional products industry.
The company, which is located in Colchester and employs around 40 people, was founded in
September 2004 by Jason O’Connor, David Stoddart and Michelle Rae Stoddart.
Launched from a spare room, it has grown to become one of the UK’s largest distributors of
promotional products.
“From the original idea we had in our lounge to print a few T-shirts, I can’t believe we’re now
the UK’s #1 promotional merchandise distributor,” says David. “And I guess hitting 18 means
we’ve turned into an adult!”
When it comes to what’s made the business so successful over the years, Jason puts it
down to “not following the rules”.
“We had a vision of how we wanted to do this, and we’ve been steadfast ever since,” he
explains. “Sometimes that means going against the grain of what the rest of the industry is
doing.”
Total Merchandise marked its birthday at its Colchester HQ on 21st September, with staff
receiving gifts to thank them for their service and a wood-fired pizza truck providing a special
lunch. A team portrait was taken to mark the milestone in style, while congratulatory
messages flooded in from industry colleagues.
The business has opted to further celebrate its birthday by making an £1,800 donation to
East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH), a charity the directors are proud to be supporting.
“We’re delighted to be able to share the joy of our celebration by making this donation to
EACH,” says Michelle. “It’s an incredible organisation that works tirelessly to support poorly
children and their families. It’s our honour to be able to support them in this way.”
The 18th birthday is yet another milestone for the company, which celebrated its third
consecutive win in Sourcing City’s Distributor of the Year in December 2021.
“The future of Total Merchandise honestly excites me,” says David. “The team we have
around us now are the most hard-working bunch we’ve ever had and the possibilities feel
endless.”
Jason agrees, adding: “Even after 18 years, we’ve all still got the hunger to be the best.”
https://www.totalmerchandise.co.uk/
Published on: September 26th, 2022
