Elizabeth, who coordinates 4imprint’s e-mail marketing campaigns, forwarded our team an interesting article from Advertising Age a few weeks ago. The article, titled “Steal This Bag,” reviewed a recent study examining the contents of women’s purses, using the findings to offer insight into what promotional products work with women. Surveying women in the southern United States, these bag detectives found imprinted hand and body lotions, breath fresheners, loyalty cards, pens and key chains with surprising frequency.

As a woman who tends to hoard receipts, gum wrappers and empty containers of lip balm, the idea of someone going through my purse is embarrassing, if not horrifying. Suzanne, Steph, Sara and Mae were not quite as shy though, and graciously opened their bags to see whether these findings translate to women in Wisconsin. A quick survey of their purses showed all the items mentioned above, plus a few more interesting selections. A sampling of what the ladies have hiding: floss, tape measurer, hotel door card, stain-remover pen, hardcover book, digital camera, low-calorie sweetener and bacon dip recipe.

In the merchandising world we’re expected to monitor the latest styles and trends, and we need to be ready for anything at a moments notice. I’d say our bags reflect that; especially should we develop a spontaneous craving for bacon dip this afternoon.

Sam
Copywriter