Best-selling products for employee stores
Written by Justin Hoehn
•Updated Jun 3, 2026The most successful employee stores are usually built around products employees genuinely want to wear, use and keep long-term.
While product preferences can vary by company culture and industry, certain categories consistently perform well across most employee merchandise programs because they combine everyday usability with strong perceived value.
Apparel Typically Drives the Most Engagement
Apparel is usually the highest-performing category in most company stores.
Products such as:
- Quarter-zips
- Jackets and outerwear
- Hoodies
- Premium t-shirts
- Polos
consistently generate strong employee participation because they are wearable, versatile and easy to integrate into daily use.
Premium apparel brands also tend to create stronger excitement around store launches and employee ordering periods.
Drinkware Continues to Perform Well
Drinkware remains one of the most consistently ordered merchandise categories across employee programs.
Products such as:
- Insulated tumblers
- Water bottles
- Travel mugs
perform well because they are practical, easy to distribute and regularly used both inside and outside of work.
Premium drinkware brands such as YETI and Stanley are especially popular for onboarding kits, gifting programs and seasonal launches.
Bags & Backpacks Offer Long-Term Visibility
Backpacks, commuter bags and travel accessories are commonly used because they combine strong functionality with long-term daily usage.
Popular categories include:
- Backpacks
- Duffel bags
- Tote bags
- Travel bags
These products are especially common for:
- Remote employee onboarding
- Travel programs
- Leadership gifts
- Conference and event merchandise
Tech & Accessories Create Strong Employee Excitement
Technology products and accessories often perform well because employees use them throughout the day.
Popular categories include:
- Wireless chargers
- Power banks
- Bluetooth speakers
- Headphones and earbuds
- Blankets and home products
Brands such as JBL, Anker and Belkin are especially well received within employee gifting programs.
Premium Brands Usually Perform Best
Employees are generally more likely to engage with recognizable retail brands they already know and trust.
Premium products often generate:
- Higher participation rates
- Faster ordering activity
- More repeat engagement
- Stronger employee feedback
Many companies find that premium merchandise feels more like a genuine employee benefit rather than a traditional promotional item.
Use Reporting to Refine Product Selection
Employee product preferences often become clearer over time as stores reopen and order history grows.
Launch reporting tools allow admins to track:
- Best-selling products
- Order activity
- Product popularity trends
Removing lower-performing products and refreshing the store with new merchandise is a great way to keep employee stores feeling fresh and engaging over time.
Many companies use reporting insights to refine future product selections, introduce seasonal items and improve employee participation across future launches.
Best Practices
- Focus on products employees can realistically use long-term
- Offer a balanced mix of apparel, drinkware and accessories
- Include recognizable retail brands whenever possible
- Rotate products seasonally to maintain engagement
- Pair practical everyday products with premium statement items