Major U.S. corporations use corporate clothing to help workers

Businesses throughout the country are using corporate clothing and other promotional items to market their companies and provide uniforms for their workers, according to an article published Sunday.

A number of prominent U.S. corporations, including McDonald's and Virgin America, use corporate clothing to make sure each worker sticks to a consistent dress code, the Oakland Tribune reported. Companies also purchase custom bags, personalized watches, promotional pens, calculators, beach towels, clocks, flip flops and other accessories on a regular basis to raise their profile among customers and help employees do their jobs.

"Franchisees buy these as gifts for loyal customers," promotional item distributor Wayne Beasley told the newspaper.

The popularity of corporate clothing and other promotional items is not limited to multinational corporations. Many small businesses use promotional items as a cost-effective alternative to print, radio and television advertising. December is usually a popular month for promotional items as many firms search for holiday gifts to thank employees for their hard work, reward customers for a good year of business and lure new customers into stores.