Every business that wants its name and image to go throughout the land needs to make sure it is investing in promotional items. The people that are purchasing these items often will see a return on their investment because they will have more customers coming in who have seen these items.
Most of these items are free to the customer. The customer who gets these things will feel like they should give the business a visit, and each new item is a reminder that the customer should go back to the business to see what is new.
There are other items that can be sold to the customer. These items are like marketing for the business. The marketing of the business happens when people wear their shirts or their hats. These items stay with people for a long time, and these items make it much easier for people get the word out. Selling these items in the store will raise money, but they will play into the marketing budget.
When a business is handing out items that bear their name and logo, they are giving away the name and logo that people will remember. Every customer is going to know the name of the business, and they will think to return to the business in the future.