DAISIES: BUILDING BRAND EQUITY THROUGH MERCH

A strategic merch approach for the iconic Cottesloe café and corner store

We love projects like this!

We believe merch works best when it’s strategic, not just executional. So when Daisies approached us to take a run at their merch range, all we saw was opportunity. The Cottesloe-based deli, cafe and corner store has an incredibly loyal following, and their branded merch has worked well in the past. The challenge wasn’t demand - it was how to evolve the offering in a considered way. In conversation with owner Sam, we identified an opportunity to go further than your typical merch - to create a range that captured the Daisies personality while standing on its own as a mini-brand, generating buzz and injecting fresh energy into the Daisies proposition.

The challenge was simple but exciting: create a merch identity that didn’t feel like a café trying to sell merch. We approached it as we would a clothing brand, building a range that reflected the Daisies lifestyle through a deep pool of design assets - something rarely seen in hospitality merch. This gave the designs a life beyond the venue, capturing the Daisies essence with a surf brand vibe, while also allowing evolution across future seasons.

We kept the tone playful, with a strong focus on mascots, weaving in key elements of the Daisies experience - coffee, surfing, good times and the backdrop of the iconic Cottesloe pines. We explored fun wordmark variations on the existing Daisies cursive, giving the merch a distinct identity while keeping it familiar. Everything was paired with a pastel palette designed to pop across a range of garment options and keep the vibe light and fresh.

Working with the Daisies team was an absolute dream. The creative process flowed effortlessly, resulting in a playful, premium range that feels quintessentially Daisies while bringing something new to the table. Every production detail was carefully considered - from garment selection to printed neck labels - and the way we structured the design deliverables means Daisies now have a suite of print-ready options to roll out future seasons with ease.

With the first drop selling through in just a couple of months, it’s clear this approach has resonated with their customers. Already a local institution, Daisies has further deepened its connection with the Cottesloe community - proving that strategically considered merch can be a powerful brand equity play.

The coffee run has never looked so good.

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