ABOUT BRANDED UMBRELLAS

Complimentary branded umbrellas for tenants, visitors, and employees in commercial facilities serve as both functional tools and promotional items. They can enhance the overall experience of people using the facility while also promoting the brand. Here's how they can be beneficial and some considerations for implementing them:

Benefits:

1. Branding: Branded umbrellas help reinforce your company's brand identity. Every time someone uses the umbrella, they'll be reminded of your organization.
2. Promotion: These umbrellas essentially become walking billboards, as people carry them around both inside the facility and out in public spaces.
3. Hospitality: Providing complimentary umbrellas showcases your commitment to customer and tenant satisfaction, enhancing their overall experience.
4. Practicality: Umbrellas are useful items, especially in areas prone to rainy or sunny weather. Offering them shows that you care about visitors' comfort and convenience.
5. Community Building: Sharing branded items fosters a sense of community among tenants and employees, creating a positive environment.

Considerations:

1. Quality: Invest in high-quality umbrellas. People are more likely to use and appreciate items that are well-made and durable.
2. Design: Create a design that is visually appealing and prominently displays your company's logo, name, and perhaps even a slogan or tagline.
3. Variety: Consider offering different types of umbrellas – compact, full-size, automatic open/close, etc. – to cater to various preferences and weather conditions.
4. Distribution: Decide how you'll distribute the umbrellas. Will they be available at a front desk, in designated areas, or given out during specific events?
5. Maintenance: Regularly inspect and replace damaged or worn-out umbrellas to maintain their quality and functionality.
6. Messaging: If you have a specific message or theme you want to convey, consider incorporating it into the umbrella design or accompanying materials.
7. Laws and Regulations: Be aware of any local regulations regarding branding or distributing items within commercial spaces.
8. Sustainability: If possible, choose eco-friendly umbrella materials or implement a recycling program for old umbrellas.
9. Promotion Strategy: Think about how you'll use these umbrellas for marketing purposes. Will you encourage social media sharing with the umbrellas, or incorporate them into events?
10. Feedback: Ask for feedback from tenants, visitors, and employees to gauge their satisfaction with the umbrellas and identify any improvements.

Complimentary branded umbrellas can be a valuable addition to the amenities you offer in your commercial facility. They contribute to branding efforts, create a positive atmosphere, and demonstrate your commitment to customer and tenant well-being.

The history of umbrellas dates back thousands of years and has seen various transformations in design, materials, and usage. Here's a brief overview of the history of umbrellas:

1. Ancient Origins: The concept of using a device to shield oneself from the elements can be traced back to ancient civilizations. The earliest known umbrellas were likely in the form of simple shade devices made from leaves, feathers, or animal hides.
2. Ancient Egypt and Greece: Umbrellas made from materials like palm leaves and peacock feathers were used in ancient Egypt and Greece, primarily as symbols of status and authority. They were often held over rulers or important figures to protect them from the sun.
3. Ancient Rome: The use of umbrellas in ancient Rome was primarily limited to women, especially those of high social status. These early umbrellas were made from materials like linen or leather and were designed to offer shade from the sun.
4. China and Asia: Ancient China also has a rich history of umbrella use. The Chinese designed waterproof umbrellas made from oiled paper, silk, and bamboo. These umbrellas were used both for protection from rain and as status symbols. The idea of the umbrella spread to other parts of Asia as well.
5. Middle Ages and Renaissance: In Europe, the use of umbrellas declined after the fall of the Roman Empire. However, during the Renaissance period, umbrellas began to make a comeback as a fashion accessory for women. They were often used to shield delicate complexions from the sun.
6. 18th Century: The modern design of the umbrella as we know it today began to take shape in the 18th century. This era saw the introduction of metal frames and folding mechanisms, allowing for greater portability and convenience.
7. 19th Century: The 19th century saw further advancements in umbrella design, including the use of steel ribs and waterproof materials like silk and oilcloth. Umbrellas became more accessible to the general population during this time.
8. 20th Century: The 20th century brought about mass production of umbrellas using materials like nylon and synthetic polymers. Automatic and collapsible designs became popular, making umbrellas even more convenient to carry.
9. Contemporary Times: Today, umbrellas are ubiquitous and come in a wide range of styles, sizes, and materials. They are used for protection against rain, sun, and even wind. Branded umbrellas have become a common promotional item for businesses and organizations.

The history of umbrellas showcases their evolution from simple shade devices to sophisticated, functional accessories. They have been used across cultures and time periods for both practical and symbolic purposes, making them an integral part of human history and daily life.