Love, Actually (and Other Long-Term Commitments)
Valentine’s Day is a curious thing.
On paper, it’s about grand gestures, flowers that won’t last the week, cards written by someone else, and dinners that cost twice as much because someone has sprinkled rose petals on the table. In reality, like most relationships, it’s the small things that matter.
The stuff that shows effort.
The things that stick around.
Which got us thinking about merch.
Because merch, like dating, tells you a lot very quickly.
At first glance, something might look good. Great colour. Nice logo placement. A bit of flair. But then you spend some time with it and realise… there’s nothing there. No substance. No usefulness. No future. A classic first-date illusion.
We’ve all met that merch.
The pen that doesn’t write.
The tote that can’t handle a loaf of bread.
The t-shirt that looks great on the hanger but somehow loses its will to live after one wash.
That’s freebie energy. And freebie energy never texts back.
Good merch, the kind worth keeping, is more like a proper relationship. It earns its place. It gets better with time. It quietly becomes part of your routine without demanding attention.
The tote bag that somehow ends up everywhere with you.
The hoodie you didn’t mean to wear every weekend… but here we are.
The bottle that lives on your desk because it just works.
The cap that fits properly, because someone, somewhere, actually cared.
That’s not a one-night stand.
That’s long-term potential.
We’re not interested in merch that shouts for attention and then disappears into the back of a drawer. We like pieces that show up, pull their weight, and add value. The ones you’d actually introduce to your friends.
The funny thing is this doesn’t require fireworks or gimmicks. Just thought. Quality. And a bit of honesty about how people really live.
So, this Valentine’s Day, whether you’re celebrating love, avoiding restaurants, or pretending it’s just a normal day, ask yourself one question:
If your merch were a first date… Would it be a red flag, or the kind you’re still talking about weeks later?
We know which one we’re backing.
