DISCOVER LONG ISLAND LAUNCHES NEW DESTINATION-DRIVEN MERCHANDISE FOR INCREASED BRAND AWARENESS AND BOLSTERING COMMUNITY PRIDE

LONG ISLAND, NY (September 23, 2019) ­ –   On the heels of the new “BeLONG on Long Island” marketing campaign and recent announcement of Long Island’s record-breaking tourism numbers with historic growth in visitation, economic impact, and direct spending, Discover Long Island launches new destination-driven merchandise to bolster the Long Island brand and local community pride.

The opportunity to purchase Long Island-branded merchandise helps to spread brand awareness through human billboards and promotes a “love where you live” mentality. Results of a recent Longwoods International perception study revealed that little is known nationwide about the destination assets of Long Island, and that residents have an unbalanced perception of the attributes and quality of life opportunities available in their own backyard. This new initiative is designed to enhance positive perception and community pride throughout the region by offering stylish and high-quality merchandise for purchase with the Long Island brand.

“After launching our new “BeLONG on Long Island” campaign, we were inundated with requests to purchase our Long Island-branded attire and merchandise,” said Kristen Jarnagin, President & CEO of Discover Long Island. “We immediately recognized the need to align with other Long Island retailers to offer visitors and residents the opportunity to proudly wear their love for Long Island and to enjoy unique and locally sourced Long Island products, ultimately building local pride in the beautiful place we call home.”

A new “Shop” section has been launched on Discover Long Island’s website to allow customers easy access to purchase merchandise directly. Merchandise currently available on the site include a selection of t-shirts, water bottles, sandals, baseball caps and winter hats priced from $10 - $35.

Discover Long Island will be kicking-off the launch of its new retail collection with a collaboration with Huntington based gift and subscription box company, locaLI Bred. The partnership will include placement of the new retail collection in locaLI Bred’s Fall subscription box and an exciting “Fall on Long Island” giveaway promotion running through October 14, 2019. In addition, Discover Long Island’s first co-branded merchandise collaboration will kick-off in November 2019 with local community entrepreneurs and advocates, Island Strong.  Engagement with local brands such as locaLI Bred and Island Strong will play a key role in the promotional strategy of the retail launch to further support shopping local as well as enhance community pride throughout the region.

“We’re so thrilled to be partnering with Discover Long Island on our Fall Subscription Box,” says Halie Geller, co-founder of locaLI bred. “DLI plays such a vital role in promoting Long Island as a world class destination and locaLI bred is proud to support that mission by showcasing Long Island products and businesses.”

Discover Long Island merchandise can be purchased online at www.shop.discoverlongisland.com and will be available for purchase at events attended by Discover LiLi, Discover Long Island’s mobile visitor center including the 2019 Greenport Maritime Festival and Oyster Bay Oyster Festival. Consumers are encouraged to share representation of any local brands with #LIproud for the chance to be featured on Discover Long Island’s social media channels.

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ABOUT DISCOVER LONG ISLAND:

Discover Long Island is the official regional organization charged with furthering the $6.1 billion tourism economy. The organization contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting the region as a world-class destination for visitors, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events and related activities. For more information, please call 631-951-3900 or visit DiscoverLongIsland.com.

Media Contact:

Maggie LaCasse Director of Communications Discover Long Island 631-951-3900

MLaCasse@DiscoverLongIsland.com