How are corporate branding and the weather related?

Corporate branding and the weather are related by location. After a hike across the width of campus and back again in the pouring rain with only a mildly effective rain coat I was shivering and soaked to the bone. Thank goodness Wits has a 'gift shop' on campus displaying an array of items all branded with our logo and mascot and in varying shades of varsity colours. While the range extends from pens to crystal glasses, I was most interested in the dry clothing on sale today. Two-hundred rand, a quick change later and I'm fully branded a Witsie now. Hey at least I'm dry and warm again and there's no prospect of campus perambulations this afternoon, even though the weather is unlikely to clear until the weekend.

As an aside I had a momentary thought about the power of corporate branding, while using a free branded pen that was less than completely useful. Surely most corporates would spend a little more money and get Bic-like efficiency from branded merchandise intended for freebie give-aways. The longer it lasts the more impactful your brand. Well I bet the marketers would make that intellectual leap.