It's been another weird week in retail. Amazon's "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" promotion didn't go as planned, Chips Ahoy released its own line of merchandise and Barneys New York's new arrivals have us questioning the fate of the retailer.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
Amazon's latest promotion wasn't so 'Marvelous'
In an effort to promote one of its most popular original series, Amazon turned back the clock on Thursday to the year 1959. The event, dubbed #MaiselDay, took place in Los Angeles and featured everything from $2.00 manicures to $0.75 shoe shines, to $0.25 Ladurée macarons.
2019 meets 1959. Talk about marvelous! How are you celebrating #MaiselDay today? ???? #MrsMaisel pic.twitter.com/2OkUQztPCu
— The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (@MaiselTV) August 15, 2019
However, it was the $0.30/gallon gas deal that produced the most hype, and the biggest headache. The promotion caused police to get involved and temporarily shut it down due to the length of the lines and high volumes of traffic.
Santa Monica Police suspend an Amazon Prime promotion offering gas for 30 cents a gallon. Traffic issues are the big concern. Details coming up at 11am on ABC7. #maiselday pic.twitter.com/sJHQLcDUaK
— John Gregory (@abc7johngregory) August 15, 2019
When we brought LA prices from 1959, we didn't know they would come with Manhattan traffic. Oy! Thanks @SantaMonicaPD for helping our traffic flow! Our #MaiselDay deal at Chevron Santa Monica is over, but you can still enjoy more specials from #MrsMaisel. https://t.co/E0FMUO5WyF
— The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (@MaiselTV) August 15, 2019
And who can blame them? With the possibility of a recession in the near term, consumers need to save where they can. However, in a city already known for its horrendous traffic, citizens can blame Mr. Bezos for making matters even worse this week.
So, did everyone in LA just spend their Thursday sitting in traffic and standing in lines for #MaiselDay I would much rather pay full price than deal with that.
— Steffany Means (@means_tweets) August 16, 2019
Chips Ahoy bites into apparel
While people are divided on several things nowadays, there are a few things we, as a population, can agree on: Socks with sandals look good on no one. Talking about your car does, in fact, make you look like a jerk. And chocolate chip cookies bring comfort to all that consume them.
So one of the most well-known brands in the business decided to spread the comfort even further. Chips Ahoy earlier this month released a line of merchandise, and it's almost entirely sold out already.
We came up with fun new merch for #NationalChocolateChipCookieDay to help you keep your ???? right where you want them.. close to your ????❗
— Chips Ahoy! (@ChipsAhoy) August 5, 2019
Find them at https://t.co/yBJsXDVNTy. pic.twitter.com/wFvJ3uWTn3
The sold out products include a $25 baseball cap, a $30 cookie T-shirt and a $210 cookie rig, which can only be described as a hybrid between a fanny pack and a baby carrier. Although the company didn't indicate how many cookie rigs it originally put up for sale before it sold out, we think one sold is one too many.
The only product still available in the line is a pair of $20 crew socks, but if the other items are any indication, it won't be long until that sells out as well.
Barneys new arrivals flop
The biggest retail story of last week — and arguably the month — was iconic department store Barneys New York filing for bankruptcy protection. While this had been rumored for weeks, when the company actually filed, it still shook the industry.
What shook us even more, though, was taking a look at the department store's "new arrivals."
On the first page, the retailer proudly displays a collection of seashell jewelry that looks like a prize someone might cash their skee-ball tickets in for at an arcade. The products include a scallop shell necklace, whelk shell drop earrings and puka shell necklaces that look like something a middle schooler might purchase at Roxy in 2003.
However, if looking like Ariel isn't your cup of tea, don't fret, Barneys has got something for everyone. The department store is selling a Bottega Veneta sheer rib-knit turtleneck sweater for a breezy $1,350. We can only imagine Barneys was attempting to attract younger consumers. As in 20-somethings looking for their next outfit to wear to the club (a very dark club, at that, where absolutely no one can see what you're wearing). However, this may have been better suited to a fast-fashion retailer selling it for a fraction of the price.
If the new merchandise is any indication of what's to come from Barneys, we're not sure the iconic department store will ever emerge from Chapter 11.
The product that will make your dog hate you fur-ever
It appears retailers selling in the pet category are in a race to create the most absurd product imaginable. We've seen everything from coyote-repellent vests to NASA-inspired streetwear for your pooch to, most recently, Halloween costumes thanks to Amazon. But this product from Puff-n-Fluff may take the cake.
The brand sells a product that apparently will dry your pet quickly and easily. It comes in x-small, small, medium and large sizes for breeds ranging from Chihuahuas to Labs, and are priced between about $35 and $65.
But the best part of this device is that it transforms your fur baby into Big Hero 6 right before your eyes.
While we can't speak for the dogs who are forced into using this, the humans seem to love it, according to the product reviews on its site.
