It's been another weird week in retail. Ikea cashed in on rooms from iconic television shows, Allbirds released an unexpected accessory perfect for summer and Ben & Jerry's latest announcement gave its "Half baked" ice cream a whole new meaning.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
Ikea taps pop culture for latest ad campaign
The living rooms from classic television shows like "Friends," "The Simpsons" and "Stranger Things" are almost as iconic as the shows themselves. Monica Geller's huge purple living room in that beautifully rent-controlled apartment is something we've only been able to dream about. But Ikea made it its mission to change that.
The retailer's United Arab Emirates division took classic rooms we already loved and put an Ikea twist on them for its latest ad campaign. Ikea used its own pieces of furniture to recreate the rooms so many people already love. Pure genius. And although the retailer doesn't outright say these rooms are designed after "Friends," "Stranger Things" and "The Simpsons," the resemblance is uncanny.
IKEA continues to be the best thing ever and excuse me while I ask my landlord if I can paint my living room purple. #IKEARealLifeSeries https://t.co/x91Kj1CoZG
— Alex Anastassiou (@alexanasta_) May 30, 2019
The looks were created by Publicis Spain and took two months to compile all of the pieces to create the perfect look, according to an AdWeek report. The company said it combined the Ikea pieces with 3D technology to create a near mirror image of the original rooms.
My favorite creative ideas make me jealous
— Matthew Kobach (@mkobach) May 29, 2019
I’m unbelievably jealous of this idea from @ikea to use their products to recreate famous living rooms pic.twitter.com/x9lqtOMCyd
Not only will the pieces be seen in print and digital ads, but customers will be able to see the looks at select Ikea locations in the Middle East. We applaud Ikea for capitalizing on the idea, but we're also confused why no other retailer has attempted this. Pottery Barn, come on, you guys already have Phoebe and Rachel's apothecary table!
Allbirds' latest release likely won't take flight
The direct-to-consumer company known for its comfy sneakers is making a bid to become your next summer party hit with its latest release: beer koozies. Because nothing makes less sense for keeping a beverage cold than by wrapping it up in cozy merino wool.
The koozies cost $10 when purchased on their own, but according to Business Insider, customers can get one free of charge if they purchase a pair of sneakers by June 5.
But unless your goal was to win an award for biggest tool at the neighborhood BBQ, we're not sure the $10 koozies are worth your while. But hey, you do you, boo.
Ben & Jerry's goes all-in on CBD craze
The company that's released somewhat controversial flavors like Half Baked and Dave Matthews Band Magic Brownies announced on Thursday its plans to release a CBD-infused product as soon as it is legalized at the federal level.
And consumers were quick to voice their support of this new flavor, even if it's just a mere possibility right now.
best version of the Chill Pill!
— "No Shit" Sherlock ???? (@PunishmentHurts) May 30, 2019
The CBD craze is hitting retail hard now. Barney's even went so far as to open a shop-within-a-shop that's focused exclusively on luxury pot products. And Cowen estimates that the U.S. CBD market could reach up to $16 billion by 2025. That's a lot of green.
However, the Food and Drug Administration has banned CBD-infused foods and drinks because producers can't put FDA-regulated drugs into food products
But Ben & Jerry's is pushing on. The ice cream company also announced it submitted its comment in support of the legalization of cannabidiol-infused food and beverages to the FDA, which is holding its first public hearing on the topic on Friday.
Gucci wants you to show off that wealth ... literally
We've seen our fair share of weird luxury goods, but we think we might have found the ones that top them all. Well, at least for this month (next month is a whole other story).
Gucci is selling a keychain that looks like a credit card, and honestly, we can only hope and pray that card comes loaded, because priced at $515, it's about to run some bank accounts dry.
No names come to mind for who would actually use this, but unfortunately for the sake of all humankind, we know a few souls are out there. To the few lining up to snatch up this latest drop, we have one thing to say: Weird flex.
But if sporting around that Gucci plastic isn't your jam, don't worry, the wide world of retail always has something else up its sleeve.
Within Francesco Ragazzi's Palm Angels Fall/Winter 2019 collection, one particular item takes the cake. While many luxury goods have an anti-theft security tag attached in store, Ragazzi must have thought, "Why remove this chic accessory from the product?"
The designer is selling a pin that's essentially an anti-theft device ($80). Now consumers can pay the big bucks to look like they stole the items. This solves the age-old issue absolutely nobody had. Perfect.
