It's been another weird week in retail. Beyoncé inspired Popeyes latest merch drop, the fragrance space got political and retailers had a big rat problem this year.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
Didn't get any of the Ivy Park collection before it sold out? Try a fast-food chain instead.
It took just one weekend for Beyoncé's new Ivy Park collection with Adidas to sell out. And why wouldn't it? It's Beyoncé. And though the collection didn't hit every mark — it sparked some criticism soon after its release regarding the range's inclusivity — there's no denying its marketing strategy is one to take note of. Not only did Beyoncé herself take to Instagram to promote the collection by showing off pieces, the launch also leveraged the clout of fellow celebrities, including Reese Witherspoon, Janelle Monáe, Ellen DeGeneres and Kelly Rowland, to reach more eyes prior to its drop.
Perhaps this is what sparked interest from Popeyes — a sort of marketing guru in its own right. The fast-food chain this week unveiled a new apparel line, supposedly designed after its own uniforms, but it evokes some major Ivy Park vibes.
Beyonce's attorneys when they see this Popeyes clothing line launch pic.twitter.com/jxXIRlbptr
— this is for rachel (@LadyyShontel) January 29, 2020
The 10-piece collection, which includes T-shirts, polo shirts, hooded jackets, sweatshirts and hats, was made available for purchase on a newly created e-commerce site, thatlookfrompopeyes.com. However, much like Beyonce's collection, every piece sold out soon after it launched.
And if you think copying the designs from a major celebrity product collaboration is distasteful, keep in mind that fashion often evokes what came before. Yep, that's right, we're talking about U.K.-based grocery chain Sainsbury. Congrats to everyone that bought certain items in the Ivy Park collection, you now look like you've donned the uniform of a supermarket clerk. Honestly, if Beyoncé put her stamp on garbage bags marketed as dresses, we'd bet those would totally sell out too.
A (perfume) to believe in
With the Iowa Caucus just days away, all eyes are on the democratic candidates. Among the top candidates in the latest NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll are Elizabeth Warren and Mike Bloomberg, with Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders in a virtual tie at the top of the Democratic presidential primary field.
The Vermont senator, known for his more progressive stances, drew a lot of support from younger voters during his 2016 bid. And a grassroots political organization is seemingly leaning into that with the release of an unusual product in support of Sanders.
People for Bernie released an ad for a perfume dubbed "BÉRNIÉ." The product, which calls itself "the people's perfume," comes in more than 15 varieties ranging from "Eau de Get Corporate Money out of Politics" to "Eau de Green New Deal For All."
However, the people who want to not only "feel the Bern," but smell it as well, will have to wait. Instead of leading to a checkout page when consumers click "Discover more" under each product it leads them to a page to donate to Sen. Sanders' campaign.
While last year brought us products like Trumpy Bear and a "Build the Wall" toy for children, 2020 is shaping out to take parody products one step further. Buckle up, guys. The world of consumerism is about to get a whole lot more political.
Rats. But make it fashion.
For this past Lunar New Year, people around the world gathered to celebrate the year of the rat (or mouse). And much like last year, it offered a new opportunity for retailers to spruce up their merchandise to cater to that special set of customers looking for the most ridiculous ways to incorporate the figure into their wardrobes. And boy, did they deliver. Bloomberg even went so far as to create a guide that hand-selected the most ridiculous item for each individual.
With the never-ending array of rat-inspired products, we compiled some of the best (read: worst) out there:
Swarovski crystal rat figurine ($529)
There is no greater flex than showing off this tiny rat statue that costs half a grand. While onlookers may hardcore judge you for this purchase, it won't matter. This little friend is permanently positioned in a way that makes it look like its bowing down to you, its master. When you are the rat king, who needs human friends?
OK, this little guy is actually kind of cute. We mean, not in the traditional sense. But more in the sense that despite not belonging in the light of day, he's still trying to get by. Pity, really. Also, this mouse-shaped purse is carrying its own purse. Bonus points.
Kate Spade Tom & Jerry earrings ($48)
These are what nightmares are made of, friends. Though these are marketed to look like animated mouse Jerry from the cartoon "Tom and Jerry," we're not sure they hit the mark. Your correspondent did a highly informal poll and we're not sure these creatures can even be considered rats. They're bats. Once again, it looks like Kate Spade missed the memo. Ugh.
