The retail world looks different now and there's a lot of uncertainty. Instead of highlighting the absurd products we normally do, we're going to be looking at some of the things in the industry that made us smile this week. A graphic designer reimagined vintage travel posters for a new era, Vinebox re-released something to give us all some much needed holiday cheer and a small business brought on some new delivery talent.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
The new definition of 'travel'
By this point, nearly all Americans are under a stay-at-home order. But that doesn't necessarily mean we have to sacrifice our sense of wanderlust.
Jennifer Baer, a senior graphic designer at NASA Ames Research Center, recreated vintage travel posters of the '20s and '30s with staying home in mind. Whether it's investing a little too much time into that one houseplant or binging some good TV on the couch for hours, she's calling on all of us to "Stay the F* home."
Hi. I designed some coronavirus travel posters for you. Stay the F* home. Love you all. pic.twitter.com/mzY52GFm6Z
— Jennifer Baer (@jenniferbaer) March 26, 2020
The post has already racked up more than 72,000 likes and nearly 22,000 retweets, including one from author J.K. Rowling.
While the designs include some cheeky elements, like the line at the bottom that reads, "Issued by the Coronavirus Tourism Bureau," the message is one we could all take to heart.
So go and take that trip to your own bathroom knowing you're doing the world a service — unless you're in the camp still seeking an extra roll of toilet paper.
Vinebox aims to spread holiday cheer
The global pandemic has brought with it increased anxiety levels and a lot of uncertainty, and for good reason. In response, a few festive companies and individuals are looking to bring some much needed holiday cheer into the world.
The Hallmark Channel in late March planned a TV marathon of all of the holiday movies its fans have come to love, radio stations have started playing Christmas music again and neighbors across the country have rehung holiday lights in an effort to bring some joy.
And in this spirit, Vinebox is bringing back its 12 Nights of Wine box that until now was exclusive to the holiday season.
The box features 12 glasses of wine, including Rioja, Merlot, Chardonnay and Malbec. And the best part? It delivers right to your door. Vinebox is also curating its wine selection for the unique needs of this point in time.
"For example, which wine pairs best with an inbox that you're just getting to at 8pm?" the description reads. "Frozen pizza again for dinner? Class it up with sliced veggies and a glass of Gamay. When 5 o'clock is just a figment of mental strength, we have you covered for the next 12 nights."
The company is also offering the option to purchase the set as a gift for someone else. Let the virtual happy hours commence.
In times of trouble, the good boys are here to help
Pets have always been man's best friend, but we feel like that phrase applies now more than ever as we're all staying home and keeping a safe distance from other humans.
It turns out, pups are more than that: They're real-life furry heroes. Stone House Urban Winery in Hagerstown, Maryland, is now offering curbside pickup with the help of its newest employee, Soda Pup.
The 11-year-old brindle boxer was sad that the winery had closed its doors to guests last month, so the owners wanted to do something to involve Soda in the business.
In a Facebook post, the company shared a note "from" Soda himself, "Hi all, Soda here again. So, mom has been filling me in on this Covid-19 virus thing and she says that it is REALLY affecting small businesses like our little winery. Mom says that we all have to pitch in and pull our weight, that includes me as well. So, if you are out shopping and have kids in the car, or just want to keep your distance from other folks, give us a call and place your order, I'll try to personally deliver your wine in my nifty new wine saddle bag. Mom thinks of everything!"
Stone House Urban Winery owner Lori Yata told Today that she bought a saddle bag meant for horses and straps it to Soda. The pack is filled with two bottles, a bag for the wine and, of course, treats for Soda.
The definition of a good boy.