The Great Depression: A New Fad for Marketers

[AmateisGal]

I thought this article was extremely interesting...

Marketers Make Great Depression the Latest Fad

A snippet:

"From clothing labels to retail chains (and even life insurance), some of the more inventive brands have discovered that, economic times being what they are these days, the Great Depression might just be the best marketing theme you can ask for."

 

[Undertow]

Oh my, how they've missed the point. :eusa_doh: It simply goes to show how times and generations have changed. Why would someone want to celebrate a part of our history when people were absolutely desperate, starving and begging for scraps? And on top of that, they celebrate it by rampant, blatant consumerism? It's one thing to have respect for a generation, it's another thing to make a quick buck.
*edit - I might add that I find nothing wrong with people becoming newly acquainted with the Depression era; that's good. And if people find they've developed some taste of the style and fashion of the era, that's great too. I'm more or less against the idea that the Depression is "cool" or "chic".

 

[Paisley]

I dislike comparisons to our current situation to the Depression. It's like comparing a hailstorm to a hurricane.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Reminds me of the early '70s, whose nasty recession helped to spark a polyesterized revival of 1930s fashions.

.

 

[Feraud]

That is marketing for you. My favorite line of the article is when the gal from Ebay noted it's a recession and that means people are going to be shopping*.


*she clarified her point to mean discriminating shopping but the comment comes off as funny anyhow.

 

[Subvet642]

Oh my, how they've missed the point. :eusa_doh: It simply goes to show how times and generations have changed. Why would someone want to celebrate a part of our history when people were absolutely desperate, starving and begging for scraps? And on top of that, they celebrate it by rampant, blatant consumerism? It's one thing to have respect for a generation, it's another thing to make a quick buck.
*edit - I might add that I find nothing wrong with people becoming newly acquainted with the Depression era; that's good. And if people find they've developed some taste of the style and fashion of the era, that's great too. I'm more or less against the idea that the Depression is "cool" or "chic".

I don't think that people think the Depression itself was cool, but with people thinking about our current economic woes, perhaps more people are looking toward the 30's generation for strength. Just maybe, by adopting the styles of the Depression, they can invoke our ancestors sense of determination, will, guts and strength, etc.. I've heard it said: "When the shaman puts on the antler mask, he becomes the horned god." That retailers have responded to this impulse, is quite natural, and for them to ignore it would be foolish. I've always believed that business is quicker and far more flexible in responding to the wants of the people than the government is.

Edit: It could also be the number of period pieces being produced by Hollywood these past several years.

 

[Foofoogal]

my Dad's family starting the oil fields in West Texas. (oh, my grandads stories) They about starved to death.
Mama had it much better on a farm in Louisiana.

I believe this must of been one my uncles graduation as he is in a suit.

How would you like to of been this schoolteacher though I am sure they properly behaved back then or else...

 

[Flitcraft]

Wow..The Great Depression as Marketing Fad...

I think I need to go lie down for awhile after reading that article...

 

[vitanola]

I dislike comparisons to our current situation to the Depression. It's like comparing a hailstorm to a hurricane.

Just wait a while, my dear. Please don't be impatient!

Worldwide, the economic fundimentals are worse than they were in 1930.

Absent inspired worldwide economic leadership and a good deal of luck w'll see 1932 quite soon enough!

 

[Paisley]

Note the word "current."

 

[Subvet642]

Absent inspired worldwide economic leadership and a good deal of luck w'll see 1932 quite soon enough!

Does that mean more "Thin Man" movies?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Does that mean more "Thin Man" movies?

Nope. In "today's Depression", America's poor are fat.

.

 

[Undertow]

I don't think that people think the Depression itself was cool, but with people thinking about our current economic woes, perhaps more people are looking toward the 30's generation for strength. Just maybe, by adopting the styles of the Depression, they can invoke our ancestors sense of determination, will, guts and strength, etc.. I've heard it said: "When the shaman puts on the antler mask, he becomes the horned god." That retailers have responded to this impulse, is quite natural, and for them to ignore it would be foolish. I've always believed that business is quicker and far more flexible in responding to the wants of the people than the government is.

Edit: It could also be the number of period pieces being produced by Hollywood these past several years.

Perhaps you're missing my point.

Take for instance this snippet from the article:

In other words, the simplicity, frugality and perceived honesty of the Great Depression period have become potent marketing themes now that Americans see themselves as the modern-day counterparts of the Great Depression generation.

Look at the specific statements "perceived honesty" and "potent marketing themes". What do those say to you; even in context to the snippet? Do those say, "I'm looking for strength in this time of economic woe," or do they say, "I'm looking for more money to come funneling in based on a 'perceived' sameness once experienced during another era"?

Or take this portion:

Patrick says that there's an all-too-contemporary foundation to the Depression-era styling. "Flash and pop has lost its appeal now," says the designer. "People are flat broke and starting to realize that more and more each day. So it's appropriate to scale back. We're starved for real things."

Perhaps one could mistake the words, "it's appropriate to scale back", for some kind of concious self-control, however, this Patrick follows the statement with, "We're starved for real things." Are you seeing the irony? I don't think Patrick is malicious enough to have employed a pun when using the word "starved".

I do believe others agree with me and I point to the article one last time with the following:

But it remains to be seen how long the approach can work. While economists agree that the recession will likely deepen before it improves, if life begins looking a little bit too much like the Great Depression, stuff like retro 1930s fashion and bad Dust Bowl jokes are unlikely to get the laughs -- or the sales -- they're enjoying now. As Weindruch puts it, "Nothing will undermine a history-based campaign quicker than the present."

I guess my point was that there's nothing wrong with becoming acquainted, or reacquainted, with the Depression era via fashion or sensibilities; I'm sure many of us here are guilty of that. However, I find it to be relatively offensive when someone tries to market tragedy for profit.

Take this for example: Say there were another terrorist attack in America. And say some clever welp decided to start marketing "9/11 themed wallets" or anything to that effect. Would we nod our heads and say, "Great idea! People were strong during 9/11, thus we can now buy up 9/11 themed merchandise," or would we just shake our heads in disgst? [huh]

 

[Foofoogal]

However, I find it to be relatively offensive when someone tries to market tragedy for profit.

I have decided I firmly like you Undertow just from this stated above.
One thing for sure. If there is a depression like the true depression it will quickly make a level playing field and seperate the men from the boys and women from the girls.
I was just telling my honey last night if I could come up with one word to describe the last 10 year in America it would be the word, "hype."
It is like everyone and I mean everyone has been at a 10 year long drunken party. I personally think it is morning and we are all looking around at the torn up crappy room with a hangover.
I personally have some tools to get me thru and plan on hanging on to them for dear life.
I am thinking the "spin" doctors will not be able to "spin" this one.

fftopic: Hasn't quite happened till this week as they are just waiting for the Governor to declare it but right around me there are a whole bunch of people in a natural disaster.
http://www.kfsm.com/
http://www.kfsm.com/Global/story.asp?S=9769510
Lots of people have been thru alot around this nation with the housing, hurricanes, floods, etc. People are tired and I think it is the lowest kind of spin to make fun of it and I agree with Undertow.

 

[Undertow]

I have decided I firmly like you Undertow just from this stated above.

Thanks Foofoogal!

 

[Subvet642]

Perhaps you're missing my point.

Take for instance this snippet from the article:

In other words, the simplicity, frugality and perceived honesty of the Great Depression period have become potent marketing themes now that Americans see themselves as the modern-day counterparts of the Great Depression generation.

Look at the specific statements "perceived honesty" and "potent marketing themes". What do those say to you; even in context to the snippet? Do those say, "I'm looking for strength in this time of economic woe," or do they say, "I'm looking for more money to come funneling in based on a 'perceived' sameness once experienced during another era"?

Or take this portion:

Patrick says that there's an all-too-contemporary foundation to the Depression-era styling. "Flash and pop has lost its appeal now," says the designer. "People are flat broke and starting to realize that more and more each day. So it's appropriate to scale back. We're starved for real things."

Perhaps one could mistake the words, "it's appropriate to scale back", for some kind of concious self-control, however, this Patrick follows the statement with, "We're starved for real things." Are you seeing the irony? I don't think Patrick is malicious enough to have employed a pun when using the word "starved".

I do believe others agree with me and I point to the article one last time with the following:

But it remains to be seen how long the approach can work. While economists agree that the recession will likely deepen before it improves, if life begins looking a little bit too much like the Great Depression, stuff like retro 1930s fashion and bad Dust Bowl jokes are unlikely to get the laughs -- or the sales -- they're enjoying now. As Weindruch puts it, "Nothing will undermine a history-based campaign quicker than the present."

I guess my point was that there's nothing wrong with becoming acquainted, or reacquainted, with the Depression era via fashion or sensibilities; I'm sure many of us here are guilty of that. However, I find it to be relatively offensive when someone tries to market tragedy for profit.

Take this for example: Say there were another terrorist attack in America. And say some clever welp decided to start marketing "9/11 themed wallets" or anything to that effect. Would we nod our heads and say, "Great idea! People were strong during 9/11, thus we can now buy up 9/11 themed merchandise," or would we just shake our heads in disgst? [huh]

I apparently have missed your point. You seem upset with something I've written. I think perhaps, you've taken my paragraph and perceived a sense of opposition that certainly was not intended. I was mostly commenting on the current popularity of "Golden Age" fashions, etc. as can be seen by the rapid growth of the "Lounge". As for businesses marketing to this, I simply took an optimistic view of their motives. I would certainly hope that you don't include the vendors of the Lounge in a cynical estimation of businesses that market to a "Golden Age" fashion sensibility. If I've given you the wrong impression, I'm sorry.

 

[Flitcraft]

Tom Joad SportsWear Line...

Just thinkin'...

 

[Undertow]

I apparently have missed your point. You seem upset with something I've written. I think perhaps, you've taken my paragraph and perceived a sense of opposition that certainly was not intended. I was mostly commenting on the current popularity of "Golden Age" fashions, etc. as can be seen by the rapid growth of the "Lounge". As for businesses marketing to this, I simply took an optimistic view of their motives. I would certainly hope that you don't include the vendors of the Lounge in a cynical estimation of businesses that market to a "Golden Age" fashion sensibility. If I've given you the wrong impression, I'm sorry.

No no, I'm sorry if I came across like some loose bear! :eusa_doh:

I get started in discussion, and sometimes my presentation is a little overboard. No offense taken at all. Thanks for your response!

 

[Story]

Tom Joad SportsWear line

Found this - http://blogs.pitch.com/plog/tom joad.jpg

lol

 

[Subvet642]

No no, I'm sorry if I came across like some loose bear! :eusa_doh:

I get started in discussion, and sometimes my presentation is a little overboard. No offense taken at all. Thanks for your response!

And thank you for yours. :cheers1: What I have come to really love about the "Lounge" is the genial atmosphere, and the sense that so many different folks from all over can come together and discuss the things we have in common. I personally, have learned so much in such a short time from so many people willing to share their knowledge. :eusa_clap