Nostalgic Video Rental Pop-Ups

KitKat is Bringing Back Blockbuster to Help Fans "Break Better"

To promote the launch of its sharing bars, KitKat is reviving a 90s video rental store to help people Break Better—by switching off and relaxing together. To revive simpler times, KitKat is reopening Blockbuster for a limited time, giving people the chance to stop by the pop-up, choose an empty VHS case, and get a movie streaming code (valid on Rakuten) plus a free KitKat sharing bar—available in flavors like double chocolate, salted caramel, and hazelnut.

According to a study conducted on behalf of KitKat, Blockbuster is among the top five most missed high-street stores, and two in 10 respondents felt uneasy if their phone was out of reach, and 75% revealed it was affecting their relationship. This nostalgic pop-up aims to help people savor more downtime and quality time connecting with others.

Nostalgia-driven Retail Experiences
Reviving cherished brands like Blockbuster taps into consumer desires for nostalgic experiences that remind them of simpler times.
Tech-aided Disconnect
Creating environments that encourage digital disconnection through innovative means aligns with a growing need for quality offline interactions.
Hybrid Physical-digital Marketing
Integrating traditional physical stores with digital codes for online streaming represents a novel approach to omnichannel marketing strategies.

Who This Affects Most

Confectionery
Leveraging nostalgia in marketing campaigns by offering memorable experiences provides an innovative angle to engage consumers in the confectionery industry.
Streaming Services
Incorporating nostalgic themes with digital streaming services can attract audiences seeking entertainment with a touch of retro charm.
Retail Pop-ups
Utilizing pop-up stores to recreate beloved past retail environments enables retailers to tap into consumer fondness for retro brands.
SCORE
5.8 out of 10
GENDER
50% Men50% Women
MARKETTop markets: Europe
GENERATION
  • Gen Z
  • Gen Alpha
  • Gen X
  • Millennial (primary audience)
POPULARITY
Popularity 61%
Activity 69%
Freshness 44%