The online oddity-store, Archie McPhee, offers a multitude of beyond-strange products. Things such as meatball bubblegum, inflatable fruitcakes, and angry mob play sets. You can now add Nihilist Mints to the catalog. These aren't your average mints, mind you. These guys are flavorless mints. Really makes you wonder what makes a mint a mint.
Implications - Novelty is a major selling point to the consumer who has everything and needs nothing, and this fact is one that companies such as Archie McPhee thrive upon. Function is not the only impetus that drives the modern consumer these days, and this presents an opportunity that clever businesses can definitely take advantage of if they are on the ball.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Flavorless Products
- The trend of marketing flavorless products presents an opportunity to disrupt the traditional concept of flavor and challenge consumers' expectations.
- Novelty Items
- The trend of offering novelty items taps into consumers' desire for unique and unusual products, and presents an opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves from competitors.
- Non-functional Products
- The trend of selling non-functional products (i.e. products that serve no practical purpose) presents an opportunity for companies to tap into the growing market of consumers who prioritize emotional value over practicality.
Where This Applies
- Retail
- Retailers can take advantage of the trend of marketing flavorless products by offering unconventional products that challenge consumers' expectations and spark curiosity and interest.
- Food and Beverage
- The food and beverage industry can disrupt the traditional concept of flavor by developing and marketing flavorless products, thereby offering a novelty experience to consumers.
- Consumer Goods
- The trend of offering non-functional products presents an opportunity for consumer goods companies to differentiate themselves, spark conversation, and attract attention to their brand through unique and unusual products.
