What are the downsides when something becomes extremely trendy? What if there isn’t enough to go around, or the price is too high for many to afford it? Stanley cups are showing the real world costs of being both a “have” and a “have-not.”
Category Archives: The Stuff of Consumer Culture
‘Sephora kids’ and the booming business of beauty products for children
There is currently a surging trend in young preteen girls buying expensive make-up and other beauty products. Some older shoppers are complaining that they are rude and messy while doing it. Others think kids that young should not be be so obsessed with beauty products to begin with. Regardless, it shows a changing trend in who the consumers for these products are. Talk in your class about the trend and politely debate why this is a good or bad thing.
‘We Are All Accumulating Mountains of Things’
Online shopping can be a convenience. Yet the ease of buying online might also contribute to hoarding disorder and overspending. Review the research in this article to find out more.
‘Shrinkflation’ accelerates globally as manufacturers quietly shrink package sizes
It’s the inflation you’re not supposed to see.
From toilet paper to yogurt and coffee to corn chips, manufacturers are quietly shrinking their package sizes without lowering their prices. It’s dubbed “shrinkflation,” and it’s something that is accelerating worldwide.
Why Popcorn Tastes Better When You Eat It with Chopsticks
How do you make something old and familiar feel fresh and new? Science suggests the trick is to interact with it in new ways. Something as simple as eating popcorn–but doing so with chopsticks–can result in people rating the popcorn as tastier and more enjoyable than eating the same popcorn with their hands. Read the article and think of ways you may make things you already own feel new again.
How Currency Works
Have you ever wondered just what, exactly, money is? We earn it. We spend it. But why do we all agree that one little piece of green paper is only worth a bag of chips and a different piece of green paper is worth a full, fancy dinner? This article takes a look at currency, what it is, how it got started, and what forms it might take in the future.
How Ads (and People) Persuade You
If you can recognize when you’re being persuaded, it’s a lot easier to make sure your opinions are actually your own.
The balance of power is shifting in the tech industry
Learn about drastic changes happening in tech companies and how it will impact hiring and day-to-day work.
5 Ways Consumers Can Be More Socially Conscious in Shopping
The tragic consequences of the collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh makes us question the ethics of low-cost goods. Should we be more mindful of our buying choices? Experts in ethical shopping share five ways to be more socially conscious when shopping.
Will The 2020s Be Like The Roaring 20s?
Is history repeating itself? Read about the uncanny similarities and drastic differences between the Roaring Twenties and now.
Ten things you didn’t know about Black Friday
Learn 10 surprising facts about Black Friday, the biggest shopping day in the year.
Amazon Go: Inside the new cashierless store moving in to the suburbs
A store without cashiers or lines sounds like the stuff of dystopian nightmares or futuristic dreams, but in fact, it is a reality in four states around the country.
Nestle pulls KitKat and Nesquik out of Russia
In an act of anti-war protest, Nestle removes candy products from Russian shelves.
US Black business ownership sees rise thanks to women, study finds
Find out how Black women are the fastest growing group of business owners amidst a global pandemic.
Why Americans buy so much stuff: A short history
Learn about factors that have shaped modern American consumerism from professor of American History, Lizabeth Cohen.
Live Streams Revive ‘Shoppertainment’ for a Luxury Consumer
The luxury shopping experience is moving from intimate boutique to widely available livestreams.
Google Self-Driving Car Project
A self-driving car could well be a product of the not-so-distant future. How do you feel about a driverless car? What are the advantages? What do you think might concern people about such a vehicle?
How to Stop Discarded Face Masks from Polluting the Planet
Combatting the coronavirus has increased production of surgical masks, creating a potential environmental hazard. Read about the risks and ways to protect the planet.
Why Do We Buy What We Buy?
In this interview, a sociologist explains how competition among consumers—not necessarily the providers of goods and services—is what drives spending.
15 Surprising Things That Are Made from Recycled Materials
From soap to kitty litter, here’s a list of everyday items made from recycled materials that might astonish you.