How often do products re-invent themselves to the next generation of consumers?
In the marketing life cycle, products go out of fashion or trend, moving from being a cash cow to one on its way out, then emerging at a later date, transformed into a question mark product for the next generation of consumer.
Here are a few classic examples:
Desert Boots, an original army product – launched 1949 – had a revival in the mod era and back in again now!
Crombie overcoats – a traditional overcoat product —- first made cool in the mod era – still a classic.
American loafers – Weejuns – made famous in the mod era of the 60s – still in fashion
Button down shorts – first used by polo players to keep their collars from flapping when on their horse – don’t you know!
Vespa Scooters – 1902 – trendy in the mod era and right back in now
Mini coopers – eons old – the sixties and still iconic.
Maybe the message to us all is to look at emerging trends in different markets at home and abroad, and the value there is in reviewing what we have as core and trusted products and services.