Blast From the Past: The Appeal of the Retro Packaging Trend
In today's crowded shopping aisles, we may often quickly enter the realm of feeling overwhelmed. So many brands, so many slightly varied kinds to choose from..."Which one?" we ask ourselves in panic. In those moments, we long for the simple days of the local general store when picking up our groceries was an easy task. No cell phones ringing, no self-checkouts, no seemingly big decisions on which of the 10 soap brands you would purchase and whether it would be the anti-bacterial, with aloe, or original formula...Enter the retro packaging trend.
The minimalist technique often found in package design of years past meets our present day emotional need for a little peace and quiet -- a break from all the noise and clutter. It speaks to both our feelings of nostalgia for the familiar and trusted and also the beauty of simplicity from an aesthetic perspective.
Top right of article: Procter & Gamble's Tide, Downy, and Bounce: available exclusively at Target from May 22 through June 10, 2011; Above: General Mills' Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, and Trix: available at Target, Spring 2011
In the past few years, and especially in recent months, we've seen a rise in throwback packaging from laundry detergent to cereal. Though many have been released as limited editions only, PepsiCo has added original Taco Doritos, Pepsi Throwback, and Mountain Dew Throwback to its permanent product line-up. So what's old is new again...and appears to be here to stay.
More Retro Packaging Examples:
Below (clockwise from top left): Hostess' Twinkies and Ding Dongs available for a limited time, Spring 2011; PepsiCo/Frito-Lay Doritos; Heinz Ketchup available at select retailers from May through August 2011; Dr Pepper/Seven Up's 7UP designed by "The Celebrity Apprentice" finalists and available for a limited time; Mike and Ike's available for the brand's 70th anniversary, Summer 2010; PepsiCo's Pepsi and Mountain Dew Throwbacks