Like clothing – items become fashionable, trends are born and eventually they die off and then they’re resurrected because they’re ‘vintage’. There are those household pieces that we were glad to see the back of, and there are those we welcome back with open arms. Together with Acorn Stairlifts, Global supplier of disabled stairlifts, we take a look at the retro items that have come back into our lives.
The Record Turntable
Vinyl records were produced in 1950s and sprung into popularity, right up to the 1990s. After this, they were replaced by CDs, then the CD was replaced by the mp3 players and then digital downloads replaced mp3 player. However, their popularity returned as people dug out their record collection and bought new music in the classic format too. In 2016, vinyl sales grew 53% compared to the previous year. In April of the same year, Fortune reported that vinyl record sales were at a 28-year high.
For many people, the quality of sounds produced by vinyl cannot be beaten by today’s digital music. Perhaps for this reason, in 2017, HMV announced that the turntable would be the top-selling product in its technology department. Companies are catering for different markets too as prices range from a reasonable £25 to £20,000 for those who want top-of-the-range technology.
The Chaise Longue
The chaise longue, had originated back around ancient Egypt and Greece, when day beds were around. In the 18th century, it was known as the ‘fainting’ couch so that women who couldn’t bend at the waist because of their corsets could instead fall gently in reclining position. According to interior designers and furniture retailers, the style is now making a comeback.
Long Chair, is the literal English translation of “Chaise Longue”, and is recognizable as a sofa that takes the shape of a chair but is long enough to support the legs. These days, it makes a nice addition to a conservatory or orangery and provides a relaxing spot to look out onto the garden. Some are big enough for two, and can act as a sofa for couples and families.
The SodaStream
Peaked during the 1970s and 80s, the SodaStream allowed people to make their own carbonated drinks at home, through mixing flavored syrups with soda, and it was giving the tagline ‘get busy with fizzy’. The Business halted in 1996 and the product was reintroduced in 2010 to a newer market.
In recent years the machine had appealed to prosecco lovers, so Sodastream Germany had launched a sparkling gold ‘alcoholic concentrate’ that allows consumers to make home-made prosecco. The machine has evolved over the years too, into a slimline machine that is available in a range of colours.
The Instant Camera
We saw that the instant camera had soared, soon after instant film begun in 1940. People loved the novelty of a tangible picture minutes after taking it, without having to visit a store to get them printed — the invention transformed the photography market!
Unfortunately, the production of these cameras had dropped with the digital camera, which took over and then smartphones became the primary tool for taking photos. With digitalised photos becoming the norm, the instant camera brings back the idea of keepsakes and with only one chance to take the photo, eliminates the obsession with capturing the perfect shot. The comeback of the instant camera has been popular, and there are many accessories that can now be purchased to support the product. For example, coloured camera cases are on sale and filters are available to take different shots.
The Jukebox
Jukeboxes were once populated within the pub scene, with many pubs across Europe having them. They give the customers the opportunity to choose the song they wanted on out of the thousands available. However, as digital downloads took over and video platforms such as YouTube gave customers access to millions of songs, they experienced a decline.
However, it appears that jukebox has made a return. Chris Black, managing director of Sound Leisure (one of the last two makers of hand-built jukeboxes in the world), said that his sales doubled from 2012 to 2016 and he is witnessing a rise in popularity. He says that it’s down to the distinctive sound of a juke box, its ‘more bass-y and more boom’ and this is what is driving the sales. Some jukeboxes can contain up to 2,000 tracks and make a nice household item for music lovers.
As we can see, nostalgia brings back the popularity of many products that we want in our home. Who knows what will be returning next!
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