It's been another weird week in retail. Crocs truly outdid itself with its new drop, Burger King threw shade at its competition and 99 Cents Only made its bougie-est announcement yet.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
Two wrongs certainly don't make a right
Ugly can't fix ugly, but apparently Crocs didn't get the memo. Through a partnership with Beams, it managed to combine two of the most reviled items the world has seen: Crocs and fanny packs. And the cost of utter ridiculousness doesn't come cheap, with the shoes costing 5,940 Japanese Yen, or about $54. We can't imagine who asked for these, but then again, that has never stopped Crocs before.
The shoe has had several makeovers recently: Goth Crocs, complete with spikes and chains; Grass Crocs by Chinatown Market; and most notably, Post Malone Crocs, which sold out in less than a day.
But because retail is a truly absurd and scary place, these aren't the only recent footwear disasters. Sketchers released a pair of strappy, bedazzled sandals that resemble the Teva sandals dads wore to every '90s pool party. No offense to all the rad dads out there, but this look ain't it, even with the added bling.
Burger King's keeping it real
The fast-food chain has always poked fun at its competition, but has been particularly spicy lately. Burger King late last year trolled McDonald's with its "Whopper Detour" stunt, which steered customers away from McDonald's restaurants through geolocation.
And the King is at it again. But, maybe this move is more meaningful. Burger King earlier this week partnered with Mental Health America to roll out "Real Meals," a direct swing at McDonald's iconic "Happy Meals." The BK meals come in a variety of moods, including the Pissed Meal, Blue Meal, Salty Meal, YAAAS Meal and the DGAF Meal. In a press release, the fast-food chain said the campaign aims to encourage customers to "be their way" and "feel their way," and honestly, we're totally here for it.
But Burger King wasn't the only fast-food chain making marketing moves this week. In a more light-hearted, although a bit racy, move, KFC's latest campaign is geared toward moms ahead of Mother's Day, which, according to the restaurant, is apparently one of its best selling days of the year?? In a video message, a Colonel Sanders-inspired Chippendales dancer is seen ripping his shirt off. We can't make this stuff up. However, KFC is known for its out-of-the-ordinary campaigns, such as its Valentine's Day one that featured a Colonel Sanders-inspired bearskin rug.
99 Cents Only just won the store closure game
While store closures may be unavoidable, especially in this retail environment, certain measures can be taken to make it a bit easier for consumers. 99 Cents Only on Monday announced that it would provide limo rides to customers on May 4. The move comes after the retailer announced the shuttering of its store in Orangevale, California, on May 3. Customers will have the opportunity to ride in style from the closed location to a nearby Folsom, California, location.
We applaud the discount retailer's move. To all the other retailers who may be mulling store closures in the coming months, take note.
Give the gift of convenience this Mother's Day
The month of May means flowers, warmer weather and showing extra appreciation for our mothers. And we know exactly what every mother needs this year. As pointed out by Our Community Now, Amazon is selling a portable sauna. The device costs a mere $159.99 right now, and is essentially a life-size take-out container. Every mother's dream, right?
The description says it's collapsible and comes with a foldable lawn chair and a heated floor pad. But the best part? Because of the small head and arm holes, you can still go about your life as normal. Sauna while watching your favorite TV show? Sure. Sauna while attending the next book club meeting? Why not? Sauna while watching your kids? It's your life, who are we to judge?
