The Retro Resurgence

In the upcoming spring season, the elite consumers of fashion meccas, such as Rodeo Drive and Fifth Avenue, will sport 1940s-inspired blouses and satin shorts. Additionally, a trip to the local mall will reveal mannequins draped in fluorescent elastic dresses made popular in the 1980s. Don’t be fooled—it’s still the 21st century. “Retro” tends to only temporarily exit the fashion scene.

The classic coin purse is an example of retro-resurgence. Ben Stiller, founder of Akron, Ohio-based Quikey, initially patented Quikoin in 1951. He hoped to design a pocket coin holder to decrease the amount of coin wear on men’s pants pockets. The product was compact, but contained a large enough imprint area for businesses to advertise their logo. The Quikoin’s popularity exploded throughout the United States beginning in the 1950s. In the ’80s, however, the item vanished from the fashion radar.

Nevertheless, sales for Quikey’s Quikoin have begun to escalate once again. One possible explanation for this renewed interest is the comeback of ’60s and ’70s product trends, including clothing and automobiles.

Mike Burns, president and CEO, also believes baby boomers draw attention to the product’s advertising appeal. “Look at many commercials and ads in the past few years. I [even] saw [a commercial] for Honda minivans—not exactly the sexiest of products [on] the market. Pair it with something that triggers a great feeling from a boomer’s past—in this case, a classic ’70s rock song—and that boomer is now looking at a seemingly staid product like a minivan with a different image in mind,” Burns said.

Similar to other promotional products of the past, the Quikoin can leave a smile on a consumer’s face, while simultaneously capitalizing on the latest fashion trend.

For more information, visit www.quikey.com.