The retail world looks different now and there's a lot of uncertainty. Instead of highlighting the absurd products we normally do, we're looking instead at some of the things in the industry that made us smile.
This week, Starburst released a self-care kit inspired by its best flavor, Kind found creative ways to get consumers samples of its products and a hard seltzer brand created a face covering that allows users to drink while wearing it.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
Starburst looks to fan-favorite for self-care kit
We're just over halfway through 2020 and already we've experienced enough stressful events to last us through the next decade. It's more important than ever to find time to relax in times like this and treat yo'self.
Thankfully Starburst created just the thing. The Mars Wrigley brand this week rolled out a self-care box inspired by its most coveted flavor: pink.
The release coincides with National Self-Care Day, which is Friday. The box includes a gratitude journal, a succulent, a yoga towel, a jade roller, a meditative coloring book, a shower steamer, a sleep mask, a tumbler and a whole bunch of pink Starbursts. All of which are so that "you can treat yourself like the Pink STARBURST you are," the company said.
Justin Hollyn-Taub, director of Fruit Snacks at Mars Wrigley, said the company recognized the disturbances this year caused and wants its fans to use its box as a way to practice self-care.
"Our Pink STARBURST has been a fan favorite flavor for years and has led to the viral 'I Am A Pink STARBURST' meme, which personifies feeling special and treating yourself, and others, accordingly," Hollyn-Taub said in a statement.
The kits were priced at 99 cents, but unfortunately they have all sold out since their Tuesday release. But not all hope is lost: A note on Starburst's website says to "Check back soon!"
Even if the company doesn't restock its limited edition self-care boxes, consumers can still snatch up an All Pink pack of Starburst at select retailers.
Spiked beverage brand creates mask you can drink through
While summer looks different than years past, one spiked beverage brand is trying to bring a little normalcy — and solve a problem apparently some people had — with a new product.
Crook & Marker back in May designed a prototype of a face covering that features a small flap on the front. When the flap is open, it creates a hole big enough to insert a drinking straw into, so that no one has to choose between keeping their face covered and taking a sip of their favorite alcoholic beverage, the company said.
Since then, the company moved from prototype to actual product and is selling the "TasteMask" online for $14.99.
The mask comes in four different patterns and features moisture-wicking microfiber polyester, polypropylene and spandex materials.
We can't vouch for how effective a mask with a hole in it is, but this product seems worth it just for its sheer novelty.
The best part though is that Crook & Marker is donating all profits to the USBG Bartender Emergency Assistance Program, which benefits hospitality and bar workers that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kind changes the delivery game
Snack brand Kind earlier this week launched a contest to help promote its new product, Kind Frozen.
Fans can enter the contest on the brand's website through Tuesday for a chance to have the new product delivered to their doorsteps via hot air balloon, drone or trained birds, the company said.
"We may be spending more time at home this summer, but we're still finding ways for you to celebrate — virtually," the company sad in an Instagram post.
The company's approach, sister publication Marketing Dive reports, acknowledges the fact that more consumers are opting for delivery options rather than making trips to the grocery store during the pandemic. This isn't exactly the solution we asked for to help stabilize grocery delivery slots, but hey if it works, we'll take it.
Kind also teamed up with "Queer Eye" star Antoni Porowski to help promote this campaign and will host a virtual event with the food expert for the three winners of the contest.
