Jukebox
Jukeboxes were once seen in many pubs across Europe — giving customers the chance 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.
But it seems as though jukeboxes are making a comeback to the retro household world. Chris Black, managing director of Sound Leisure (one of the last two makers of hand-built jukeboxes in the world), has 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.
The Turntable
Vinyl records were at the peak of their popularity between the 1950s and the 1990s. After this, they were replaced by the Compact Disc, before mp3 players and then digital downloads. However, their popularity returned as people dug out their record collection and bought new music in the classic format too. In 2016, vinyl sales reached 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.
Many people say that they prefer the sound quality that a vinyl produces — a rich sound that digital music can’t replicate. 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.
SodaStream
The SodaStream peaked at popularity during the 1970s and 80s with the tagline ‘get busy with the fizzy’. The machine allows people to make their own carbonated drinks at home, through mixing a flavoured syrup with the soda. Business halted in 1996 and the product was reintroduced in 2010 to a newer market.
Appealing to prosecco lovers of recent years, SodaStream Germany launched a sparkling gold ‘alcoholic concentrate’ that allows users to make their own bottles of prosecco from home.
Instant camera
After instant film begun in 1940, popularity for instant cameras soared. 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!
However, the production of these cameras began to fall as digital cameras 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.
Chaise Longue
The origins of the chaise longue date back to the day beds that were around in ancient Egypt and Greece. 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.
The chaise longue (literally translated to ‘long chair’ in English) is recognisable 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.
As we can see, nostalgic appeal seems to be responsible for the bringing back several retro household items from days gone by. In 10, 20 or 30 years’ time, it will be interesting to see what will be next to make a comeback!
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