Let's Build Something Together

A point raised in this week’s reading about the sale of china and pottery of different kinds inspired my thought process.  In Imagining Consumers the author points out that these early 20^th Century pottery companies found success by offering affordable alternatives to expensive European type of wares and it gave everyone the opportunity to have a certain element of class in their home.  This general theme has certainly granted many corporations success since these observations were made by pottery companies in the early 20^th century. 

 

I believe companies like IKEA furniture certainly fall into this category.  IKEA sells furniture for much lower prices than most furniture outlets.  Arguably IKEA sells products of considerably low quality compared to other outlets, but, for much lower prices.  I have known a lot of people who by huge items from IKEA.  Huge entertainment centers, huge coffee tables, etc, etc.  There seems to be a consumer trend related to stores like IKEA.  The individual walks in to the enormous store, is dazzled by the sheer quantity of products on display, and inevitably walks out after purchasing far more than intended. 

 

So, what are the principles that these early pottery, dishware, and other home goods companies established that are still utilized today?  Well, I think IKEA and stores like it give the average consumer the opportunity to own large quantities of home furnishings for an affordable price, despite questionable quality, so that everyone can deck out their home in a “classy” way.  This consumer trend to deck out one’s house is obviously nothing new based on what we have seen in the readings thus far.  Humans have an innate drive to spend money and time on their living quarters and the capitalism on this habit is obviously well established. 

 

In order to see just how prevalent the trend to fancy up the home is one need only turn on the television.  All over stations such as TLC, Discovery, and obviously HGTV, programs abound about how to make drastic improvements to the home with relatively little expense.  This, again, is simply a market that has been around for some time and is continuously exploited.  Lowe’s tag line is “you can do it, we can help.”  Home Depot says “Let’s build something together.”  All nice ways of saying “please purchase your fix it up products here.”   There is no doubt that catering to the human tendency to ever improve the residence is a money maker. 

Comments

[Lindsey Bestebreurtje]

"Do you know what a duvet is?"
"It's a comforter"
"It's a blanket. Just a blanket. Now why do guys like you and me know what a duvet is? Is this essential to our survival, in the hunter-gatherer sense of the word? No. What are we then?"
"Consumers?"
"Right. We are consumers. We're the bi-products of a lifestyle obsession."

Man everyone's blogs are making me think of movie quotes tonight! Although once we start talking about IKEA I have few options other than quote Fight Club.

I feel like the obsession with home improvement you described is dead on. It's why people pronounce Target tarae and why Martha Stewart is still in business. Its not just about consumption its about that tricky devil the American Dream. In this country anyone can be royalty, but only with the right look.

[Jeff Schueler]

A couple of comments. You are right and it is fascinating to see in the readings how companies worked to create consumers for home products. Members of my family have boxes and such household "stuff" that they have acquired over their lives -- not just that their bought, but which they inherited from their parents and uncles/aunts because they were both essentially only children. The glassware, ceramics, etc., is beyond control and difficult for them to deal with because everything has an emotional pricetag. From Imagining Consumers, I am seeing how their parents acquired all that "stuff." As for IKEA, I concur with you and think it can be very much a trap. The products are not my style, but I have bought one thing there and I intend to buy more -- bookshelves; they have some basic, functional, generally attractive, and cheap bookcases that can hold the weight of books without the shelves bending. For the price, the shelves at most other stores just aren't worth it.

[Michael Yarborough]

IKEA - the devil's department store. How can I make this claim? The escalator only goes UP! You have to walk through the entire display floor and past the meatballs (made from lost shoppers no doubt) before being allowed to leave. I have too many emotional scars from childhood spending an entire Saturday in IKEA.

As for IKEA bookshelves, I'd advise against them. Sure they're cheap, but if you're looking for cheap check out your local Salvation Army. Also, you can't take them down once they're up. A much better choice are collapseable bookshelves. There are two brands on the market right now, but the style linked below are the best. They're short, (which means they can easily negotiate tight corners) stackable, easy to assemble, lightweight, attractive, durable, and functional.

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/191-6367379-7305541?ASIN=B000P7L1WY&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B000P7L1WY|Stackable_Folding_Bookshelf_Natural&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B000P7L1WY&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

[Michael Yarborough]

Also, I don't like Home Despot's latest advertising line, "More Saving, More Doing, that's the Power of the Home Despot". What does "more doing" mean??? It says to me, just start doing things and you'll be happier...or at least distracted from the economy/politics/emptyness of your life.

[Dianne Foster]

I love my duvet.

I have never been in an IKEA, but I love the folding book shelves David got at the Office Supply Store.

Home Depot is okay, if you can find a clerk. Haven't been to our local Home Depot since a woman was killed outside the store.

[Michael Yarborough]

The Home Despot by seven corners? That's the one near my house.