10 Business Ideas From The ’80s That Would Do Better Today
The ’80s brought us many popular products that for some reason came at just the right time and place (think Cabbage Patch Kids). However, some the decade’s business ventures did not enjoy such soaring success. Imagine if they hit the market today…
1. Clairol’s Touch Of Yogurt Shampoo
This didn’t appeal to consumers in the 80s, but today people are all about washing their body with dairy-themed products. All the high-end brands seem to recognize this fact.
2. The DeLorean
Image via Keith Bell/Shutterstock
Since it gained recognition from its stellar performance as the time machine in “Back to the Future,” chances are the DeLorean, discontinued in the ’80s, would be more popular today for novelty reasons. They could re-launch it with Doc Brown decals.
3. AM Pepsi drinks
Image via imgur
Though this didn’t catch on in the 80s, people today love anything that is fizzy, contains caffeine and is marketed as a coffee alternative.
4. Earring Magic Ken
Image via Flickr/ Gillian
Though this doll technically came on the market a little bit later than the 80s, the gay Ken doll probably would have gotten a better reception in a world where gay marriage is legal in at least some states.
5. Bottled water for pets
Image via Flickr/ Lisa Norwood
Again, reaching a bit into the 90s here, but bougie pet products that failed in the past would definitely hit it bigger with today’s (sort of creepy and overindulgent) pet owners. They would probably even talk excitedly to their dogs when doling out the bacon-flavored version.
6. Premier Smokeless Cigarettes By RJ Reynolds
R.J. Reynolds
E cigs, anyone?
7. Donald Trump’s United States Football League
Image via Flickr/ Dave Sizer
After watching “The Apprentice” become such a hit, it’s hard to imagine this business venture would fail today…as long as it doubled as a reality TV show.
8. New Coke
Image via Coca-Cola Company
The ’80s mistake of discontinuing old Coke with the “New” version would not be repeated today, what with the millions of variations carbonated beverages have to offer. Market it right and New Coke could fare just as well as Coke Zero.
9. “Ayds” Appetite Suppressant Candies
Image via wikimedia
At first popular in the ’80s, these candies went out of style with the start of the AIDS epidemic. If they launched now, they would never get that name and people might take to them again.
10. Generic Brand Beer
Image via Flickr/ pdxdiver
Hipsters today would love this shit.
