Retro Is Back

Trends come and go – and often they come back again years later. It’s the same with clothing — items come in fashion until they’re not popular anymore and then they make a big comeback because they’re ‘vintage’. Although there are some household pieces that we were glad to see the back of, there are some that are making their way into homes again. Together with Acorn Stairlifts, retailers of curved stairlifts, we take a look at the retro items that are enjoying a comeback.

The turntable

Between the 1950s and the 1990s, vinyl records were huge. Everyone owned, or wanted to own a record player. However, following the popularity of the turntable, technology took over and it was 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.

Vinyls produce a rich sound that many people believe digital music can’t replicate – a sound that many people prefer as opposed to the digital counterparts. 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.

Chaise longue

Origins of the chaise lounge reach as far back as ancient Egypt and Greece. In the 18^th 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.

In literal English, the term chaise longue translates to long chair – which is reiterated in the chairs design. 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.

SodaStream

The 1970s and 80s were the time to ‘get busy with the fizzy’ – the famous tagline from the SodaStream machine. 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.

With the rise of prosecco in recent years, SodaStream Germany launched a sparkling gold ‘alcoholic concentrate’ that allows users to make their own bottles of prosecco from home. The machine has evolved over the years too, into a slimline machine that is available in a range of colours.

Instant camera

The popularity of instant cameras boomed after their introduction in 1940. 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!

Temporarily, 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.

Jukebox

Most of us are familiar with jukeboxes – many of our best loved pubs will have had a jukebox at some point. Giving customers the chance to choose the song they wanted on out of the thousands available, they provided the opportunity for customers to be their own DJ. However, as digital downloads took over and video platforms such as YouTube gave customers access to millions of songs, they experienced a decline.

Chris Black, managing director of Sound Leisure (one of the last two makers of hand-built jukeboxes in the world), 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.

Vintage and retro is in! As we can see, nostalgia brings back the popularity of many products that we want in our home. Who knows what will be returning next!