It's been another weird week in retail. Miller Lite releases a line of candles that smell like bars, Pepsi introduced its first permanent flavor in five years and Sonic released a T-shirt collection to represent each state they operate in.
This, and more, in this week's retail therapy.
The candle that helps you reminisce about bars in one sniff
Sticky floors, the chatter of people around you and a cold can of beer. For local bargoers, the idea of being in their favorite watering hole feels somewhat nostalgic.
While it might not be possible to return to the place you've spent a good portion of your Fridays or weekends in, Miller Lite is giving you a whiff of that place you know and love.
Miller Lite recently released a limited line of candles dubbed "Bar Smells," according to a press release emailed to Retail Dive. It comes in three different scents: Dive Bar features musk, tobacco, pine and yeast scents; Game Day Bar features salted peanut, jalapeño and cracked leather scents; and Beer Garden features green moss, warm pretzel, cracked wood and "sunburn" scents.
For a few dollars, you can set the bar ambiance for whatever bar mood you're in. All proceeds also to bartenders through the US Bartenders' Guild Foundation.
Bar enthusiasts could pre-order online to receive orders by the end of April. The products, however, have since sold out.
Pepsi drops a new mango-flavored can to pop
What do you get when you mix soda and mango? Pepsi's first permanent flavor in five years, of course.
Last week, Pepsi announced the national launch of Pepsi Mango, according to a press release. The new flavor will be available in both "Regular" and "Zero Sugar" varieties to cater to the growing number of customers who prefer sugar-free options.
To coincide with the launch, Pepsi also released a national TV commercial starring the mango-flavored product. The commercial features Jason Derulo's hit song "Take You Dancing" playing in the background.
While mango and soda may be an odd combo, Todd Kaplan, Pepsi's vice president of marketing, said the company's customers constantly look for flavors that are new and exciting.
"Our team has created a surprisingly perfect match with Pepsi Mango, combining the delicious taste of Pepsi cola with the flavor of a sweet, juicy mango," said Kaplan. "Mango is one of the most popular fruits in the world, and it serves as the perfect complement to Pepsi, creating an irresistible combination that our fans can enjoy everywhere throughout the year."
In honor of Pepsi's team finding the "perfect match" in unlikely flavors, the company is turning its advertising inventories into dating adverts for a few young singles to give others at home the chance to shoot their shot.
Just when you thought things wouldn't get more interesting than mango cola, Pepsi throws matchmaking into the mix.
Local Sonic drive-ins inspire T-shirt collection
Sonic's latest merch just dropped. And fans have a big decision to make: Which of the 46 T-shirt designs should they get?
On Tuesday, Sonic launched a new T-shirt collection inspired by the 46 states where Sonic operates. (A moment of silence for the states excluded.) The company partnered with Detroit-based sign painter Kelly Golden. The company even released a minute-long spot to show the products in the collection.
"Throughout the country, our guests have special, personal connections with their local SONIC drive-ins, not only as the destination for their favorite food and drinks, but also as places where memories are made," Sonic's Chief Marketing Officer Lori Abou Habib said in a statement.
Local SONIC Swag is HERE! Skate over to https://t.co/ApX3XQY0Ia to get your new favorite shirt. pic.twitter.com/KSa8tRu2xl
— Sonic Drive-In (@sonicdrivein) March 23, 2021
The collection, which retails at $20 per T-shirt, is available for a limited time. For every T-shirt sold, a dollar will go toward the Sonic Foundation, whose mission is to end childhood hunger.