When we think about brands that made a large impact on families over the years a lot of different names pop into mind. This company started back in the 1940’s and invented a solution to food waste, empowered women, and in some sense originated the concept of social selling, and this once great side hustle is now hanging on by a thread.
Anyone who has purchased food safe containers over the years has probably heard the name Tupperware at some point. This Orlando, Florida-based consumer goods company produced an iconic line of containers, sold mostly via “parties”. This sales model typically had a sales rep who would utilize their homes and homes of their friends who may recieve discounts and merch to throw parties and sell the items directly to the audience. Many of the designs while updated on the outside visually maintained the same shape over the years as witnessed below. Who did not drink iced tea out of that pitcher?
Items you may see at a partyPhoto byofficial site
When we think about this sales model it seems like it would not last long term or remain relevant and yet the brand name still has recognition. But that simply may not have been enough as after nearly 80 years the company said it was seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after struggling to revitalize its core business and failing to sale of the company.