Y2K iPods, Trump, Ozempic, and Fashion AI Curation
maybe one of the most 2024 headlines I could write...
GM everyone. I wore my new Morjas loafers downtown last night, got blisters, had to stop at Duane Reade for BandAids, and sit still in Dimes Square for a really long time. Getting a fit off is not for the faint of heart.
In Today’s Newsletter—
Urban Outfitters Sells Y2K Tech Accessories
Trump’s Gen Z Marketing Strategy
JPMorgan is Investing in the Future of Ozempic
Fashion’s Curation Problem
Tomorrow I am bringing back Good Brand vs. Bad Brand, my series where I compare two brands marketing, design, and GTM strategy and give some insights. You guys loved it last time and you’re in for a real treat tomorrow morning.
Also major shout out to my friends at Ghia for sending over some delicious beverages, I’m going to try and make an NA cocktail with their apéritif this weekend :)
NEWS
Urban Outfitters is selling old iPods. In an increasingly connected, technologically advanced world, there are still some consumers yearning to use yesterday’s tech. All of my wired headphone wearing readers can complete the look with a vintage, refurbished iPod from Urban Outfitters, who is curating everything from colorful iPod Nano’s to portable CD players.
The rise in popularity of these old school tech products is interesting, and I think part of it is connected to the resurgence of the Y2K aesthetic, but also a societal acknowledgement of how connected we are. The New York Times just wrote an article about ‘brainrot’, or the feeling that being terminally online literally is rotting our brains. Companies are dropping minimal products such as the Light Phone 3, which strips back the smartphone to its bare essentials and has black and white, e-ink screen. And more and more people are waking up to the realization we may be making a real sacrifice in the quality of our lives by being so online. I might have to get an brat colored iPod Nano for my post-work Central Park walks.
Trump is making major inroads with Gen Z. According to new polling data, former President Trump is within 2 points of President Biden in amongst 18-29 year old voters.
This is pretty wild considering how wide the gap was between Democratic and Republican vote shares just a few election cycles ago, and how reviled the former President was amongst young people in the cultural discourse. Axios pointed out a number of policy reversals Trump is making to appeal to this constituency, such as his opposition to a TikTok ban, his new proposal to not tax tips (the vast majority of tip based workers are young), and his support of cryptocurrencies. I’d also argue part of this is due to his media strategy. He has frequently appeared on media channels typically watched by young people, and is now posting videos with Logan Paul on his TikTok account.
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I think this is going to be something to watch as we get closer to the election. Anonymous poll—
Fashion has a curation problem. Our social media feeds are ruled by algorithms that understand our interests over time and serve us the content that will keep us watching for as long as possible, but replicating that same experience on e-commerce sites is a bit harder. Business of Fashion profiled a new startup, Psykhe, that is using AI to understand consumer habits, and help e-commerce sites serve up product recommendations based on our interests. With how bloated some sites have become, this tech could be really useful in clearing the noise and showing us the products we really want. But it still lacks the personal curation touch you get from a sales associate, which is where fashion curators/writers like
, , and have stepped in to fill the void, sharing their personal picks with readers and creating a curated experience. Becky was just on Puck’s Fashion People with Lauren Sherman, I highly suggest you give it a listen.
JPMorgan is Investing in the Future of Ozempic. As this new class of weight loss drugs explode in popularity, investors are beginning to bet on the future of the market. For context, 12% of Americans have tried a GLP-1 drug, and the market is currently dominated by two big players: Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly & Co. But this stable duopoly is leading to shortages and increased prices for consumers. So JPMorgan is rolling out a $100M biotech fund to invest future players bringing innovation to the market. We are seeing DTC pharma companies like Hims begin to sell off-brand versions of Ozempic, at significantly lower prices (due in part to some FDA loopholes), and I think we are going to see more brands pop up to meet the demand of this growing market. I’d argue in the next few years we are going to see a rebound effects of mass GLP-1 usage, so maybe short fast food and long gyms.
Okay gotta go, jump in the comments with a spicy take.
Jake Bell is a content marketing, creative strategist, and designer based in NYC. He specializes in brand building, content creation, branding, art direction, creative strategy, and making things cool.
Want to chat? Email me: jake@jb.studio
I might go grab that iPod
I was just talking to a coworker yesterday about how much we both miss the old iPods. I held onto my iPod classic from 2006 for as long as possible and I’d use it again in a heartbeat.