Around the corner from my community is an interesting little-big store that has come to be the center of my every single want and need for materialistic things. This store from heaven is called Cost Plus: World Market. While my fiance and I were taking a stroll through the store earlier this evening, we ran into…something that looked very familiar to us. A mushroom. A 1-Up mushroom to be exact. There was green, red and blue little tin cans…sitting there on the shelf…begging me to pick it up. So I did. And you know what? I bought it. Why? Not because I wanted the generic little sour candies that were entrapped inside…I bought it because it was, well, shaped like a 1-Up Mushroom and I HAD to have it. Being a Graphic Designer and having been through my fair share of marketing business, I couldn’t help but think to myself: “Whoever thought of this over at Nintendo really needs to get a raise”.
One thing that has always drawn me to Nintendo is the clever ways in which they market their products. We are a people of visual esthetics. When we see something that is familiar to us we are overcome with a sense of nostalgia. That’s exactly what happened to me today at the World Market…and it hasn’t been the first time Nintendo has reeled me into buying their product just for the sheer fact that it was simply cool looking. Would I have gotten the candies if they were simply packaged in a regular tin shaped can? Even if it had a Mario image on it, most likely not. I probably would have been like “oh, that’s really cute!” but I wouldn’t have spent the money on it.
Which brings me to this: what other cool food and beverage based marketing has Nintendo done in the past? When I came home, I did some googling and found this small list at the top of my search of some cute and fun products from Nintendo’s past and present. I decided to post the ones that I personally have seen myself, but you should check out the whole list for some good chuckles. I’m sure there are even bigger lists out somewhere on the vast intarwebs with a list of all Nintendo candy/drink products…so feel free to share if you find any that are mention-worthy! Anyway, as the old saying goes: “Here we go!”
Mini Mario Pez Dispensers! While these were only released for sale in Japan and not in the States, that doesn’t stop people from importing them at local Asian markets as well as your local anime store. I’ve only had the pleasure of seeing the Yoshi one in person…but I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on Wario. He’s rather…dashing.
Nintendo Controller Mints! I also spotted these at the World Market store when I first moved to Louisiana. While I didn’t actually get a chance to pick these up myself, I was tempted. I kick myself for not having done so in the first place because now I can’t find them!
Nintendo Wii Peppermint Gum! I also found these today at World Market next to the Mushroom sours…and actually picked them up pretending like I was playing Wii Bowling…but then I put them down and I’m not sure why I didn’t get them. It’s a must-do on my list tomorrow. MUST!
Gameboy Advanced Gummies! The last time I saw these was when I was at my local dollar store back when I lived in Maryland. The crazy and random stuff you find at dollar stores, huh? I swear, I could live in those places.
Last but not least is my favorite item…
The Power Up Energy Drink! I apologize for my not-so-stellar photography skills in this picture. This was also another dollar store find that I couldn’t pass up. While I dare not drink it, it does make a good little souvenir to keep around. Plus, I can’t imagine that it tastes too good…Ahahahah!
Edit: Also, this is off-topic but concerns a fellow G.E.N lady who is currently driving across the country helping to move a friends car. Our dear Scarlett and her boyfriend apparently had some radiator troubles earlier today and were forced to stop and get it fixed. Right now they are currently some-odd hours outside of New Orleans aiming to head to my place. They will still be on time for everything, but if anyone happens to see her pop online just message her and tell her you heart her and you wish them safe travels!
July 18th, 2008 at 6:43 am
They sell the mushrooms at Bed Bath and Beyond here.
July 18th, 2008 at 6:51 am
ACK! I’ll try to call Scar and see if she’s OK. Hope she gets to you in one piece.
Mario He’s a amazing! Wahoooo!
July 21st, 2008 at 10:05 am
Hahaha, I love the Nintendo controller mints.
I agree. Yay Mario!