Retro is Back, Baby!

The Signal: In the wise words of my colleague Ethan Brooks:

What's old is new again.

(And no, we're not talking about that flannel shirt he's crazy about.)

We've recently covered the glorious resurgence of direct mail and print media. But that's just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the bigger trend of all things retro.

Subscribers to the r/Retro subreddit have doubled since 2020, and r/80sDesign has hit 84K+ subscribers. Retro search terms are going wild on Amazon. Check out these examples of US 90 day search volume increases, per Jungle Scout:

• "Retro home decor" +150%.
• "Retro games" +103%.
• "Retro mini fridge" +96%.
• "Retro kitchen" +56%.

Help consumers go back in time with these new business opportunities for founders:

1. Leveraging the '80's aesthetic:

This is really picking up speed in 2022, with big brands already jumping in.

*Source: Eye on Design

Founders could help brands make an authentic switch to '80's-themed ads. Leverage the aesthetic by selling decor, or focus on '80's-style clothing and accessories.

Don't be afraid to go niche: These ~$9 '80's leg warmers bring in $130K MRR on Amazon, and this guide to '80's preppy drinking reels in $138K MRR, per Jungle Scout.

2. Shutter-lovin':

Film, old school cameras, and darkrooms are in vogue. Subreddits like r/FilmPhotography and r/Analog are booming.

*Source: Subreddit Stats

Founders could start blog-based analog guides or newsletters. Put together starter kits, or focus on micro darkrooms and developing services. Selling D2C developing equipment (chemicals, papers, trays, etc.) and disposable cameras (300M views on TikTok) are attractive niches.

*Source: Google Trends

With ~2.5M US weddings expected for 2022, event photographers might offer an analog, or analog-style, option.

Event photo booth company Snapbar that minting millions pre-pandemic, and its founder outlined two specific opportunities for founders:

• Retro-style photo booths for the general public (in bars, hotels, etc.).
• Online photo booths with retro options.

3. Retro gaming:

Old school games and accessories are hugely popular on the retro subreddit, and r/RetroGames has ballooned 130%+ since 2020.

*Source: Pocket-lint

Focus on retro gaming equipment and accessories, or incorporate print media and revive gaming magazines. r/RetrogamingMagazines is already 6.5K members strong.

4. Retro experiences:

Consumers are skating back to roller rinks and arcades.

*Source: Google Trends

Combine the above trends with retro cafes. r/80sFastFood has 40K+ members. You could provide existing cafes with an '80's biz in a box option, furnishing all of the branding and decor required to quickly morph into a retro diner.

Incorporate the growing vinyl trend by playing them in your diner, or get involved in refurbished sleeves, player rentals, care guides, etc. A quick search of "how to" in the r/Vinyl subreddit is a great place to start!

Would you throw it back and build in the retro space? Let's chat below!