“Packaging brings a product to life; not linking it to emotion is a tremendous missed opportunity,” says packaging consultant Jill Ahern. People make purchases based on emotion. We want a product that tells a story that speaks to us. When we see a product that reminds us of a fond memory, or something we really care about, we’ll make an impulse purchase right then and there. I’m sure I’m not the only adult who looks back fondly on their youth and college experience, so this Yahtzee Cup Noodles special edition game really tugged at my heartstrings.
Cup Noodles (which I always remember as Cup O’Noodles) is an iconic ramen noodle dish that was practically a dorm room staple on every campus in the States. Just seeing the famous cup takes me on a flashback to college. Suddenly, I am young, poor and lazy, sprinkling the packet of seasonings and God-knows-what preservatives onto the noodles in the Styrofoam cup and pouring hot water over it; a midnight snack to tide me through my all-nighter. Good times. This Yahtzee set mimics that cup exactly, and includes dice that feature the ingredients ( chicken / beef / shrimp / lime / corn / carrots). It’s only around for a limited time, so if you’re hungry for the good old days, reach for it soon!
The Cup Noodle logo has hardly changed since it first came on the scene in 1971, which means multiple generations can experience the same nostalgia. According to a 2019 Madras College study on nostalgia in advertising, “Products that are depicted in a way which instantly makes the consumers emotional and gives them a sense of affinity towards the product always has a positive impact on their buying decision. Consumers can feel an attachment towards the product when they see the product reminding them of their olden days and eventually induce them to purchase it for the sake of their past.” Even the most modern company can join “the retro transformation,” as they are calling it, and incorporate nostalgia into their branding and marketing. We love the retro trend and if you need ideas for how to re-design your packaging with nostalgic flair, give us a call today!
