Unveiling the Quencher’s Icy Hold on Popularity

If there were any lingering doubts about the power of the Stanley Quencher, recent viral videos showcasing shoppers clearing Target shelves have laid those uncertainties to rest. The Quencher’s ability to keep drinks ice-cold mirrors Stanley’s success in keeping its brand red-hot. A groundbreaking collaboration with Starbucks last November, introducing a limited-edition metallic red Quencher, triggered a consumer frenzy. Brightly colored tumblers and mugs sold out instantly, leaving enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the next release.

This success isn’t limited to the Quencher alone. The Stanley x Target partnership brought forth various collections, including a “New Year New You” assortment in pastels and an “All in Motion” collection of vibrant 30-oz. tumblers. Collaborating with Joanna Gaines’ Hearth & Hand with Magnolia added earthy tones to drinkware and food storage.

Century-Old Brand Meets Modern Influencers

Stanley 1913’s resurgence after over a century in business goes beyond products; it’s a testament to the power of influencers. A 2017 post by a popular mommy blogger ignited the current craze. The brand’s strategic response, incorporating new colors and markets, further fueled its rise. Target’s recent limited-edition Stanley drinkware collection, featuring trendy colors like Cosmo Pink and Cotton Candy, amplified the phenomenon. The New York Times reports that the seemingly organic trend is a result of canny business decisions by a century-old brand and a group of bloggers and influencers from this century.

From TikTok Sensation to Product of the Year

The online wildfire continued with countless TikTok videos, accumulating over 6.7 billion views under the hashtag #stanleycup on TikTok alone, as reported by Forbes. Stanley’s revenue surged tenfold in the past four years, solidifying its position as a formidable force in the market. The enduring popularity of the Stanley Quencher extended to the promotional merchandise realm, with the 30-oz. and 40-oz. Stanley Quenchers securing top spots in SAGE’s monthly list of the top 10 product categories.

Stanley Quencher: ASI’s Product of the Year

The Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI) officially recognized the Stanley Quencher as its coveted “Product of the Year” for 2023. The 40-oz. Quencher H2.0 FlowState tumbler, a viral TikTok sensation, emerged as the pinnacle of drinkware trends. Despite its $45 retail price, the Quencher defied economic uncertainties, becoming a cultural phenomenon and contributing to Stanley’s resurgence over a century in the making. The impact resonated across the promotional products industry, with supplier partners actively meeting soaring demand. ASI’s ESP data indicates a remarkable 4,500% increase in searches for Stanley through November 2023 compared to 2022.

Liz Haesler, PCNA’s chief merchandising officer, told ASI Media,

“This has been unlike anything we’ve ever seen…I’ve never seen passion and enthusiasm for a brand like this before.”

In conclusion, the journey of the Stanley Quencher from a 2016 introduction to becoming a cultural phenomenon is a testament to its unprecedented success and the blurring line between promotional and retail markets. As we raise our Quenchers to toast to this success, it’s clear that the Stanley brand is not just keeping drinks cold but also keeping the industry hot with its innovative and sought-after products.

What’s next?

What’s the next big thing to hit the shelves and market? Time will tell. Business Insider recently reported that the Owala brand is gaining traction across social platforms, particularly the FreeSip style. Good news is, we’ve already added this brand to our lineup and are ready to customize with your logo! So whether you’re looking for the coveted Stanley Quencher, a solid dupe, or the up-and-coming Owala FreeSip, we’re here to help with your drinkware needs!

 

 

Resources:

Anderson, B. (2023, December 21). Top 25 Most Popular Products: November 2023. Sage World. https://www.sageworld.com/blog/index.php/2023/12/21/top-25-most-popular-products-november-2023/

Grindell, S., & Torres, L. (2024, January 2). The cool girls have already moved on from Stanley Cups to a different massive water bottle. Business Insider. https://www.businessinsider.com/stanley-cups-versus-owala-water-bottles-2024-1

Lavenduski, S. (2023, December 21). 2023 Product of the Year: The Stanley Quencher. ASI Central. https://members.asicentral.com/news/web-exclusive/december-2023/2023-product-of-the-year-the-stanley-quencher/

Murray, C. (2024, January 3). Why Is TikTok Obsessed With Stanley Cups? The Water Bottle Craze Racks Up Millions Of Views And Lots Of Revenue. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/conormurray/2024/01/03/why-is-tiktok-obsessed-with-stanley-cups-the-water-bottle-craze-racks-up-millions-of-views-and-lots-of-revenue/

Lamour, J. (2023, November 13). Starbucks customers are camping out for red Stanley cups and selling them for hundreds of dollars. TODAY. https://www.today.com/food/trends/starbucks-red-stanley-cups-rcna124946

Zoch, R. (2024, January 10). Stanley Quencher Steams Ahead As A Must-Have Promo Product For 2024. PPAI Media. https://media.ppai.org/ppai-newslink/stanley-quencher-steams-ahead-as-a-must-have-promo-product-for-2024/