The Retro Trend Captivating the MZ Generation... The Appliance Industry Swings to Retro
The appliance industry in South Korea is experiencing a retro trend, appealing to younger generations with nostalgic products from the 1950s and 60s, combined with modern technology.
In a recent exhibition at the 'Geumseong Electronics Refresh Center' in Seoul's Cheongnyangni Kyungdong Market, visitors were transported back to the 1950s and 60s. The exhibit, opened by LG Electronics in 2022, features retro items like vintage televisions and restoration-themed radios, alongside advanced AI appliances and student artwork. This unusual blend of nostalgia and modernity reflects LG's strategy to attract both younger audiences and older visitors seeking a familiar connection to the past, while simultaneously showcasing cutting-edge technology.
Located in a historical area that once housed the 'Kyungdong Theater' in the 1960s, the Refresh Center represents LG's efforts to keep its legacy alive as the first electronic company in Korea, founded in 1958. Not only does it display retro products, but it also integrates them with AI-driven showcases, enhancing visitor interactivity and engagement. A representative from the center emphasized that the experience transcends mere nostalgia, offering a unique space where past and future technologies coexist, like the collaboration with modern establishments such as Starbucks.
Moreover, this retro trend has trickled into the smartphone market, where devices considered vintage, such as the iPhone XS, are being sought after by millennials and Gen Z. The phenomenon is driven by Y2K aesthetic appreciation among younger consumers, with old electronics gaining popularity for their unique charm. This resurgence of retro products illustrates a shift in consumer behavior, as younger generations find beauty in nostalgia, influencing how companies like LG market their appliances and engage with the public.