Who Is Better at Introducing Tiki to the Mainstream Tommy Bahama or Target? - General Tiki

J jpmartdog Tiki Socialite Amesbury, Mass Joined: Mar 27, 2005 Posts: 650	J jpmartdog Posted posted on Fri, Feb 15, 2008 10:25 AM I have to agree with bbt on this one - that neither are doing Tiki culture a favor. and I must admit, I was surprised that you didnt include the Party Store in your list. I just cant bring myself to say that buying mainstream, cost effective, mass-produced "tiki" items is a good thing. I certainly understand the arguement that an affordable price margin is attractive. But that mentality is what is killing our downtowns and 'mom and pop' shops all across america. The very thing we love about tiki is being compromised by developing and supporting 'rip-off' mass produced, department store products. Every time a consumer chooses to buy cheap junk because they feel they can't afford (or find) original tiki decor, is an example of the 'instant gratification' that is ruining the very strength of our artistic community. Every dollar spent at a department store is a dollar that is not offered to support an artist or collector or historian who contributes to the perserverance and continuation of authentic tiki. Personally I would rather limit my tiki collection to items that are vintage or are original artist interpretations of 'tiki'. Department store incarnations of 'tiki' fall flat, in my opinion.

I have to agree with bbt on this one - that neither are doing Tiki culture a favor. and I must admit, I was surprised that you didnt include the Party Store in your list.

I just cant bring myself to say that buying mainstream, cost effective, mass-produced "tiki" items is a good thing. I certainly understand the arguement that an affordable price margin is attractive. But that mentality is what is killing our downtowns and 'mom and pop' shops all across america. The very thing we love about tiki is being compromised by developing and supporting 'rip-off' mass produced, department store products. Every time a consumer chooses to buy cheap junk because they feel they can't afford (or find) original tiki decor, is an example of the 'instant gratification' that is ruining the very strength of our artistic community. Every dollar spent at a department store is a dollar that is not offered to support an artist or collector or historian who contributes to the perserverance and continuation of authentic tiki.

Personally I would rather limit my tiki collection to items that are vintage or are original artist interpretations of 'tiki'. Department store incarnations of 'tiki' fall flat, in my opinion.

Post #361333 by jpmartdog on Fri, Feb 15, 2008 10:25 AM