Post #726664 by LostIsland on Mon, Sep 1, 2014 1:46 PM

I tend to think, the folks that are likely to buy these are not looking to shell out considerably more for something carved by an artisan. As it stands, this community is mostly comprised of a core group of folks who are passionate about Tiki culture and to a deeper extent Polynesian culture. Many folks come and go, but the core usually remains. Home Depot selling Tikis has no more power to destroy Tiki than Party City, Jimmy Buffet or any other entity that serves plastic Polynesia up to the uninitiated masses. If anything, it may expose folks to an aesthetic that they hadn't seen before but now feel drawn to.

That's the effect it had on me 35 years ago when I bought my first Randotti Tiki from the tropical imports stand at Disneyland. I could see the same thing being said then... Not everyone can afford to go to the islands. Not everyone lives near a Tiki Lounge, the beach or Oceanic Arts. For some folks, these crossovers are the only way they might be exposed to Tiki design or culture. If we want the establishments we care about to stay open, maybe we should consider folks drawn in by big box exposure to be an opportunity to educate (rather than alienate) them on the rich culture associated with the design aesthetic that Home depot is attempting to cash in on with these phoned in designs.

I think the community stands to be more damaged by a "private clique" or "secret club" mentality that does no favors for Tiki folks struggling to keep their businesses open.

If competition gets too stiff, the best approach is to step up your game. Mass production by uninspired designers or companies can rarely compete with the designs and creations of a passionate, inspired artist.