Katherine Rosman writes: "Only in the world of infomercials could Popsicle sticks and Velcro build an empire." It seems that one bright glow in the retail gloom is "As seen on TV products" such as
Bumpits -- plastic wedges that give your hair a little pouf -- ubiquitous Snuggies (for man, woman, child and pet), and Strap Perfect, which claims to increase bra sizes by a full cup.
At least two forces are at work. The first is bargain basement rates at television stations. Infomercials have stepped into airtime formally blocked out by cost-cutting national and local advertisers.
Retailers simply love to stock items that are flogged on TV.
"Then," writes Rosman, "there's the kitsch factor." And don't underestimate the power of kitsch to evolve into something
more enduring. One Patrick Hardcastle no longer wears his leopard print Snuggie just as a joke at dinner parties, for example. After succumbing to the siren call of an infomercial and suppressing
giggles at the dining table, he now Snuggies-up after long bike rides and packs it when he travels.
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