• The New York Times, Tuesday, November 9, 2010 11:20 PM

A cache of venerable brand and corporate names, not used for years -- and, in some instances, decades -- is to be auctioned next month in New York by Michael Reich, whose company, Brands USA Holdings, has been accumulating the rights to the names. Some 150 to 170 names will be available at the auction, scheduled for Dec. 8.

The auction is another example of the growing interest in nostalgic brands as economic conditions lead many consumers to look back on what they perceived to be better, less stressful times. Among the nostalgic names scheduled for the auction block, Mr. Reich listed Allsweet margarine, American Brands, Bowery Savings Bank, General Cinema, Handi-Wrap plastic wrap, Infoseek, Lucky Whip dessert topping, Meister Brau beer, Phar-Mor discount drug stores, Shearson brokerage services and Snow Crop frozen orange juice.

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