The popularity of the Stanley cup water bottle can be attributed to a combination of smart marketing, scarce supply, and unique colors. The brand initially targeted blue-collar workers, marketing the bottle as a durable and practical option for job sites. However, they underwent a significant shift in their branding strategy, focusing more on the aesthetic appeal of the product.
One of the key factors in the Stanley cup’s success was its popularity among female members of the Mormon Church. These individuals were looking for a large tumbler to carry their homemade dirty sodas throughout the day. The Stanley Quencher, with its ample size and insulation, became the perfect vessel for this purpose. A group of women running an e-commerce blog called The Buy Guide played a crucial role in popularizing the cup within the Mormon community.
The introduction of Terence Reilly as the president of Stanley in 2020 gave the brand a significant boost. Reilly, known for his success in making Crocs a fashion icon, brought his expertise in transforming everyday items into trendy fashion statements. His influence propelled the Stanley cup to become the company’s most popular item, and its revenue has experienced substantial growth as a result.
The Stanley cup’s popularity has also been amplified through social media, particularly on TikTok, where it has garnered billions of views. The platform has allowed influencers like Meghie Smids to showcase the bottle’s cool colors and practical features, further fueling its demand.
The scarcity model has played a crucial role in the cup’s allure. The limited availability of the Stanley cup has created a sense of urgency among consumers, making them feel like they need to own one. This scarcity has led to resale prices skyrocketing on platforms like eBay.
However, some experts believe that the cup’s coolness factor may diminish due to its growing popularity. As more and more people own the cup, it could become overexposed and lose its appeal among trend-conscious consumers. Nonetheless, there is still a vast market of potential customers who have yet to purchase the product, indicating that the Stanley cup’s moment is far from over.
