Last week, Duran Duran’s official store held a Black Friday sale. Fans who participated got 20% off their purchases. On top of the sale, they advertised some new products, including face masks and multiples new designs, including one with a gold crest designed by the fabulous Patty Palazzo. If all of this was not enough, the band’s official 2021 calendar became available for purchase.
Personally, I could not resist a look. I knew that I was going to order the calendar because I appreciated the art approach to the calendar but was it worth it to look at the rest? Well, needless to say, I poured over each and every product. I liked that some of the older designs were now being offered in a two for one deal. Likewise, I appreciate some of the bundle options now available for people who want multiple products with the same design. Did I buy some things? I did. Did I need any of them? No. That said, I did appreciate how “normal” it all felt to look and to buy. Besides, who doesn’t look forward to treating oneself?
Now, I know the argument that is out there. Some do not like that Duran Duran seems to be super focused on selling products rather than making connections with fans. I get that argument and the overall point. I would love to have the band reach out more, but I don’t reach out enough to people in my life right now. It feels too tough to do, sometimes, somehow. Instead, I feel like all of my energy is focused on getting through what I need to do for everyday life so I cannot really blame the band. The one thing that I think fans would really have loved, though, is either news about the album or to hear some of it. I know that I have mentioned it before and that I’m starting to sound like a broke record about it so I will leave it at that.
What about the rest of you? Did you look at the Black Friday sale? Did you buy anything? Do you think it is problematic for DDHQ to be so focused on selling merchandise?
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