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The Hustle Daily Show

Febreze Scentstories: A fake CD player that smells

Oct 25, 2024
Discover the bizarre Febreze Scentstories, a CD player that dispensed fragrances instead of music, and the missed marketing opportunities that doomed it. Delve into Shania Twain’s unexpected role in this strange venture. As Norway raises internet age limits for teens, hear about AI’s intrusion into Polish journalism. This blend of odd consumer products and tech trends makes for a captivating discussion that highlights the fine line between innovation and confusion.
13:55

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The failure of Febreze Scentstories highlights the importance of clear product messaging to avoid consumer confusion and disappointment.
  • Despite its commercial flop, Scentstories presaged a trend towards immersive sensory experiences that have gained popularity in recent years.

Deep dives

The Febreze Scent Stories Concept

In 2004, Procter & Gamble launched a unique product called Scent Stories, designed to replace traditional CDs with fragrance-based experiences. This CD player-like device featured pre-recorded scent scenarios intended to take users on a themed sensory journey, with titles such as 'wandering barefoot on the shore.' However, instead of music, users received a series of fragrances that were meant to keep the experience fresh and immersive. The concept aimed to create a novel way to enjoy scents, yet it failed to resonate with consumers who were confused by its functionality.

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