Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: Chia Pet
Jun 21, 2023
Dive into the delightful world of Chia Pets, those quirky terracotta planters that grow sprout hair! Discover their whimsical origins and how they captured hearts as a holiday sensation. Uncover the surprising cultural connections, like predicting elections through sales. Listen to humorous tips on growing your own Chia Pet and share in the joy of this playful gardening trend. Plus, explore their nostalgic influence, catchy jingles, and recognition that has even reached the Smithsonian!
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Chia Pet Origin
- In the 1970s, Joe Pedott, founder of Joseph Enterprises, discovered chia pets at a Chicago trade show.
- Initially, they were unnamed and sold well, leading Pedott to buy, brand, and sell them as "Chia Pets."
Chia Pet Sales Strategy
- Chia Pets require minimal advertising, primarily focusing on the holiday season.
- Over 80% of their annual sales occur during the holidays.
First Chia Pets
- The first Chia Pets were animals: a bull and a ram.
- The very first one was a human-like figure, resembling a mix of Homer Simpson and Woody from Toy Story.