The Backpack: Issue #55

Brands are killing mascots: Be very afraid

In 2020, when Planters killed off Mr. Peanut in a shocking self-sacrifice: no one cried. But Duo the Owl’s death-by-Tesla brought deep grief to legions of Duolingo fans. For those that missed the funeral, you can now recreate your own memorial with your very own Duo the Owl coffin, you can even add some flair to your casket! Duo’s death hits hard -- but we’re still gonna monetize it. 😜 Stay strong, friends. Time heals. Oh, and get your crocs while you can, they’re collectibles! BTW: isn’t this t-shirt kinda creepy in hindsight? Back to serious: It’ a dark day for brand mascots. Someone get eyes on GEICO Gecko, please. Where’s skubot?!?

The New Yorker celebrates its 100th

It’s not often a brand celebrates a centenary. The New Yorker —home of the famous New Yorker Tote— celebrates in rarified air, their 100th with the merch to show: tote hat in black and white, a Timex watch and t-shirt. Watch for an apparel line collab with J. Crew and pajamas with Sleepy Jones. But the coolest story? A limited edition line of beer with Brooklyn Brewery. What’s so special about that? The Brooklyn Brewery was founded by foreign correspondent Steve Hindy, and its logo was designed by the famous Milton Glaser (of I❤️NY fame). Here’s the backstory For all merch and beer nerds, check out their collection. FTW: This bandana. BTW: Traditional newspapers are going in big on merch, from the Dallas Observer to the Phoenix New Times. Guess they all want a part of that famous New Yorker tote! Good [merch] news travels fast!

skucamp registration is now open!

Skip the deets, buy your tickets here before they sell out! What started as a small event has now blossomed into a one-of-a-kind bootcamp that attracts the brightest minds in the industry. This year, our agenda is packed with everything from crafting unforgettable customer experiences to building leaders to exclusive insights from top supplier CEOs. But the real magic? You. Come hang with like-minded pros and exchange ideas and inspo, surrounded by the stunning Sonoran Desert. Sign up now and pack your bag, skucamp always sells out fast!

The Optimism & Anxiety of Sales Growth

A curious thing happens when you start a new year: You’re excited about the potential, but you’re also (if we’re going to be honest about it) intimidated by your growth goals. Everyone wrestles with this feeling of both optimism and anxiety, but it’s a good thing that we have a little of both. On the latest episode of the skucast, we’re exploring all things sales-related --including anxiety!-- with sales expert Kevin Baumgardt of Sales Ink. Tune in!

From chaos to clarity: Join our chat with Ethan

The Weeknd’s merch pop-up is all about immersion

It’s supposedly his last album, and what a drop. An immersive pop-up experience hit NYC this past weekend, and the vibe was ethereal and electric. The new album’s “Hurry Up Tomorrow” merch is drippy with hints of the final chapter of his career with designs that include a modern horror story touch such as the Afterlife tee, and and this Basquiat tee. But our fave might be the Halfway down tee and leather jackets. As one of the most streamed artists of all time, this is a merch collection for the ages.

Kith drops a beautiful collab for Black History Month

😍 We love how you can scroll this high-street Michelin restaurant’s elegant website and hit the merch.

🍩 Y’all, c’mon now. We can’t keep featuring Dunkin’ in every damn Backpack. Unless, of course, they do something like the most famous Bostonian merch drop yet: Paul Revere. Cue the Beasties. America Runneth.

🍅 Heinz drops a billboard campaign with no Heinz logo and it’s brilliant.

💓 A Mr. Roger’s merch collection? 🥹 Go make it a snappy new day.

🍇 Any restaurant that brands itself as hedonistic surely has rad merch, right? Assumption correct. Dig this Puma collab. And yes to the chili crab socks and chopsticks.

💀 Do you need Liquid Death’s new Death Clock Watch? We think you do: “Whether you’re dismembering your corporate rivals or dancing to Phil Collins, do it in style with the Death Clock IV.”

⚽ Did you know that soccer clubs call their merch drops kits? Proof here and here. 

🎶 Are low-key websites the new flex? Check out music merch company Ceremony of Roses’s basic website. Then check out their office space. 😳

💅 From Vogue: Your Beauty Merch Says As Much About You As The Rest Of Your Outfit 

👀 On NO, THEY DIDN’T create Posty Oreos (oh yassss, they did). Ps. Posty’s merch is sick.

💿 For those who celebrate: New Bon Iver album with new merch.

📺 We said it once we’ll say it again, this SNL merch is lame and deserves better.

🙈 Cult of individuality’s a cool brand but we gotta rethink this KISS merch.

⛺ skucamp registration is now open. Desert sunsets. Gorgeous weather. Good friends. Smart inspo. Grab your gear, backpackers, we're goin' camping.