10 Cult Brands of 2012

by Angela Nazworth | June 26, 2012 5:14 pm

Business Insider[3] compiled a list of 16 brands that have “fanatical cult followings.” Here’s a look at 10 that really connect with fans.

IKEA[4]

After driving through bumper-to-bumper traffic for about an hour last Saturday afternoon to reach an IKEA, I identify with others who love this brand. The fact that I spent about four hours assembling a bed (and that I have another bed and a couch to put together in the near future) doesn’t even begin to pull at the happy feeling that washed over me when I skipped into the IKEA last week. Sad? Maybe, but at least I’m not alone. Millions love the Swedish furniture and home-organization giant that’s trendy, practical and environmentally conscious.

Volkswagen Beetle[5]

The Volkswagen (PINK:VLKAY[6]) Beetle is perhaps the cutest, punchiest car on the planet. But just because a lot of women think it’s adorable, doesn’t mean that it doesn’t attract male drivers as well. The beloved bug carries a hipness that spans multiple generations and demographics[7]. The Beetle has appeared in many movies, inspired a few road-trip games and was even mentioned in a few songs.

Lululemon[8]

I’ll never forget the somewhat trivial but nonetheless life-changing advice a friend gave me when I was a relatively new (and very tired) mom: “Take a shower every morning and invest in some high-quality workout clothes. You’ll feel great, always look cute, and might even be inspired to go to the gym more often.” Her favorite brand? Lululemon (NASDAQ:LULU[9]).  For many Lululemon fans, the brand is about more than fashion, it’s a lifestyle.

Zappos[10]

Zappos, which has been acquired by Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN[11]), is celebrated for its over-the-top customer service practices and never-ending (at least it appears that way) inventory. The online shoe and accessory sensation, which was founded in 1999, carries the motto “delivering happiness.”

Surge[12]

Surge, the soda once made by Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO[13]), was discontinued 10 years ago. That’s right. Surge is off the shelves. But that doesn’t mean its diehard fans have given up hope of its return. There’s even a Facebook (NASDAQ:FB[14]) page called “The Surge Movement: Dedicating to saving your favorite citrus soda.”[15]

Yuengling[16]

Yuengling may mean “young man,” but the Pennsylvania-brewed beer is loved by both male and female Gen-Xers, baby boomers and Millennials. The brew has such a cult following that when it first appears in new markets, it draws a major crowd and media attention.

Dos Equis[17]

Here’s another beer with a growing cult following. Dos Equis, which is owned by Heineken (PINK:HINKY[18]), created an iconic spokesman — The Most Interesting Man In The World[19]. He’s sort of like the Sean Connery of the beer world. The ad campaign worked, and the brew has quite the following.

Harley-Davidson[20]

Harley-Davidson (NYSE:HOG[21]) has been around since the turn of the 20th century. It was only one of two motorcycle companies to survive the Great Depression and has amassed a dedicated following. And Harley fans don’t just ride the legendary bike. They proudly wear Harley-branded clothing and buy numerous collector’s merchandise.

Trader Joe’s[22]

Trader Joe’s may only be found in nine states, but the quirky and environmentally savvy grocery chain is adored for stocking its shelves with high-quality, low-priced items. There’s even a cookbook [23]based on the store. The grocery chain began as Trader Joe in the 1950s.

Mazda Miata[24]

Like the Volkswagen Beetle, the Mazda Miata is a little car with a big following. The two-door sporty convertible is fast and stylish. It’s also one of those cars that almost anyone under six-foot-tall looks great driving.

Head on over to Business Insider glean more insights and see all the brands on its list of  16 Brands That Have Fanatical Cult Followings[25].

Source URL: https://investorplace.com/2012/06/10-cult-brands-of-2012/

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