Whatever happened to generic products? Completely subsumed by store/knockoff brands?
Edit: Here's what Chat GPT says:
Generic products still exist in stores, but their branding and marketing have evolved significantly since the 1970s. In the past, generic products were often sold with plain packaging, as seen in the image, to emphasize low cost. Here's why the "generic" style has changed:
Market Competition: Retailers realized that plain, unattractive packaging limited consumer appeal. Over time, they began introducing "private label" or "store brands" that offered better branding while maintaining lower prices than national brands.
Consumer Preferences: Modern consumers tend to associate better packaging with quality. To stay competitive, retailers improved the design and appeal of generic products.
Retailer Branding: Many supermarkets now use store brands (e.g., Great Value at Walmart or Kirkland Signature at Costco) as a way to differentiate themselves while still offering lower-cost alternatives.
Perceived Value: Companies recognized that products with higher-quality packaging could be priced slightly higher, improving profitability while still being affordable compared to premium brands.
Regulations and Labeling: Changes in labeling requirements led to more detailed and visually engaging designs for even budget-friendly products.
While the plain-packaged "generic" look has largely disappeared, its spirit lives on in modern store-brand items that cater to budget-conscious shoppers.