Throughout history, time has proven that the concept of money being the most valuable thing one can possess is true; however, this generation has shown that very ideology to be false. Everything has become more expensive and people are opting for cheaper options. Name brand items have increased their prices due to supply costs, and for consumers, off-brand items have become a cheaper option, have been made more practical and bring the same result for just a fraction of the price.
It is safe to assume that if you have shopped at Target or Walmart, you most likely have bought their store’s brand of items. At Target, you can buy their Good & Gather oats which are a dollar cheaper than their name brand counterparts; however, no matter how much we all love Target, it isn’t exactly the most cost friendly. For an even cheaper route, instead of paying $35 for a shirt at American Eagle, you can go to Walmart and find a shirt for a fraction of that price. Walmart’s clothing selection offers a variety for all genders and a style that tries to keep up with the societal trends.
Just because something is name brand, that doesn’t always mean it is the best in the world. Many people want to buy name brand items not for the efficiency of their use, but rather for the logo. Apple has done an amazing job in advertising all of their products; however, that is exactly how many name brand items reel in consumers. Airpod Pros aren’t better than another name brands headphones, but because Apple is known for its efficient iPhones, MacBooks and watches, people automatically assume that their wireless headphones are going to be the best in the world. Products that cater to the aesthetic do not always work as well as something you can find in the electronics section of Walmart for $55 rather than $100.
It is not fully people’s fault for instantly wanting to buy something that is name brand instead of off brand. Many kids just want to fit in with other people and if that means having to wear Nikes or buy Lululemon, they’re willing to do it. Social media pushes onto people what the “ideal” teen life is and more often than not, that life is one that involves having a lot of money. The “clean girl“ look is described as having glowing skin, gold jewelry and designer clothes.
Even though off-brand items might seem less effective because it is off-brand, the next time you go and reach for something expensive ask yourself, “Would the off-brand work just as well?”