Tupperware is the stealthy star of our modern homes. These plastic storage containers are ubiquitous in our fridges, pantries, and closets. But the original product was revolutionary. So was its breakthrough sales strategy: the Tupperware Party.Led in part by a charismatic housewife turned business innovator, Tupperware pioneered more than the party. Brownie Wise, and the company she came to represent, are behind a core sales technique that we might now recognize as influencer marketing.The company was so successful at its peak, it reached almost cult status. But it didn't last. On our latest episode: Tupperware's success and the company's demise. And how its descendants — in products, and in sales strategies — lived on. This episode is in partnership with Decoder Ring. For even more on the legacy of Tupperware, listen to their full episode. Find more Planet Money: Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Our weekly Newsletter.Listen free at these links: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the NPR app or anywhere you get podcasts.Help support Planet Money and hear our bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Chapter 1: What is the significance of Tupperware in modern homes?
Yes, encrusted in mold, in my case.
No, I mean, Tupperware is such an amazing and interesting subject because it is really this totally everyday object. Like we all have.
Yeah.
And it feels like it's always existed and it feels like it's maybe old fashioned.
Yeah.
But like in this story is so much stuff that's just really alive and still kicking and just really still with us.
Yeah. I think what's so interesting about the story that you tell about Tupperware is that how it was so revolutionary in so many ways, like not just the product, but also the sales strategy. And also it is a story about class and gender and told through this thing that we all buy and don't give any second thought to.
Yeah, absolutely.
So Willa, will you take it away?
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Chapter 3: What revolutionary sales strategies did Tupperware implement?
Nominally, Earl Tupper is the president of the company, but she's the genius behind this. It was good advertising. It spread the message. But ultimately, that's what started to cause the friction with Tupper and Brownie.
After the break, how Tupperware the company started to crack and how its descendants lived on.
As the 50s wore on, Earl became increasingly aggravated by Brownie's popularity. Brownie became increasingly aggravated by Earl's micromanaging. They were both trying to grow the company, but they were often at odds, a situation that became prickly and tense over time.
And then the big thing was the annual jubilee in Kissimmee in July of 1957.
Yes, this is Jubilee 1957, the Tupperware Homecoming Jubilee, called by many the most unusual sales convention in the world.
The Tupperware Jubilee was an annual over-the-top themed celebration and team-building exercise Brownie had started in the early 1950s. Tupperware dealers and managers would come to Tupperware headquarters on their own dime for an elaborate four-day show of appreciation and indoctrination.
Oh, they'd wear costumes, they'd sing their songs, I got that Tupper feeling down in my heart. I mean, they were into it.
I got that Tupper feeling all over me, all over me, you say.
For the 1957 Jubilee, the theme was around the world in 80 days. And the highlight was a massive excursion organized by Brownie.
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