Inconspicuous Consumption

Inconspicuous Consumption

Home
Categories
Merchandise
Archive
About

Advertising

The Fascinating Story of Juicy Fruit Gum
The unassuming product has had an odd history — including a key role in the evolution of modern retailing.
 • Paul Lukas
Follow-Up Roundup
Some new developments involving a bunch of recent Inconspicuous Consumption posts.
 • Paul Lukas
A Spectacular Matchbook Catalog, in a Very Satisfying Format
Why weren’t all salesman sample catalogs made this way? Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup.
 • Paul Lukas
A Return Visit to the Ephemera Fair
Just like last year, there were tons of beautiful vintage collectibles — and a very strange pricing format.
 • Paul Lukas
A Museum Devoted to Everyday Items
Mexico City is home to an institution that’s right the Inconspicuous Consumption wheelhouse.
 • Paul Lukas and Scott Teplin
Collection Agency: From Glassware to Hardware
Elizabeth Fox has a knack for niche-specific collecting categories across many types of objects. Plus a new Inconspicuous News Roundup!
 • Paul Lukas
The Pleasures of Decorator Colors
How a recent purchase led to a deep dive on a colorful marketing term.
 • Paul Lukas
In Which I Finally Land My White Whale ... Sort Of
I finally found a long-sought item — or at least a representation of it. Plus still more stick figures, right-handed toilets, and more!
 • Paul Lukas
Some of My Latest Home Décor
But first, some thoughts about material culture.
 • Paul Lukas
A Sweet Slogan
Back in the 1930s and ’40s, the candy industry promoted itself in some surprising ways.
 • Paul Lukas
A New Rabbit Hole: The Better Sleep Blanket Support
A fun vintage sign for an unlikely-seeming product leads to some interesting revelations.
 • Paul Lukas
Let’s Check Out Some Cool Vintage Advertising Displays
I’ve added some new items to my collection, and I’m also selling a few things.
 • Paul Lukas
© 2026 Paul Lukas · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture