For some, weekend fun involves browsing thrift stores in search of once-prized tech swag that has become castoff apparel. One shopper in the Seattle area enjoys doing this as a way to gauge the status of companies and brands. This individual has a particular interest in finding tech-related items that are no longer popular or relevant. They recently visited a Goodwill store and made note of their best finds from the day.
During their visit, the shopper came across a shirt with the words “EST. 2015, R.I.P. 2023” on it, which they purchased for $2.99. This shirt symbolized a company that had once been thriving but had since gone out of business. The shopper saw this as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the tech industry, with companies rising and falling in a short period of time.
Another item the shopper found was a shirt that had not gone out of business but had been “knocked down a notch.” This shirt represented a company that was still around but was perhaps not as successful or popular as it once was. The shopper saw this as a reflection of the competitive nature of the tech industry, where companies are constantly vying for the top spot.
The shopper also came across a shirt that they deemed “not Meta enough,” suggesting that it did not meet the current trends or standards of the industry. This item had likely been quickly discarded by its previous owner, ending up in the donation bin at the thrift store. This find served as a reminder of how quickly trends in the tech world can change and how important it is for companies to stay ahead of the curve.
Finally, the shopper found an item that was not tech-related but still fit the theme of their search. This item was not something the shopper chose to purchase, but it still caught their eye as a curious addition to their collection of finds. Overall, the shopper’s experience at the thrift store was a fun way to explore the ever-evolving world of tech and see firsthand how companies and brands can rise and fall in the blink of an eye.
